Psychological Sciences and Techniques

The lessons will focus on analysing the concept of disability and its evolution over time. The main differences in individual development in person with auditory, visual, motor, or intellectual disabilities will be illustrated using a cross-sectional methodology based on definition, diagnosis, and intervention. Topics related to quality of life in adults with chronic and degenerative disabling pathologies as well as disabilities associated with old age will be explored, including deficits in memory and the development of difficulties in carrying out tasks of daily living. Additionally, psychological constructs that play an important role in coping with complex life events, such as the development of one or more disabilities throughout the life cycle, will be discussed, serving as risk or protective factors for physical and mental health, as well as individual developmental trajectories. The explanation of theoretical concepts will be complemented by clinical illustrations, which should allow the student to navigate both the different proposed theoretical models and their clinical articulations for the purpose of developing a life plan. Thematic Units: 1. Introduction and fundamentals of disabilities 2. Sensory and motor disabilities 3. Intellectual disabilities 4. Specific learning disorders (SLD): diagnosis and psychological functioning 5. Autism spectrum disorders: diagnosis and psychological functioning 6. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): diagnosis and psychological functioning 7. Representation of disability in the family, peer group, and teachers: the importance of inclusion: 8. Risk factors for physical and mental health in coping with complex events: a focus on the main psychological constructs influencing individual developmental trajectories (synchronous teaching mode) 9. Chronic disabling pathologies, degenerative diseases, and disabilities in old age: impact on individual quality of life and caregiver burden (Synchronous teaching mode) The program includes synchronous teaching (8 hours) with direct interaction with instructors, asynchronous teaching for independent study, individual interactive activities, and collective interaction activities such as webinars.

Not required

Required text: 1. Zanobini M. e Usai M.C. (2019) “Psicologia della disabilità e dei disturbi dello sviluppo” Elementi di riabilitazione e d’intervento. Franco Angeli. 2. Albanese O. e Delle Fave A. (2016) Disabilità, diversità e promozione del benessere. Aspetti clinici, formativi ed educativi. Franco Angeli. Solo i capitoli contenuti nelle sezioni “Aspetti clinici” ed “Aspetti educativi”. It is recommended to study the slides prepared by the lecturer as supplementary educational material to the recommended texts. The study of the slides is mandatory for Modules 8 and 9, as there are no corresponding sections for these modules in the recommended textbooks.

Attendance is optional. For those who attend, thematic modules delivered via synchronous instruction; exercises and collective interaction activities (webinar) are also planned.

Objective of the exam To assess the assimilation and understanding of the topics addressed in the course, including the student's critical thinking skills and ability to establish theoretical connections between the various topics studied. Exam format The exam consists of a written test composed of multiple-choice questions and 1 open-ended question chosen from 2 options provided by the professor. The accomplishment of individual interactive activities (optional) will allow the student to earn points, specific to each activity, which will contribute to the final evaluation only if the student achieves a minimum of 18 points on the exam. Final evaluation To pass the exam, a minimum grade of 18/30 is required. The student must demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts covered during the course. To achieve a score of 30/30 with honors, the student must demonstrate an excellent understanding of all the topics covered during the course, being able to connect them logically and coherently. The completion of individual interactive activities (optional) will allow the student to earn points, specific to each activity, which will contribute to the final evaluation only if the student achieves a minimum of 18 points on the exam.

The course is delivered online and includes three main modes of teaching: 1. Synchronous teaching, including live lectures, webinars, and online meetings that allow real-time interaction between instructors and students; 2. Asynchronous teaching, consisting of video lectures, audiovisual materials, and documents that can be accessed at any time to support flexible and autonomous learning; 3.Interactive teaching, involving individual practical activities.