The Master aims to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical tools for working with children and adolescents presenting various forms of psychopathology. It is intended for professionals—particularly psychologists and child neuropsychiatrists—and focuses on developing specialized skills in the field of developmental disorders and psychopathology.
Specifically, the program includes case studies designed to help identify—based on overall adaptive functioning and psychopathological features—those conditions that require an integrated treatment approach.
The core objective of the Master is to equip participants with a rigorous, scientifically grounded diagnostic methodology, along with effective intervention tools for the management of developmental psychopathologies.
The Master requires attendance of at least 70% of the total teaching hours. Classes are held approximately every two weeks, specifically on Fridays (10:00 am – 6:30 pm) and Saturdays (9:00 am – 6:00 pm).
A mandatory 250-hour internship must be completed at public or private institutions accredited by the Master and affiliated with the University of Padua.
Participants are required to complete a project work consisting of a clinical report, namely the presentation of a clinical case, from assessment through to the development of an intervention plan.
At the end of the program, a final assessment is предусмотрed to evaluate the skills acquired.
The Master in Developmental Disorders and Psychopathology is aimed at training specialists in the field of developmental psychopathology. Specifically, participants will acquire in-depth knowledge of the main psychological and psychoeducational intervention techniques used in this area, with particular attention to methodologies not always extensively covered in specialization programs, such as parent training, Coping Power, TEACCH programs, and ABA, among others.
The Master prepares professionals (psychologists and child neuropsychiatrists) who are able to:
a) identify, based on diagnosis, the implications and developmental trajectories of disorders;
b) design and propose targeted interventions.
Participants will develop specific skills in clinical diagnosis, in-depth knowledge of the main theoretical models, and rehabilitation treatments. Particular attention will also be given to identifying situations that require an integrated approach, including rehabilitative, psychological, psychoeducational, and, where necessary, pharmacological components.
MODULE 1: ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC FRAMEWORK
Approach to clinical cases in developmental age and diagnostic classification.
MODULE 2: ANXIETY AND MOOD DISORDERS
Assessment and intervention in anxiety disorders in developmental age; mood disorders in developmental age; social phobia in developmental age; pharmacological approaches to anxiety and mood disorders.
MODULE 3: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Assessment and intervention on behavioral and relational aspects of autism spectrum disorders.
MODULE 4: PARENTING BEHAVIOR AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Assessment and intervention on parenting behaviors and related psychopathological implications.
MODULE 5: BULLYING AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Bullying; assessment and intervention in adolescent psychopathologies (substance abuse, eating disorders).
MODULE 6: PERSONALITY DISORDERS AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Personality disorders in developmental age.
MODULE 7: DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR AND IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS
Assessment and intervention in oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, ADHD; pharmacological approaches to behavioral disorders.
MODULE 8: ADAPTIVE SKILLS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Developmental disorders and intercultural aspects; pediatric psycho-oncology; adaptive skills in developmental disorders.
MODULE 9: INTELLECTUAL AND MOTOR DISABILITIES
Genetic syndromes and intellectual disabilities; developmental coordination disorder.
Each year, the Master in Developmental Disorders and Psychopathology offers:
a) enrollment in the “Update Days on the Use of Tools in Developmental Clinical Psychology,” a major national training event held annually in Bologna;
b) participation in a workshop dedicated to the latest research on issues related to difficulties in developmental age.
The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2026/27 will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.
Information
FAQ
Classes will be held primarily in person, but some credits will be delivered online in synchronous mode, with live sessions via Zoom.
Yes, the 250-hour internship is mandatory and is an integral part of the Master’s program.
For the selection process, the following will be taken into consideration: experience in the field of developmental disorders, the thesis topic, the average grade of university exams (if the final degree grade is not available), relevant professional training experiences (such as internships), and any other qualifications held by the candidate.