Projects
Cognition and Behavior in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Legius Syndrome KU Leuven
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
is a frequent autosomal dominant genetic disorder (1/2700 newborns). It is known as a RASopathy, caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin, which is a negative regulator of the RAS (Rat sarcoma) / MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) pathway. This pathway has an important role in the process of cell proliferation and differentiation. However in recent years, ...Developing an improvisational music therapy framework for the treatment of aggression. KU Leuven
This study in music therapy is a component of the research project Unmuted at LUCA School of Arts. The aim of the study is to perform an analysis of the musical-affective dynamics and phenomena that arise in group music therapy with adult women with high functioning autism in a psychiatric setting. A music therapeutic method is developed to support the specific needs of this population. The analytic focus of this study is aimed towards the ...
Visual processing in ASD: from basic perception towards socio-emotional insight KU Leuven
characterized by impairments in socialinteractions and communication and by restrictive, repetitive behavior patterns and interests. Although not key to the core diagnostic criteria, first descriptions of the disorder already mentioned a striking interest for apparently meaningless details combined with difficulties in extracting the global ...
Molecular keys in microglia to control neuronal wiring. Hasselt University
Social behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations in rodents KU Leuven
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most heritable neuropsychiatric dysfunctions and increasing evidence indicates that abnormal development of cortical inhibitory circuits and the disruption of excitation and inhibition balance are central to disease pathogenesis. While available evidence points to a complex set of genetic factors, Reelin (RELN) has emerged as a key candidate gene. Yet the exact relationship of how genetic mutations ...
What makes us cognitively flexible? A new learning perspective Ghent University
Much of human behavior is characterized by the extraordinary ability to quickly reconfigure our mind, and switch between different tasks, often referred to as cognitive flexibility. While most psychologists agree on the kind of behaviors that fall under the term cognitive flexibility, we have only a poor understanding on what drives cognitive flexibility. When defining cognitive flexibility, its putative underlying processes are often ...
Epigenetics, Experience and Responsability:Implications for neurodevelopmental disorders KU Leuven
Neuroepigenethics aims to investigate the ethical implications of epigenetics for neurodevelopmental disorders. We will use theoretical and empirical methods to investigate how certain concepts (innate/biological/genetic)affect the ways in which professionals and stakeholders (persons with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families) conceive of responsability. We will evaluate how the emerging field of epigenetics alters the ascription ...
CLINIC: Children with listening difficulties KU Leuven
Many children face difficulties in listening and processing information despite having normal hearing abilities, especially when there is background noise. The prevalence of these issues is estimated to be around 0.5-1% in the general population (Hind et al., 2011). These difficulties are often linked to common developmental disorders such as specific language impairment (SLI, e.g., Sharma et al., 2009), autism spectrum disorder (ASD, Chinn ...