AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the development of the central and peripheral nervous system during infancy and childhood, as well as the main neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions that may interfere with feeding and nutritional processes.

Key topics include functional neuroanatomy (with a focus on cranial nerves and the physiology of swallowing), the clinical and behavioral features of autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy and ketogenic diet, anorexia nervosa, and other eating behavior disorders in adolescence.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• describe the main stages of neurological development in childhood;

• identify the cranial nerves involved in swallowing and understand the mechanisms underlying pediatric dysphagia;

• recognize the clinical implications of major neuropsychiatric conditions (autism, epilepsy, anorexia nervosa) in relation to nutrition and feeding;

• understand the rationale and basic principles of dietary interventions such as the ketogenic diet;

• discuss the interaction between psychopathology and nutrition in the developmental age using appropriate medical-scientific language.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures supported by multimedia presentations, discussion of clinical cases, and sharing of selected study materials via AulaWeb. Attendance is strongly recommended to facilitate understanding of clinical and applied content. Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Development of the central and peripheral nervous system in infancy and childhood

• Functional neuroanatomy: cranial nerves and their role in swallowing

• Pathophysiology of swallowing and clinical aspects of pediatric dysphagia

• Neurological disorders affecting nutrition: cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases

• Autism spectrum disorders: clinical and behavioral aspects, nutritional implications

• Epilepsy in childhood: clinical overview and introduction to the ketogenic diet

• Eating disorders in adolescence: anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, binge-eating disorder

• Psychopathological and neuropsychiatric consequences of malnutrition

• Clinical assessment tools and multidisciplinary approaches to feeding difficulties in developmental age

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

M De Negri, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Piccin Nuova Libraria

Selected materials provided by the instructor (slides, scientific articles, clinical case reports) available on AulaWeb

Additional materials and personalized study resources will be made available to students with specific learning needs or limited attendance.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and consists of questions covering the topics addressed during the course, with particular focus on the neurofunctional basis of feeding disorders and on the main neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions in developmental age (e.g. autism, epilepsy, eating disorders).

The exam evaluates the student's ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical reasoning, and to communicate effectively using appropriate scientific language.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final assessment consists of an oral exam aimed at verifying the student’s understanding of the key neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions discussed during the course and their impact on nutrition and feeding in developmental age.

The evaluation will focus on:

• the ability to describe and explain the main clinical conditions and neurofunctional mechanisms;

• the correct use of scientific and clinical terminology;

• critical reasoning and the ability to apply knowledge to clinical and nutritional scenarios.

Students may be asked to analyze case examples and discuss appropriate multidisciplinary approaches.