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Institute for Developmental Behavioral Neurology

Why do people behave the way they do? Why do some people seem to be "natural athletes", others gifted artists, others eloquent speakers, others math whizzes, some swift readers or sensitive listeners? Why is it rare that someone is all of these but common that one is good in one area but poor in another? Why does memory vary with time, age and circumstance? Why do some people concentrate well and others seem restless and inattentive? Why does our society consider some of these problems "handicapping disorders" like developmental aphasia, constitutional dyslexia, learning disability, congenital maladroitness or attention deficit disorder? Why are some fraught with anxiety or depression? How can these symptoms be managed? These questions are the concerns of this institute.

While at Mayo an association of colleagues in diverse locations and fields led to an approach to assessing developmental disorders. This model has been expanded and continues in Scottsdale as an interdisciplinary integrated team approach to diagnosis and treatment of the above disorders and human idiosyncrasies. Basic science linkages with the International Dyslexia Association brain bank investigation and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provide a theoretical framework. Variable aptitudes in communication, attention, memory and alertness affect school performance, academic goals, occupation selection and job retention. Colleagues in psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, speech and language, and education share their expertise to assist students, families, schools, workers and employers in maximizing human potential and performance.

Institute research has been presented at the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, New York Academy of Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of Professional Sleep Societies and International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities.

Presentations:

1.) View Dr. Duane's presentation at the 27th Annual Conference of Dyslexia 

2.) View Dr. Duane's Norman Geschwind Memorial Lecture given at the 52nd Annual Conference of the International Dyslexia Association held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 24-27, 2001.

See Original Research Available for Viewing

 Treatment Options for Developmental Disorders