Navigation and the spatial domain; a cross-syndrome comparison of Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome.

Seminar Abstract

During this seminar research will be presented, predominantly in relation to the ability to navigate large scale space, in which we have taken an analytical approach to understand the development of spatial cognition in people with learning difficulties. The ability to navigate successfully in large scale space is crucial to everyday living. For people with learning difficulties, the ability to learn their way around environments has a significant impact on daily life and independence. I will discuss findings from a series of cross-syndrome comparisons of the navigation abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome and individuals with Williams Syndrome, using desktop virtual reality. We endeavoured to determine not only whether an ability is impaired, but to determine how a task is completed. Both groups demonstrate impaired large-scale spatial cognition, yet comparison between the groups reveals syndrome-specific differences in the strategies employed, and the mechanisms which drive spatial performance for each group.

About the speaker

Professor Emily Farran is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Surrey

About the department of education

In 2019, the University of Oxford’s Department of Education celebrates the 100th year since the passing of a statute creating what was known in 1919 as the University Department for the Training of Teachers. To celebrate our centenary a year-long series of activities will be delivered to address some of the department’s top initiatives for 2019, answer some of the big questions facing education today and to reveal the advancements the department has made to the study of and research in the field of education. Join us as we mark our 100th year and discover more about our anniversary here.

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