Empirically Analyzing the Behavior of Children with Developmental Imbalances and Delays and Developing Therapeutic and Educational Programs for Clinical Psychology

My research specialty is clinical developmental psychology for infants, toddlers, and children who have, or are at risk of, developmental imbalances or delays. Developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, involve dysfunctions in brain development and function. However, the brain constantly interacts with its environment through channels like sight, hearing, and touch. This is where psychology can play a significant role. We are accumulating diverse analytical data, including on brain function, to determine what kinds of interventions can promote development. Based on this data, we conduct a wide range of clinical activities, such as providing developmental support to individual children, developing therapeutic and educational programs for widespread use, offering support to parents, and providing consultations for school teachers.

For example, when parents call their baby by name, they unconsciously vary their intonation while observing the baby's reaction to learn the most effective way to get their attention. However, babies with developmental disorders can have difficulty responding when called. This can lead to reduced interaction from adults, and interpersonal relationships tend to become strained. We videotape and analyze what kind of vocal intonation and rhythm elicits a response from children, and whether they recognize and imitate it as language. Vocal intonation is represented by the range of frequency changes. We also show children images of smiling adults and collect data on their gaze and the movement of the corners of their mouths. Based on such scientific data, we work to promote the development of interpersonal relationships.

As a new area of research and clinical activity, we will collaborate with pediatricians to develop and evaluate programs for the early detection of autism spectrum disorder and social functioning disorders during 18-month health checkups, as well as for early therapeutic and educational intervention. I would be delighted if our research programs lead to improvements in mind, behavior, and development and become widely used by those struggling with these issues.

A major feature of the psychology major at Keio University is its emphasis on experimental psychology, which is the foundation of the field. It can be considered an unusual major within the Faculty of Letters due to its strong scientific elements. You might think it's not for you if you struggle with science subjects. However, you can learn statistics, experimental methods, and programming after you join the major. What is important is a humanities-oriented sensibility. Because our subject is the mind—something that is, in a sense, ambiguous—it is crucial to view human beings from a broad perspective. I believe that people who possess this kind of sensibility and can pursue a genuine curiosity to "understand the human mind," "explore the relationship between the mind and the brain," or "help people struggling with psychological problems" are well-suited for research in psychology.