On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the “Seminar on Approaches to Sensitive Groups” was held at the Palace of Science in Belgrade as part of the ReadTREAT project (No. #17473), funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. Over 30 registered experts in defectology, pedagogy (teachers, caregivers, children’s home staff), and inclusive education attended.
Prof. Yao Zheng presented key principles of contactless radar-based physiological signal measurement, introduced the development and applications of the Kokua program, and explained methods for engaging sensitive groups, highlighting the importance of non-invasive technologies in research.
Dr Dejan Stevanović discussed the “Defined by Abilities, Not Limited by Disabilities” approach, exploring new standards for understanding neurodivergence, symptom dimensions, and strengthening individuals’ positive traits through personalized interventions.
Dr Jelena Sučević (University of Oxford) outlined methodologies for studying early cognitive development in infants and children, including the design and execution of practical experiments, participant recruitment strategies, and translating scientific findings into practice.
Prof. Gordana Nikolić spoke on the role of sign language in communicating with deaf children—especially those on the autism spectrum—and techniques to enhance their interaction.
Prof. Dr Milica Janković presented ReadTREAT’s objectives, experimental setup, and research phases, while Prof. Dr Vanja Ković led the closing discussion on the project’s challenges.
Participants actively engaged throughout the program, asking questions that sparked new ideas, collaboration opportunities, and concrete suggestions for advancing the project.
We extend our gratitude to all speakers for their outstanding presentations, and to the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia and the Chamber of Social Protection for their support and accreditation of the seminar.
