The main objective of the course is to contribute to the training of future Psychologists in the field of developmental disorders so that they recognize the dynamic nature of the acquisitions in this area and learn to identify biases and stereotypes.
The course aims to introduce the concepts of disability, developmental disorders, inclusion, and their evolution over time; to examine various manifestations of atypical development on the basis of classical and recent studies; to address the theme of the interventions in the light of the underlying theories and evidence of efficacy. Constant reference will be made to the role of the context and its possible interactions with individual developmental trajectories.
In particular, the course aims to:
At the end of the course students are expected to:
A basic knowledge of typical developmental processes
Dialogue lessons (supported by slides) in which the theoretical contents are linked to some examples of the daily life, results of the studies and research.
During the lesson the active and critical participation from students will be encouraged.
The course will also provide practical (group) exercises, case study analysis, and video analysis followed by group discussions.
The practical exercises and case studies will have the aim of helping the students to apply in practice what has been learned on a theoretical level.
The group debate will be fundamental to promote the active discussion and the development of critical thinking.These activities will allow attending students to acquire an OPEN BADGE which will certify participation in a course aimed at acquiring soft skills relating to the following key competencies: functional literacy (basic level); personal (basic level); social (basic level); learning to learn (basic level).
Aulaweb is the course workspace where the slides used by the teacher will be inserted (at the end of each lesson), in-depth materials, applications to encourage interaction and active participation by students.
Experts in the disability field may be invited during the lessons
Functioning, disability and environmental factors: definition and boundaries according to the WHO classifications.
ICF and developmental assessment
The types of disorder/disability: sensory; motor; neurodevelopmental disorders: intellectual disability; autism spectrum disorders; specific learning disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, language disorders:
The life contexts of disabled people: family, school, work environment.
For all students (Exam in Italian)
-M. Zanobini, M.C. Usai, Psicologia della disabilità e dei disturbi delle sviluppo. Elementi di riabilitazione e d'intervento. Nuova Edizione aggiornata, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2019.
-Di Nuovo, S. (2024). La diagnosi psicologica per l’infanzia e l’adolescenza. Obiettivi e Strumenti. Franco Angeli (Cap. 1-2-3-5-6-8-9 )
For students who will take the exam in English:
A manual
D. Goodley, Disability studies. An interdisciplinary introduction: second edition, Sage Publishing, 2016.
or
Batshaw and colleagues, Children with disabilities: eight edition, Brookes, 2019 (chapters 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25)
One paper chosen from the following list:
Cozzani, F., Zanobini, M., & Usai, M. C. (2016). Promoting language and executive function in educational settings: The Drežančić method. Early Education and Development, 27(6), 770-787.
Tonizzi, I., & Usai, M. C. (2023). Math abilities in autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 139, 104559.
Pasqualotto, A., Mazzoni, N., Bentenuto, A., Mule, A., Benso, F., & Venuti, P. (2021). Effects of cognitive training programs on executive function in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Brain sciences, 11(10), 1280.
Toffalini, E., Giofrè, D., Pastore, M., Carretti, B., Fraccadori, F., & Szűcs, D. (2021). Dyslexia treatment studies: A systematic review and suggestions on testing treatment efficacy with small effects and small samples. Behavior research methods, 1-19.
Sella, F., Onnivello, S., Lunardon, M., Lanfranchi, S., & Zorzi, M. (2021). Training basic numerical skills in children with Down syndrome using the computerized game “The Number Race”. Scientific reports, 11(1), 2087.
Ricevimento: To make an appointment (online or face-to-face), write to: sabrina.panesi@unige.it
1 semester
The calendar of classes will be published in September 2024 on the DISFOR website (https://disfor.unige.it/).
The lessons will start on Thursday 26 September
PSYCHOLOGY OF DISABILITIES
Attending Students For attending students, the assessment will include:
Written Test During the Course (multiple-choice and open-ended questions): This individual test will be held at the end of the course to assess the knowledge acquired on the topics covered in class. The test will be graded on a scale of 30.
Clinical Case Analysis: During the lessons, clinical case studies will be analyzed. In order to assess the students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting, students will be required to work in subgroups to analyze an assigned clinical case and submit it by the date established in class with the instructor. The final work must be uploaded to AulaWeb. The case analysis will also be graded on a scale of 30.
The final grade will be determined by the weighted average of the two components: 75% from point 1, and 25% from point 2.
Non-Attending Students The exam will aim to evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired and will be conducted orally. The exam will cover the texts listed in the syllabus.
International Students The exam can be taken orally in English or Spanish.
Attending Students The successful learning of the subject is demonstrated by the student’s ability to show knowledge of the topics consistent with the expected learning outcomes and aligned with the educational objectives as defined by the Dublin Descriptors. The assessment methods outlined above will evaluate the student's understanding of the topics covered in the course and the skills acquired through classroom discussions, exercises, and group work. Specifically:
Written Test During the Course: Aimed at individually assessing the student’s theoretical knowledge related to specific course content (e.g., ICF, visual, auditory, and motor disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, disabilities in life contexts – school, family, work).
Clinical Case Analysis: Aimed at evaluating the student’s ability to make connections between theory and practical implications through the analysis of a clinical case. Teamwork skills will also be assessed through the quality of the final group report.
Non-Attending Students The oral exam aims to assess the knowledge and skills acquired. Specifically, it will evaluate the student's grasp of specific content (e.g., ICF, visual, auditory, and motor disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, disabilities in life contexts – school, family, work); clarity of expression, use of technical language, and the ability to critically analyze the theories and concepts learned. Students will also be expected to analyze clinical cases to demonstrate their ability to link theory with practical applications.
For students with disabilities or specific learning disorder (SLD).
Students with disabilities or with DSA are reminded that in order to request adaptations in the exam, they must first enter the certification on the University website at servizionline.unige.it in the “Students” section. The documentation will be verified by the University's Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and DSA Sector (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).
Subsequently, significantly in advance (at least 10 days) of the examination date, an e-mail must be sent to the teacher with whom the examination will be taken, including in the knowledge copy both the School's Teacher Referent for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with DSA (laura.traverso@unige.it) and the above-mentioned Sector using one of the following addresses (disabili@unige.it; dsa@unige.it). The e-mail should specify:
Other
All the students must visit the Aulaweb page (www.aulaweb.unige.it) regularly. All the information and materials related to this course are exclusively published on this website.
Any shifts in lectures timetable or office hours will be announced on aulaweb.