Very often, when I am discussing cognitivism, information processing theory, and automaticity, I mention a story I saw dramatized in Grey’s Anatomy and then reported on ABC’s 20/20. In the story, a toddler has a hemispherectomy—a literal removal of half of the brain. This story is from about 4 or 5 years ago. This amazing little girl demonstrates the power of the human brain and cognition in young children to find new paths to accomplish the tasks we need to live. Other older stories also exist, such as with Jessica.
Today, on the NBC Today Show, they had another little girl, whom I believe was considerably older that the one I had seen and read about previously, that had also had a hemispherectomy. Her recovery, resiliency, and growth is nothing short of miraculous. I encourage you to watch the story and let me know what you think.
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This is a miraculous story. Nice to see that technology advancement is being used to also better peoples’ way of living.
My first reaction is wow. I can’t believe this little girl is functioning so well after having the right side of her brain removed. It’s impressive what doctors can do these days. I don’t know how people hear about stories like this and not believe in God. God is all over that little girl’s situation.
WOW! What a wonderful story and a beautiful little girl! this amazes me and what power she had to push through this. I know this must have been a very big decision for her parents. It astonishes me how the brain works and how it can learn the task the other side had previously taken on.
It’s amazing story.The parents had loss their little girl . With the removing 1/2 of her damaged brain .They got her back. And the left side will fill up the right side that was removed .
This is an extraordinary story. This story definitely represents the complexity involving the human brain and its development. It also represent the potential and importance of brain development in young children. In this case, how the brain can overcome trauma and repair itself.
This story is really touch my heart.