Psychology of typical and atypical development

ALLEGRA CATTANI

The general purpose of the module is to provide an in-depth knowledge
of the theoretical and methodological issues related to the study of
language acquisition in its various components, discussing the
theoretical models, and analyzing the main stages of both typical and
atypical development, in the perspective of the course of life. Risk
factors for possible developmental delays will also be considered as
well as aspects relating to diagnosis, with presentation of tools to
assess language development for the identification of language delays
and disorders, and proposals for intervention programs. Finally, the
relationship between language development and other aspects of human
cognition will be discussed, with reference to executive functions.

The module is divided into three parts. In the first part, the main
theoretical approaches to language development will be explored,
comparing them based on the arguments proposed in relation to three
themes: nature and origin of language, structure and functioning of
the linguistic system, mechanisms of language acquisition. The second
part will discuss the phases of typical language development
(pre-grammatical complexity, grammaticalization of utterances,
development of recursion, reorganization based on the discourse),
illustrating the risk factors for delays and / or impairments in the
linguistic area, and the profiles of atypical development. In the
third part of the course, a laboratory activity will be implemented
which will be defined at the beginning of the course.

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired
theoretical-practical knowledge that will allow to analyze the
infantile spontaneous language, distinguish the levels of linguistic
development of a child, identify the suitable tools to evaluate
aspects of strength and weakness, based on the theoretical reference,
elaborate its development profile, and recognize any risk and / or
pathological indices to define a diagnosis.

At the end of the semester, the students will have gained knowledge of the relevant theories and principles of language acquisition in children with typical and atypical development.
They will learn about different methods of assessments of children in specific aspects of language development. Also, they will have hands-on experience in first language acquisition and communicate it in a written report.

There are no prerequisites for this module.

The module is divided into three parts. In the first part, the main theoretical approaches to language development will be explored, comparing them based on the arguments proposed in relation to three themes: nature and origin of language, structure and functioning of the linguistic system, mechanisms of language acquisition. The second part will discuss the phases of typical language development (pre-grammatical complexity, grammaticalization of utterances, development of recursion, reorganization based on the discourse), illustrating the risk factors for delays and / or impairments in the linguistic area, and the profiles of atypical development. In the third part of the course, a laboratory activity will be implemented which will be defined during the course.

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired theoretical-practical knowledge that will allow to analyze the child language, distinguish the levels of linguistic development of a child, identify the suitable tools to evaluate aspects of strength and weakness, based on the theoretical reference, elaborate its development profile, and recognize any risk and / or pathological indices to define a diagnosis.

1/ D’Amico S. e Devescovi, A. (a cura di) (2013). Psicologia dello sviluppo del linguaggio, Bologna: Il Mulino

2/ A textbook of your choice between:
a/ Rinaldi, P. Tomasuolo, E. e Resca, A. (2019). La sorditá infantile, Nuove prospettive di intervento. Trento: Erickson.
b/ Maria Cristina Caselli, Arianna Bello, Pasquale Rinaldi, Silvia Stefanini, Patrizio Pasqualetti (2015). Il Primo Vocabolario del Bambino: Gesti, Parole e Frasi. Seconda edizione. Milano: Franco Angeli

Additional texts and articles from journals will be given during the lectures.

Face-to-face lectures will take place in the classroom.
Alternatively, lectures may be given online in the university platform in line with Government and Sapienza University of Rome directives.

Attendance at the lessons and in particular at the laboratory activities is highly recommended in order to achieve the terminological and conceptual mastery of the topics covered.

Questions related to the course program.