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The human brain is fascinatingly complex and unique to every person, and we are only beginning to understand its many quirks. This evening showcases unexpected and groundbreaking research into disorders of the brain. Can brain imaging provide us with new ways to communicate with people who seem completely unconscious, and are there features of autism that should really be given more attention?
This event will take place upstairs.
This event will take place upstairs.
If you can’t move, how can we know that you’re thinking?
Dr Davinia Fernández-Espejo
(Lecturer in the School of Psychology)
We rely completely on a person’s behaviour to understand their state of mind. As vegetative state patients can’t move, doctors often diagnose them as unconscious. Exciting new brain scan research has shown, however, that some of these people are actually aware of the world around them and can even use their brains to communicate with researchers. Davinia will discuss some of this research and what it means for patients.
Why should we care how people with autism move?
Dr Jennifer Cook
(Birmingham Fellow)
Autism is even more complicated than you might think. For example, research shows that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) move their bodies differently from people who don’t have the condition, but for some reason this is often overlooked. Jennifer will explain why we should start caring about the way people with ASD move, and consider what we need to do to better understand their movements.
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