Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
Chapter 1: Introduction to Speech-Language Neurology
The 1990s were labeled by U.S. Congress, “Decade of the Brain.”
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established.
In 2006, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) learned about (Individual Disability
Education Act (IDEA), which protected all Americans with varying disabilities. This changed ASHA’s
academic and clinical standards.
Academic and clinical standards changed in the early twenty-first century because ASHA recognized
advances in neuroscience and decided SLP’s or Audiologist must have an expanded knowledge of
neuroanatomy and physiology to remain a viable member of either the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or
the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Aphasia- Acquired disorder of language caused by brain damage; may affect comprehension or expression of
language in any modality (spoken, written, or gestural language).
The main function for SLP’s and Audiologists is to assess the client, discuss results from all disciplines, write
a treatment plan that includes goals and objectives, and ensure that all goals and objectives have one
outcome- the improvement of speech and language functioning for that client.
SLP’s provide important information to a team of educational or medical professionals regarding a
person’s speech and language deficits and assets as related to brain functioning.
Recent Contributors to the Study of Neurologic Communication Disorders
Two key leaders in speech and language
Norman Geschwind (1926-1984):
Neurologist.
Revitalized early neurologic literature focusing on language disorders and related deficits.
Brought body of knowledge to attention of American medical audience.
Highlighted the value of identification and diagnosis of lesions in areas associated with language
disorders.
Published masterwork “Disconnection Syndromes in Animal and Man” (1956) in Brain.
Largely founded the field of behavioral neurology.
Influenced other disciplines such as linguistics, psychology, and philosophy.
Noam Chomsky (1928-):
Linguist of international renown.
Created scientific revolution in understanding syntax and other components of language.
Published Syntactic Structures in 1957, which outlined his theory of grammar.
Argued the revolutionary notion that the capacity for language learning and usage is innate, not
learned.
Theorized that grammar includes neurologic language processes that parallel a formal description of
language.
, Behavioral Neurology-A specialty in neurology emphasizing clinical and research skills in neurodegenerative
diseases and neurobehavioral syndromes.
Chomsky’s definition of grammar is different from structuralist linguists, his definition is concerned with a
specific and formal description of language, as well as neurologic language processes as they work in the
human brain.
Chomsky did not explain the details of these aspects of language clearly, making the newer linguistic
theory of Chomsky difficult to reconcile details.
Steven Pinker:
Cognitive psychologist and linguist.
Wrote that language may be considered an “instinct” in the same sense that Charles Darwin conceived of
animal instincts.
Asserts that grammar is a perfect example of a biologic trait determined by the Darwinian principle of
natural selection and that it is genetically based.
Stated that the intricately structured neural circuits that support language and speech are “laid down by a
cascade of precisely timed genetic events.” A genetic nature of language is supported by cases of
inherited disturbance that appear to be accompanied by specific defects of grammar.
Eric Lenneberg:
Wrote The Biological Foundations of Language.
Placed language development in a developmental neurology context.
Attempted to define a critical period for the acquisition of early language.
Maintained that the acquisition of syntax was paced by the rate of cerebral maturation and the
lateralization of language mechanisms.
Asserted that the rapid acquisition of language starts at approximately 2 years of age, as the brain begins
to grow rapidly, and slows at puberty (at approximately 12 years of age), when cerebral growth reaches a
plateau.
Lenneberg, Geschwind, and Chomsky especially, were greatly criticized about the neurologic aspects of
language.
Harold Goodglass & Edith Kaplan:
Neuropsychologists, students of Geschwind, and workers of the Boston Veterans Administration
Hospital.
Worked to develop diagnostic theories of aphasia and assessment protocols for testing aphasic language
behaviors.
Contributed to the SLP’s knowledge of language neuroanatomy, and neurology.
Nancy Helm-Estabrooks:
Speech-Language Pathologist who worked at the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital.
Worldwide recognition for her innovative contributions such as testing and therapy techniques for
patients with neurogenic disorders.
Manual of Aphasia Therapy.
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