Child Clinical Neuropsychology Unit

The Child Clinical Neuropsychology Unit (UPCNE) is led by Prof. Koviljka Barisnikov.

Research Fields

Study of social and emotional abilities in children and adults with Down syndrom

This axe includes projects aiming to study the processes underlying socio-cognitive and emotional difficulties in children and adults with neuro-developmental disorders associated with intellectual deficiency. A Social-Cognitive Battery has been built in order to assess socio-cognitive, emotional and relational abilities.

Study of the relationship between executive and attentional abilities and emotional regulation in children

This axe aims to study the development of executive functions, and more specifically the influence of inhibition abilities on the development of attentional abilities and behaviour regulation. Our studies are carried out with typically developing children and children at risk of presenting a dysfunction of these abilities (eg. children born preterm, children diagnosed ADHD, children exposed to high altitude etc.).

Study of specific developmental disorders

The main aim is to highlight the processes underlying specific cognitive deficits in neuro-genetic disorders. In particular, visuo-perceptual and visuo-spatial abilities as well as phonological processing in Williams syndrome, and memory in Down syndrome, are addressed. Adapted assessment tools and rehabilitation measures are being developed.

Programme de remédiation des problèmes socio-cognitifs et émotionnels (since 2007)

This program aims to develop or improve social information processing and emotional control. It contains a four level training program: recognition (socio-perceptual level), understanding (associative level), knowledge (socio-conceptual level) and behaviour (emotional control and regulation). A few exploratory studies have been carried out in order to assess the programs relevance for use in clinical rehabilitation.