Child and Baby Lab
At the Child and Baby Lab we study the cognitive and emotional development in childhood and adolescence with a special focus on language and reading, executive functions, multilingualism and mental health. A particular interest is to explore the impact of early experiences (e.g. early childhood adversity) on child development.
We conduct our studies using various methodological approaches (e.g. cross-sectional and longitudinal designs) involving typically and atypically developing children (for example children with learning disorders such as dyslexia) from diverse backgrounds.
We create studies that help to understand:
- how children’s environment shapes their development;
- what effects multilingualism has on cognition and brain function;
- how learning to read can be made easier for children who are second language learners;
- how specific learning disorders can be better detected in multilingual children;
- what effect early childhood adversity has on mental health.
Our central goal is to understand which interventions or remedial approaches could enhance learning and development of children. To this aim, we conduct research that can help inform strategies to achieve better life outcomes for children facing educational challenges and early childhood adversity.
Here is a list of some of our recent projects.
HERO: Mental health and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationwide study with children in out-of-home care in Luxembourg (PI Pascale Engel de Abreu, Cyril Wealer)
LALAPP: The development of an early reading app for preschool children (PI Pascale Engel de Abreu, Carolina Nikaedo)
ORLALI: Early predictors of oral language and literacy in second language learners: A four-wave longitudinal study (PI Pascale Engel de Abreu, Cyril Wealer)
OLAP: Oral language development in language-minority children (PI Ariana Loff, Pascale Engel de Abreu)
If you would like to participate in our research please contact us
The Child and Baby Lab is headed by Prof. Dr. Pascale Engel de Abreu. Please contact her for more information. Current and former lab members include Dr. Carolina Nikaedo, Dr. Cyril Wealer and Dr. Ariana Loff.
The lab contains state-of-the art testing and observation rooms as well as a child friendly reception and play area. It is located at “Maison des Sciences Humaines” at Belval Campus.