Agenesis of the corpus callosum: A case study [abstract]

Abstract

This project presents new information about the speech and language skills and treatment of a preschool child with callosal agenesis, a rare condition where the two hemispheres of the brain are not joined by a thick bundle of nerves, the corpus callosum, during the prenatal term. In essence, the two hemispheres are acting independently of one another, and this leads to challenges in acquiring speech, language and motor skills. Many cases of agenesis also include other types of brain damage (sometimes due to fetal alcohol syndrome), but in this particular case, other evidence of brain damage is not apparent. Frequency of agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is estimated at .0005% to .07%, and in cases where ACC is evident in the absence of other syndromes, persons can appear healthy and score within normal limits on cognitive assessments. This case study presents new information about this condition, describing the abilities and treatment of a preschool-aged child with ACC in a language-focused preschool.