Explain how synaptogenesis and pruning work together to shape the development of the brain. Then, apply this to understanding Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. Genes direct particular areas of the brain to produce millions of synapses.
2. Synapses that are activated by the experiences and actions of the infant develop stronger connections.
3. Synapses with strong connections become part of useful neural networks; synapses with weak connections are pruned out, which results in a more efficient network.
4. The processes of synaptogenesis and pruning take place in various brain areas at different times during development.
5. Individuals with Down syndrome appear to form synapses at a lower rate than normally developing children.
6. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder sometimes appear to have excessive growth of synapses and/or failure to prune out synapses in the first 2 years.
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