Towards embracing complexity to understand development: the case of Down syndrome
Hana D’Souza, Department of Psychology & Newnham College, University of Cambridge; School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Data:
12 maja 2022
Towards embracing complexity to understand development: the case of Down syndrome
Hana D’Souza
Department of Psychology & Newnham College, University of Cambridge
School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Development is a complex process, involving interactions between various domains across levels of description. A number of large consortia have been established in order to understand both typical and atypical development. I will present data from a large scale study of Down syndrome with an emphasis on individual differences in infants and toddlers. I will then discuss how running a large battery of tasks does not necessarily mean embracing complexity. Many of our traditional developmental paradigms aim to isolate domains. The domains measured from various tasks are then correlated in order to understand how they are connected. Yet, everyday experiences emerge through complex interactions of various domains – such as motor ability, attention allocation, and the actions of other social agents. Thus, in order to understand typical and atypical development, it is crucial to embrace complexity by putting these interactions at the very core of our research. Findings from studies using this approach have been challenging fundamental assumptions about typical development. I will introduce some of our initial steps in applying this approach to atypical development and explain why it has the potential to reconceptualise our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.