The course aims at acquiring the theoretical notions and some of the specific practical skills in the field of developmental neuropsychology. In particular, during the course the students will have the chance to examine in depth the main cognitive processes, from the developmental perspective, and to promote the knowledge of the main theoretical approaches.

During the course, the principal neuropsychological batteries adopted for the clinical assessment will be shown to give a practical example of the necessary processes at the basis of a diagnostic classification. Finally, students will learn the standardized administration procedures, together with the scoring methods.

The program is divided into 10 main topics:

1-  Introduction: Neuropsychology of the developmental age (Lesson 1)

2-  Intellectual functioning: Matrici di Raven e WISC-IV (Lesson 2, 3)

3-  Attention – Executive Function (Lesson 4)

4-  Memory – Working Memory (Lesson 5, 6)

5-  Specific language disorder – Bilingualism (Lesson 7, 8, 9)

6-  Dyslexia (lesson 10, 11)

7-  Difficulty in understanding the text  (lesson 12)

8-  Dysorthography and dysgraphia (Lesson 13)

9-  Dyscalculia (Lesson 14)

10-  ADHD and praxic abilities (Lesson 15)

11-  Exercises (Lesson 16)

seminars about learning disabilities

None

-  Knowledge and understanding:

1-  Knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical approaches and treated cognitive processes

-  Applying knowledge and understanding:

1-  Knowledge of the main test used to evaluate the cognitive processes presented.

2-  Knowledge of the test administration, registration, scoring. Formulation of hypotheses of process functioning.

-  Making judgements:

1.  Ability to choose a specific test to evaluate a specific cognitive function

2.  Ability to simulate neuropsychological test batteries

3.  Ability to interpret test scores and formulate process hypotheses

-  Communication skills:

1-  Ability to read and interpret test results

2-  Ability to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis according to guidelines and international and national criteria

-  learning skills:

1-  ability to analyse and interpret the results of neuropsychological tests in the field of developmental neuropsychology

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

-  Course books:

·  “Neuropsicologia dell’età evolutiva” a cura di S. Vicari e M.C. Caselli ed. Il Mulino: capitoli 3,4, 5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,20.

·  The materials necessary for lessons 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13 will be uploaded on the blended learning platform, further details can be found in  “I disturbi dello sviluppo. Neuropsicologia clinica e ipotesi riabilitative” a cura di S. Vicari e M. C Caselli ed Il Mulino: chapters 1, 9, 13, 15.

-  practical demonstrations related to the administration of tests in the field of developmental neuropsychology and the discussion of clinical cases .

Teaching

-  Lectures and practical experiences

Attendance

-  Attendance: not mandatory

Course books

-  Course books:

·  “Neuropsicologia dell’età evolutiva” a cura di S. Vicari e M.C. Caselli ed. Il Mulino: capitoli 3,4, 5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,20.

·  The materials necessary for lessons 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13 will be uploaded on the blended learning platform, further details can be found in  “I disturbi dello sviluppo. Neuropsicologia clinica e ipotesi riabilitative” a cura di S. Vicari e M. C Caselli ed Il Mulino: chapters 1, 9, 13, 15.

-  practical demonstrations related to the administration of tests in the field of developmental neuropsychology and the discussion of clinical cases .

Assessment

-  Assessment: Written multiple choice; Written test containing a description of the functional framework of a clinical case presented through anamnestic collection and text scores. It is required to describe the functional framework by formulation a diagnostic hypothesis motivated though clinical reasoning, further test and eventual differential diagnosis. Maximum duration of the test: 2 hours.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

-  Lectures and practical experiences

Attendance

-  Attendance: not mandatory

Course books

-  Course books:

·  “Neuropsicologia dell’età evolutiva” a cura di S. Vicari e M.C. Caselli ed. Il Mulino: capitoli 3,4, 5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,20.

·  The materials necessary for lessons 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13 will be uploaded on the blended learning platform, further details can be found in  “I disturbi dello sviluppo. Neuropsicologia clinica e ipotesi riabilitative” a cura di S. Vicari e M. C Caselli ed Il Mulino: chapters 1, 9, 13, 15.

-  practical demonstrations related to the administration of tests in the field of developmental neuropsychology and the discussion of clinical cases .

Assessment

-  Assessment: Written multiple choice; Written test containing a description of the functional framework of a clinical case presented through anamnestic collection and text scores. It is required to describe the functional framework by formulation a diagnostic hypothesis motivated though clinical reasoning, further test and eventual differential diagnosis. Maximum duration of the test: 2 hours.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.