Question

Can someone's behavior be predicted by early brain development?

Should neurology or mental illness be excused for a crime?

Answer 1

The recent advancements in brain imaging technologies have enabled researchers to predicted certain behavioural characteristics by early brain development. For instance, Emerson et al. (2017) were able to use MRI scans in order to make connections between brain regions to predict which high-risk infants will eventually develop autism. Using a computer program, the reseachers were correctly predicted 81 percent of babies who would later meet the criteria for autism at two years of age. They were also able to identify brain region connections linked to the core features of autism, such as language skills, repetitive behaviors, and social behavior.
References:

Emerson RW, Adams C, Nishino T, Hazlett HC, Wolff JJ, Zwaigenbaum L, Constantino JN, Shen MD, Swanson MR, Elison JT, Kandala S, Estes AM, Botteron KN, Collins L, Dager SR, Evans AC, Gerig G, Gu H, McKinstry RC, Paterson S, Schultz RT, Styner M, the IBIS Network, Schlaggar BL, Pruett, Jr. JR, and Piven J. Functional neuroimaging in high-risk 6-month-old infants predicts later autism. Science Translational Medicine, June 2017 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aag2882

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of the same question.