Neurodiversity and Cognition

Welcome to the Neurodiversity and Cognition Lab!

We study the neurocognitive processing involved in the complex and fascinating phenomenon of humour in adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum and in neurotypicals.

In our studies, we embrace a multidisciplinary, multi-method approach that includes electroencephalography (EEG), psychological assessments, behavioural tests and the Facial Action Coding System (FACS).

We adopt the perspective of the neurodiversity paradigm, an approach that moves away from the deficit conception of autism, which views autism as a form of variation within a diversity of minds (Pellicano and den Houting, 2022).

Our main goal is to empower and foster the unique cognitive, affective and behavioural resources of individuals on the autism spectrum. In particular, we aim to strengthen and support AS adolescents' sense of humour and way of processing humorous information.

Prof. Dr. Mirella Manfredi