International Congress on Early Sensorimotor Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Faculty of Medicine - Amphitheatre C
10 boulevard Tonnelé
37000 Tours - FR
France
Presentation
Transformative advances in research methodologies, rigor, and technology have profoundly impacted our understanding of how sensorimotor features impact neurodevelopment. The complexity of how neurodevelopmental disorders develop, emerge, are identified, and respond to interventions in the earliest months or even days of life is of utmost interest. Research advances include:
- Early screening and diagnosis, genetic testing, predictive tools, intensive therapies, and a better understanding of sensory processing and parent-child interactions have deeply advanced screening, diagnosis, and treatment especially in Autism and Cerebral Palsy
- Technical advances in digital health, acoustic analysis, smartphone applications, machine learning, markerless motion capture, and wearables offer the promise of automation and remote monitoring and improved health care that is independent of geography
- Open science, research consortia, resource sharing, and large-scale video repositories have revolutionized the conduct of developmental science with methods that are primed for neurodevelopmental disorders
- Genuine engagement with patients, parents, and community partners and inclusion of patient-reported outcome measures has made combined expertise complementary, explicit, and tangible
- Rapid advancement in pediatric neuroimaging across modalities has supported the understanding of early brain development and behavioral synchrony
The potential for ultra-early detection, recovery, and rehabilitative treatments in Neurodevelopmental Disorders with infants and families has never been greater. The International Congress on Early Sensorimotor Development and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities invites experts, clinicians, and researchers from all over the world to explore the forefront of early identification, intervention strategies, and impacts on life course and culture. This event facilitates a dynamic exchange of ideas, blending foundational developmental research, neuroscience, clinical expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative research methodologies.
This international meeting will facilitate exchanges among leading and emerging researchers, providing an opportunity to share knowledge and expertise in sensorimotor function. Experts in early childhood development, including those from diverse backgrounds such as psychiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, language development, voice production, neonatology, and medicine will highlight innovative approaches to early detection and treatment.
Held at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tours in collaboration with iBrain, INSERM, and the EXAC-T Center for Autism, this conference offers an academic setting that fosters intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Set in the historic city of Tours in the Loire Valley, rich in cultural heritage and surrounded by castles, gardens, and university life, this venue provides an inspiring backdrop for forward-thinking discussions on the future of ultra-early sensorimotor development and its role in neurodevelopmental health.
CONVENORS
- Jill Heathcock, LE STUDIUM Research Professorship
FROM: The Ohio State University - USA
IN RESIDENCE AT: Imaging and Brain laboratory (iBrain) / INSERM, University of Tours - FR
- Frédérique Bonnet-Brilhault, Delphine Mitanchez & Marianne Latinus,
Imaging and Brain laboratory (iBrain) / INSERM, University of Tours - FR
Location
Faculty of Medicine of Tours
10, Boulevard Tonnellé - 37000 TOURS - FR
Located in the heart of Tours, the Faculty of Medicine is part of the University of Tours and stands as a renowned institution for medical education and research. Established in 1969, it has trained generations of healthcare professionals and researchers, contributing to medical advancements in France and beyond. With modern teaching facilities, cutting-edge research laboratories, and close ties to the university hospital, the Faculty provides an ideal environment for academic excellence. Participants will be welcomed in this dynamic setting, where historical heritage meets medical innovation, and will have the opportunity to explore the rich culture and gastronomy of the Loire Valley.
General Information
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Congress Venue |
Faculty of Medicine of Tours, 10 boulevard Tonnellé 37000 Tours, France
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Dates |
Tuesday, 1 July & Wednesday 2 July 2025
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Language |
The official language of the Congress is English
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Welcome pack and Name Badge |
Upon arrival you will receive a welcome pack that includes the printed material of the Conference and your name badge will be given to you at the reception . Please wear your name badge at all times during the Conference and to all official Conference events.
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Invitation Letters |
An official letter of invitation facilitating the obtention of an entry visa can be sent upon request . In order to receive an invitation letter for visa purposes, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr. Please note that :
- we only issue an official letter once the payment of the registration fee has been validated.
- such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organisers to provide any financial assistance.
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Certificate of attendance |
After the conference, in order to receive a certficate of participation, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr
How to get there ?
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By train: |
* Tours centre station
1.5 hour trip from Paris (Montparnasse)
* Saint Pierre des Corps (4km from Tours town centre)
Bus 5, 20 minutes trip to Tours centre station
> Plan your trip by train: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
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By car: |
GPS: 47.3910171,0.68927
Please note that you can't park in front of the Hôtel de Ville.
Paid car parks nearby :
Parking Gare, Place du Général Leclerc, 37000 Tours
Parking Tours Nationale, 5 rue Emile Zola, 37000 Tours
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By plane: |
Take RER B in direction to Saint Rémy Les Chevreuse, step out at Denfert Rochereau Stop
Metro 6 in direction to Charles de Gaulle Etoile, step out at Montparnasse Bienvenue Stop
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From Tours train station to the Faculty of medicine: |
Take Bus 5 at Place du Général Leclerc in direction to Parc Grandmont
Step out at Arago Stop
Walk 10 minutes in direction to UFR Médecine Tours, 10 Bd Tonnellé"
Pricing
(Including two lunches, a gala dinner ,a guided visit and the coffee breaks)
| Faculty and Medical professional | 300 EUR |
| Students & PhD Scholars | 150 EUR |
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and sent by email to the Registration Department
Up to 30 days prior to conference start – Full refund less €50 handling fee
Less than 30 days prior to conference start – No refund
GMA Course
Basic Course – The Prechtl General Movement Assessment
Tutor: Vittorio Belmonti Vittorio
vittorio.belmonti@fsm.unipi.it
-in person in Tours France!
-in French
-limited registration
We are proud to offer the Basic General Movement Assessment courses in tandem with the Internatinal Congress on Sensorimotor Development and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Participants can attend the GMA course only (in French) or in combination with the Scientific Congress (in English).
Research conducted in the last 20 years has shown the qualitative assessment of spontaneous movement in the fetus, newborn, and young infant is an early and reliable indicator for diagnosis and prognosis of neurological disorders. Compelling evidence is now available that qualitative assessment of General Movements —a specific type of spontaneous movement—under the age of five months is the best predictor of cerebral palsy. This course fulfills the standards specified by the Generalized Movement Trust (www.general-movements-trust.info). The course will consist of lessons, demonstration, and discussion of video-recordings. Lectures will alternate with exercises in small groups with videos prepared by the tutors. At the end of the course participants be required to take a final test in order to receive a certificate of reliability in this method of assessment.
Oral presentations & posters
Abstracts should be submitted before Monday 5th May 2025.
Please upload your abstract during the registration or send it before the deadline to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr.
The number of oral presentations is limited, convenors will process a selection and confirm your presentation few days later.
Please note that we do not print the posters, but racks & pins will be provided for up to A0 sizes, portrait format.
- Please download the template for oral presentation.
- Please download the template for poster presentation.
Partners of the event
