During the neonatal period, genes may become physically damaged or may spontaneously mutate. If damaged genes are passed on to the child, the result can be a genetic disorder. Alternatively, certain environmental facets, such as exposure to X-ray or even highly polluted air, may produce a malformation of genetic material. Due to advances in genetic screening, genetic difficulties increasingly can be forecast, anticipated and planned for before a child's birth, enabling parents to take steps before the child is born to reduce the severity of certain conditions.

Discuss 2 different neurological disorders and how they affect development. Refer to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website to identify your disorders. In addition, read Spirituality and the Aging Brain (Newberg, 2011) and then discuss research suggesting the effects of spiritual disciplines (prayer, meditation) on neurobiology. Please include in text citation and a reference.