70008 - Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Childhood and Adolescence

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the main models and approaches of neuropsychological rehabilitation in childhood and adolescence.

 

Course contents

The course will be divided in four modules and will take place during the II semester (February-June 2023).

The first Module (12 hours, Prof. Bertini) will approach the neuroplasticity and the general principles of rehabilitation in childhood, the rehabilitation of ADHD.
The second Module (8 h, Prof. Ciaramelli) will focus on the rehabilitation of executive functions and memory.
The third Module (10 hours, Prof. Candini) will address the interpretative models of and therapeutic approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The fourth Module (15 hours, Prof. Candini) will target the interventions addressing learning difficulties, which includes both early neuropsychological rehabilitation on core cognitive processes at the preschool and school age level and the specific treatment of learning skills including reading, writing, and the number and calculation area.

Mod 1 Prof. Bertini program (12 hours):

- Neural plasticity and theories of neuropsychological rehabilitation in childhood

- The rehabilitation of ADHD

Mod 2 Prof. Ciaramelli program (8 hours):

- The rehabilitation of executive functions and memory

Mod 3 Prof. Candini program (10 hours):

- The clinical features and the rehabilitative approaches of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Mod 4 Prof. Candini program (15 hours):

- The rehabilitation of reading (developmental dyslexia)

- The rehabilitation of writing (developmental dysorthography and dysgraphia)

- The rehabilitation of numerical processing and calculation skills (developmental dyscalculia)

- The rehabilitation of non verbal learning difficulties

- The different functional profiles and etiologies of reading and writing learning disorders and the differentiation of rehabilitation approaches

- Early enhancement and neuropsychological rehabilitation of cognitive functions linked to scholastic learning

Readings/Bibliography

Modules 1-2-3 (Prof.ssa Bertini, Ciaramelli, Candini):

- Uta Frith. (2009) L’autismo. Spiegazione di un enigma. Edizioni Laterza.

In addition to the following texts, selected articles and slides can be found on "Materiali didattici".

Module 4 (Prof.ssa Candini):

From the book: Tressoldi P.E. e Vio C. (2012). “Il trattamento dei Disturbi Specifici dell’Apprendimento scolastico”. Ed. Erickson, Trento.

· chapter 3 “Il trattamento della dislessia”

· chapter 4 “Il trattamento della disortografia”

. chapter 13 “La misura del cambiamento clinico tra efficacia ed efficienza”

From the book "Disturbi e traiettorie atipiche del neurosviluppo. Diagnosi e intervento" di C. Pecini, D. Brizzolara (a cura di) (2020)

- capitolo 13 “Disturbi specifici dell’apprendimento”

From the book: Biancardi A; Mariani E., Pieretti M. (eds.) 2013. “Intervento logopedico nei DSA: La Discalculia”. Erickson, Trento.

· chapter 3 “Sostenere la cognizione numerica e prevenire le difficoltà in età prescolare”

. chapter 10. “Difficoltà specifiche nei numeri e nel calcolo: la riabilitazione”

From the book: Cornoldi, Mammarella, Fine (2016). “Nonverbal Learning Disabilities” Hoepli editore.

- Chapters 7 and 8: Strategies and Content of Interventions; Case Studies

Selected articles

- Galuschka K., Ise E., Krick K., Schulte-Körne G. (2014). Effectiveness of treatment approaches for children and adolescents with reading disabilities: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 9(2):e89900.

- Gori S., Facoetti A. (2014). Perceptual learning as a possible new approach for remediation and prevention of developmental dyslexia. Vision Research, 99:78-87. Review

- Snowling M.J., Hulme C. (2012). Interventions for children's language and literacy difficulties. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 47(1):27-34. Review

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, clinical cases complemented with media contents such as powerpoint slides and videos will be presented. The lessons will be at the Department of Psychology, Cesena Campus, Piazza Aldo Moro, 90.

Assessment methods

The exam is written, lasts 1.5 hours, and consists of 3 open questions (2 questions relative to Modules 1-2-3 and 1 question relative to Module 4).
The final exam evaluates the expected learning outcomes outlined above, including knowledge of cognitive and affective development, the mechanisms underlying cerebral plasticity in childhood, and the neuropsychological treatments for cognitive, social and affective deficits in childhood.

The following criteria will be applied for the evaluation of each answer (max 10 points):

An answer demonstrating extensive theoretical and empirical knowledge and understanding of topic (0-5 points), and revealing critical analysis and ability to integrate different aspects of the relevant literature (0-5 points).

It is necessary to sign up for the examination through the dedicated website by the deadline. Any problem in registering through the website should be promptly communicated to the administrative staff.

Teaching tools

Frontal lectures with Power Point slides, scientific papers and reviews, collective discussions. Power point presentations will be available online for students.

Office hours

See the website of Michela Candini

See the website of Caterina Bertini

See the website of Elisa Ciaramelli