Transdiagnostic Dimensional Profiling of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In recent years, the growing awareness of the multifactorial nature of neurodevelopmental disorders has stimulated interest in transdiagnostic approaches aimed at investigating underlying etiological mechanisms beyond traditional diagnostic categories. In this context, the present study seeks to provide a transdiagnostic profiling of both domain-general cognitive functions (attention, working memory, executive control) and domain-specific functions (phonological awareness, rapid naming, vocabulary, reading) underlying the main neurodevelopmental disorders in a large sample of preschool and school-age children (3-11 years), through the use of CRAB (Computerized Reading-related Assessment Battery). CRAB is a digital platform specifically developed by SUPSI and the Université de Genève to integrate, within a single testing environment, the assessment of the main domain-general and domain-specific cognitive functions underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular, participating families will receive an email containing a link to access the CRAB platform, which will not include their personal data but rather a code provided by the staff of IRCCS Medea. A screen will open displaying several game-like tasks designed to measure both domain-general and domain-specific cognitive functions, which must be completed by the participating subject. The main objective is to obtain a fine-grained and multidimensional mapping of cognitive profiles prior to the standard diagnostic process, in order to identify early patterns of (a)typical or at-risk functioning.

Background:In recent years, the growing awareness of the multifactorial nature of neurodevelopmental disorders has stimulated interest in transdiagnostic approaches aimed at investigating underlying etiological mechanisms beyond traditional diagnostic categories. Dimensional models proposed within cognitive psychology and developmental neuroscience suggest that the difficulties underlying different neurodevelopmental disorders arise from the interaction of multiple cognitive, linguistic, and executive factors, rather than from isolated deficits. However, in clinical and educational practice, the assessment of these functions often remains fragmented, heterogeneous, and dependent on clinical judgment. Within this context, the present study aims to provide a transdiagnostic profiling of a large sample of preschool and school-age children (3-11 years) through CRAB (Computerized Reading-related Assessment Battery). CRAB is a digital platform developed by the Université de Genève and SUPSI, specifically designed to integrate within a single testing environment the main domain-general cognitive functions (attention, working memory, executive control) and domain-specific functions (phonological awareness, rapid naming, vocabulary, reading) underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. The main objective is to obtain a fine-grained and multidimensional mapping of cognitive profiles prior to the standard diagnostic process, in order to identify early patterns of (a)typical or at-risk functioning. The digital nature of CRAB allows for standardized, ecologically valid, and scalable administration, reducing barriers related to the availability of expert evaluators and the logistical limitations of traditional assessments. Moreover, the platform incorporates elements of gamification and a structured onboarding process to ensure engagement and task comprehension even among younger children-an aspect that is crucial for the quality of the collected data. Adopting a transdiagnostic approach makes it possible to overcome the rigidity of categorical labels, promoting a dimensional and continuous view of the cognitive functions involved in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. This perspective aligns with the most recent international frameworks (such as RDoC - Research Domain Criteria), which propose investigating neurodevelopmental disorders along shared functional dimensions. The data collected through CRAB will make it possible to explore interindividual variability in cognitive developmental trajectories and to identify profiles of strengths and weaknesses that cut across different clinical conditions or performance levels. Primary objective: The primary objective of this project is to obtain a fine-grained and multidimensional profiling of domain-general and domain-specific cognitive functions underlying the main neurodevelopmental disorders, prior to the standard diagnostic process. Data collected through the CRAB platform will be analyzed in associat trial.show_full_description

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 3 and 11 years; * First access to the NPIA service at IRCCS Eugenio Medea (Bosisio Parini); * Suspected neurodevelopmental or psychopathological disorder; * Completion of the standard clinical diagnostic pathway; * Availability of a compatible device (tablet or computer) for remote administration, if applicable. Exclusion Criteria: * Age outside the specified range; * Failure to complete the diagnostic pathway; * Lack of access to a compatible device (for remote administration); * Severe sensory impairments (uncorrected blindness or deafness); * Motor impairments preventing use of digital devices; * Significant lack of understanding of the Italian language affecting task comprehension.