Purpose of the Dance !

The purpose of this blog is to provide a forum for those of us who want to begin using focused cognitive rehabilitation tools with the developmentally disabled (cognitively challenged) population — children and adults.

I am new to blogging so will ask some indulgence from the reader as I learn the ropes. I hope to have a web page up soon where I can coordinate with this Blog and organize a number of themes including comments/experiences on the various commercially available rehab programs (Brain Train, Neuropsychonline, etc.); Barkley’s work on the Executive Functions; book reviews of the latest looks at genetic disorders, neuropathologies, brain organization; comments on trends in the field of developmental disabilities (i.e., the trend away from “training” to “supports”, Who is teaching Intelligence most effectively); links and references to important research programs; etc.

In addition, I will be open to general comments on one of my favorite topics: “The Myth of the Totemic Power of Words.” That is the notion that words have substance and power and that by saying the word, that power can be invoked, i.e., Don’t say the “C” word, you might get it!

As a Neuropsychologist, I am also interested in the proactive role played by the limbic system (emotions) in memory, attention, and the Executive Functions, e.g., Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis.

As I get better at this I hope to be able to set up separate forums for discussion and contributions on these topics, as well as others as the Muse dictates! Your suggestions are welcome!

Thank you for reading this far and I look forward to your contributions!

Bob