ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Annette Karmiloff-Smith's 1998 paper points to a multi-level and dynamic explanatory framework that encourages prospective and longitudinal studies. Such studies can reveal how alternative developmental pathways might lead to different phenotypic outcomes. Research in the Benasich lab strongly reflects the interdisciplinary cross-field approach that includes examination of developmental trajectories that Annette espoused and championed to those she mentored and to her many collaborators. This research addresses the early neural processes necessary for normal cognitive and language development as well as the impact of disordered processing on infant neurocognitive status and later outcomes in high risk or neurologically impaired infants. By studying groups at higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, the chapter identifies and develop treatments for individuals whose trajectories diverge during development. Individuals at high risk may be identified in infancy through genetic testing or reports of a history of the disorder within their immediate family.
