Dr. van Bergen will demonstrate how dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD are linked through shared genetic risks rather than direct causality. Next, her talk will showcase genetically-informed studies that challenge simplistic causal attributions between environmental factors and educational outcomes. Using Norwegian Register data, she will show why parental educational attainment predicts children’s academic achievement. Additionally, Dr. van Bergen will highlight the potential of early interventions in reducing reading difficulties.
Dr. van Bergen is a PI at the VU Amsterdam in biological psychology and educational genetics. She is based at UiO as a Visiting Professor this academic year. She has received numerous international awards and prestigious grants, including an ERC.