Abstract
This study explores novel metaphor comprehension in a 7.2-year-old child (conventionally called RJ) with complete and isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). RJ’s cognitive level was adequate for his age as well as most of his linguistic competencies. The child’s performance was compared to typically developing (TD) controls on a test assessing novel metaphor comprehension for preschoolers. RJ’s performance showed a delay of about three years in relation to the expected level for his age, and also a significant gap compared to the TDs. The results highlighted the possibility to detect weaknesses in understanding novel metaphors in children with ACC, in spite of their apparently adequate linguistic capabilities. An early detection of a weakness in this area can pave the way to neurolinguistic treatment in order to enhance the understanding of nonliteral meaning, which, in the developmental trajectory, will be increasingly involved in everyday life communication. Future research should explore more in-depth a capability that intrinsically requires high interconnectivity, such as novel metaphor comprehension, in a brain in development where the major tract connecting the two hemispheres is missing.
Highlights
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare malformation that occurs in 1:4000 live births [1]and results from the failure to develop, either completely or partially, in utero, the largest bundle of fibers connecting cerebral hemispheres
Our study describes novel metaphor comprehension in a child with isolated and complete agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), who, at his age, should have overcome the early stages of the development of sensory metaphor production–comprehension processes
One child (7.2; male) with ACC, conventionally called RJ, recruited at the NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, and six typically developing (TD) controls participated in this study
Summary
Results from the failure to develop, either completely or partially, in utero, the largest bundle of fibers connecting cerebral hemispheres. (10% chromosomic anomalies and 20–35% genetic syndromes). Among the syndromic forms, the best known is Aicardi syndrome, whose genetic origin has been hypothesized but not yet clarified [3]. The etiology is unclear and, in this case, the denomination is isolated ACC. Individuals with isolated ACC are 1.8 per 10,000 [1] while in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, for example autism spectrum disorder, these are 230–600 per. Individuals do not have additional syndromes nor other brain pathologies, but their cognitive and behavioral profiles are extremely heterogeneous, as highlighted in a recent meta-analysis [4]. Intellectual development can range from adequate to severely delayed [5]
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