Nadine Gaab
Associate Professor of Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education

The duration of education is a strong predictor of health and longevity, but approximately 1 in 5 children have learning or attention issues with long-lasting negative consequences related to academic, social, mental health, vocational, and economic outcomes. These learning differences/disabilities are often not identified until childhood or adolescence, but diverging trajectories of brain development can be present as early as prenatally. This presentation will overview the most common learning disabilities, their behavioral characteristics, and known underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Further, symptoms and developmental timelines will be discussed within an early multifactorial framework of learning differences, emphasizing screening, early identification, and preventive strategies. Finally, the implications of these findings for contemporary challenges in educational and clinical practice and policy are discussed.

A small group lunch with the speaker will follow this event. This lunch will be open to Harvard students, fellows, faculty and staff. Please let us know on the registration form if you are interested in attending. We will follow up to confirm your spot closer to the event date.