PSYCHOLOGY OF DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION

The course aims to achieve several learning objectives, in line with the Dublin Descriptors.

Knowledge and understanding (basic and preliminary knowledges)

• The acquisition of adequate knowledge regarding the clinical-psychological aspects associated with neurodisability and neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular reference to cognitive, motivational, emotional-affective, relational, and personality issues in both adult and developmental-age patients.

• To promote the knowledge of the anatomo-functional bases of higher cognitive processes and the ways in which brain lesions alter the patient's behavior and relational life, as well as the main clinical pictures of neuropsychological disorders resulting from focal or diffuse brain damage.

• On the rehabilitative level, to promote the knowledge of the main features of the holistic approach which, unlike traditional methodologies, engages the human psyche in all its complexity, given the impossibility of separating the mind-body duality.

Applying knowledge and understanding (basic and preliminary competences)

• Apply theoretical models and classification systems (ICF, DSM-5, ICD-10) to the analysis of functioning profiles in individuals with neurodisabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders, linking environmental and personal factors to clinical conditions.

• Interpret the main neuropsychological deficit profiles based on clinical observation and the analysis of anamnestic and instrumental data.

• Design and structure rehabilitation intervention lines based on a holistic and integrated approach, taking into account the complexity of the mind-body duality and the specific developmental or disease stages (e.g., traumatic brain injury)

The teaching activities will take place predominantly through lectures, structured for the systematic presentation of the main theoretical models and empirical evidence related to clinical-psychological processes associated with disability conditions and rehabilitative pathways, with particular attention to clinical and neuropsychological aspects. The lectures will be integrated with clinical case discussions, analysis of scientific articles, and guided interactive sessions, aimed at promoting the acquisition of critical skills and the application of theoretical content to professional practice in various intervention settings.

The course is also set up in an English-friendly mode: upon request, lectures can be held in English; teaching materials (slides, scientific articles, and any supplementary readings) will also be made available in English, and students may take the exam in English upon request.

Basic knowledge of cognitive-affective processes and functioning. 

• Functioning, disability, and environmental factors: WHO classifications

• The concept of disability proposed by the ICF; ICF and the functioning profile

• Main classification systems (DSM-5 and ICD-10), recent terminologies, and nosographic framing of the most common forms of disability

• Sensory disabilities

• Motor disabilities

• Intellectual disabilities

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Language delays and disorders

• Memory disorders: amnesias

• Frontal syndromes

• Disorders of extrapersonal space: hemispatial neglect

• Visuospatial disorders: constructional apraxia and topographical disorientation

• Language disorders: aphasias

• Action planning disorders: apraxias

• Recognition disorders: agnosias

• Zanobini, M., Usai, M.C. (2018). Psicologia della disabilità e dei disturbi dello sviluppo. Elementi di riabilitazione e d'intervento. Nuova edizione aggiornata e ampliata. Milano: Franco Angeli. (CHAPTERS: 1-8)

• Grossi D., Trojano L. (2011). Lineamenti di Neuropsicologia Clinica. Roma: Carocci Editore (ONLY CHAPTERSI: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12)

• Zettin M., La Foresta S., Quattropani MC. (2017). L'intervento neuropsicologico olistico nelle cerebrolesioni acquisite. Manuale introduttivo. Roma: Alpes Italia

The verification of the expected learning outcomes will take place through a written exam.

Exam Characteristics

• Test format: 31 multiple-choice questions. Each question features 4 response options, with only 1 correct answer.

• Time allowed: Maximum 60 minutes. Additional time is provided as established by University regulations for students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD / DSA).

• Scoring criteria:

  • 1 point for each correct answer.

  • 0 points for each incorrect or unvoted answer (no penalty for wrong answers).

• Grading: The final grade out of thirty is calculated based on the total score obtained (up to a maximum of 30 cum laude for 31 correct answers). The exam is passed upon reaching the passing threshold of 18/30.