70008 - Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Childhood and Adolescence

Learning outcomes

By 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 focus on the neuroplasticity and the general principles of rehabilitation in childhood. The course will be divided in two modules and will take place during the I semester.

The main interpretative theoretical frameworks and therapeutic approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders will be presented and discussed. Additionally, the course will provide knowledge about the-state-of-the-art methodologies and novel approaches of ADHD, executive functions and memory rehabilitation. Then, the interventions addressing learning difficulties at the preschool and school age level will be critically reviewed and discussed.

Course overview:

Module 1:

- Neural plasticity and theories of neuropsychological rehabilitation in childhood

- The rehabilitation of ADHD

- The rehabilitation of executive functions and memory

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

Module 2:

- The rehabilitation of reading (developmental dyslexia)

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

- The rehabilitation of writing (developmental dysorthography and dysgraphia)

- Early enhancement of cognitive functions related to academic learning;

- Analysis of functional profiles of complex clinical cases adopting a rehabilitative perspective

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

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

Giacomo Vivanti. (2021) La mente autistica. Le risposte della ricerca scientifica all'enigma dell'autismo, Hogrefe.

Module 2:
From the book: Vio C. e Tressoldi P.E. (2022). “Il trattamento dei Disturbi Specifici dell’Apprendimento ”. Ed. Erickson, Trento.
- ch 3 “Il trattamento della dislessia”

- ch 4 “Il trattamento della disortografia”

- ch 5 "il trattamento della discalculia"

- ch 6 "I trattamento dei disturbi della comprensione del testo"

- ch 7 " Il trattamento dei disturbi e delle difficoltà di produzione del testo"
- ch 8 "Il trattamento della disgrafia"

- ch 9 "Il trattamento delle difficoltà nella soluzione dei problemi di matematica"

- ch 13 "Teleriabilitazione nei disturbi di apprendimento"

- ch 15 “La misura del cambiamento clinico tra efficacia ed efficienza”

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

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 2 hours, and consists of 4 open questions. 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 7.5 points):

An answer demonstrating extensive theoretical and empirical knowledge and understanding of topic (0-4 points), and revealing critical analysis and ability to integrate different aspects of the relevant literature (0-3.5 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

PowerPoint slides, Video Clips, scientific articles

Office hours

See the website of Michela Candini

See the website of Michela Muccinelli