Cognitive neuroscience

General objectives The course aims to provide basic information on developmental disturbances of oral and written language, on disturbances of reading, writing numerical skills and calculation, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. Main models of Learning Disorders will be presented and critically discussed. Special attention will be given to issues on the co-morbidity of learning disabilities. Examples of case studies will be provided and models of co-morbidity will be presented. The Course is divided in two parts: Part 1 Covers the theoretical models for the learning disorders and their scientific basis and methods, as well as the disturbances comorbidity. Part 2 Reviews the learning disorders in the assessment practice and rehabilitation recommendations. Specific objectives Knowledge and understanding The student will acquire basic knowledge on the characteristics of learning disturbances as well as current knowledge of their underlying brain mechanisms. In particular, the student will acquire information of the differentiation between disturbances and their co-morbidities. Applying knowledge and understanding The main diagnostic instruments will be illustrated. The student will learn to administer and score these instruments through cases illustrated during the class. Some rehabilitative trainings for these disturbances will also be presented. Making judgements Through the participation to the main course the student will learn to interpret reports of cases with developmental disturbances in learning disabilities. Communication skills Through the participation the student will learn to write reports on cases of children with learning disabilities. Learning skills Apart from basic reference texts, the student will be requested to read key scientific papers. This experience will foster his/her skills to read the scientific literature autonomously.