Autism and Brain Dysfunctions - A neuropsychological perspective

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Nora Cavaco

The Nora Cavaco Institute, Portugal

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

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Neuropsychological research brought us an enriching insight into child development and brain dysfunctions which allows us to understand and evaluate for a more adjusted and conscious action to the autistic person, a neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation perspective, enabling us to chart new paths to a greater understanding of functionality and executive functions in autism. The person with the disorder of autism spectrum presents from very early with specific and persistent features in communication and reciprocal social interaction, with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities which greatly limits and compromises their daily life. Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, neuropsychological assessment, executive functions.

Biography

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Nora Cavaco has two BSc’s degrees, one in Childhood Education and a second one in Educational Psychology and Rehabilitation. Professor Cavaco has also a Master in Educational Practices and in Educational Psychology in the Specialty of Special Educational Needs. All of these four degrees were awarded by the University of Algarve. Moreover, Prof. Nora Cavaco holds a post-graduation degree in Neuropsychology and Dementias by the University of Barcelona and a Second post-graduation degree in Neuroscience Applied to Education by FASP University, Faculty of Social Services in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Also, Professor Nora Cavaco received her PhD degree in Childhood and Family Education, Psychopedagogical Intervention and Development attributed by the University of Málaga. Currently, she is a member of SICA International Research Group at University of Huelva. Additionally, Prof Cavaco is also a post-doc student at the Faculty of Psychiatry in USP University, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Furthermore, since 2006 Prof Nora has been University Professor in the field of Special Education. Her research focus is autism, health and psychology. In addition to these, she has also been Director of the Degree in Psychology and Director of two Master’s degrees: one of them in Special Education: cognitive and motor domains; and of another MSc’s in Educational Psychology. Prof Cavaco has several publications with great scientific relevance in her areas of study. She has also travelled throughout the country teaching Special Education. Also, she is a member of the scientific committees of the international magazine Cesuca in Rio Grande do Sul and of GREI Interdisciplinary Studies Group, where she also writes about numerous subjects related to psychological health, special and regular education. All in all, she is a national and international congresswoman and researcher.

E-mail: noracavaco@hotmail.com