Neurodiversity & the Brain
Autism is classified under this category of science because it involves variations in how the human brain and nervous system develop.
What is neurology (or neurodevelopmental science)?
Sound-dampening headphones used in autism classrooms work by blocking these physical, oscillating waves traveling through the air.
What are sound waves?
Scientists study this molecule, shaped like a double helix, to find hereditary links associated with autism spectrum variations.
What is DNA?
This structural property describes the brain's scientific ability to adapt, reorganize, and build new pathways through specialized learning exercises.
What is neuroplasticity?
Fluorescent school lights vibrate at a high rate measured in this scientific unit, which can cause sensory overload.
What is Hertz (or frequency)?
A change or alteration in a DNA sequence that can influence human traits is known scientifically by this term.
What is a mutation?
Special education research looks at these biological structures, the microscopic communication cells of the brain.
What are neurons?
Sensory rooms utilize deep pressure therapy, which uses this physics concept—defined as force per unit area—to calm the nervous system.
What is pressure?
This specific brain chemical regulates sleep, mood, and emotional balance, and is heavily studied in behavioral therapy.
What is serotonin?
This is the lobe of the brain responsible for "executive functions" like planning and emotional control, which teachers help students develop.
What is the frontal lobe?
This biological system gathers light and sound data from the environment and sends it to the brain for processing.
What is the sensory system?
This is the scientific term for a physical, testable prediction made by a special education researcher before trying a new teaching method.
What is a hypothesis?