S-1-09-03
THE FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICITY OF THE FRONTAL LOBES
Donald T. Stuss (Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, University of Toronto)
The role (or roles) of the frontal lobes has been difficult to delineate for multiple reasons. An overview of recent findings in sequencing, memory, and verbal fluency will highlight several important concepts. First, many "frontal" lobe tests are not just "frontal". Second, processes can be differentiated which contribute to successful performance on many of these tests. Third, these processes can be related to discrete regions of the frontal lobes. In conclusion, there are anatomical systems and dissociable processes underlying "frontal tests". The frontal lobes are not functionally homogeneous organs. Understanding the roles of frontal regions requires attention to specific lesion sites within the frontal lobes. The data presented will illustrate an approach as to how to differentiate these processes and systems.
PD-1-02-01
PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES FACED BY ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Strax. Thomas. E.. M.D, (JFK John.qon Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, New Jersey, USA)
Adolescence is a period of complex biological, social, and emotional changes. The adolescent has four major developmental tasks:
* to consolidate his or her identity,
* to achieve independence from parents,
* to establish new love objects outside of the family, and
* to find a vocation
The duration of the process varies from culture to culture. Physical disability has a high potential for altering the developmental trajectory. Most of the negative consequences of having a disability are not the result of the illness or disabling condition, but rather by the way those without disabilities related to their disabled peers. The consequences are rejection, social isolation, self-rejection, and withdrawal. As more and more children with chronic illnesses and disabilities survive into adulthood, the hope is that they can develop the skills to be resilient. Disabled individuals are no different from able bodied, however they have additional stressors. How to deal with these stressors will be discussed.
