Ilaria Notaristefano

Dr. Ilaria Notaristefano


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 February 2026 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ATAntonio Trabacca
Antonio Trabacca
MRMarta De Rinaldis
Marta De Rinaldis
MOMaria Carmela Oliva
Maria Carmela Oliva
INIlaria Notaristefano
Ilaria Notaristefano
IGIvana Gallo
Ivana Gallo
IFIsabella Fanizza
Isabella Fanizza
Pediatric neurological disorders comprise a highly heterogeneous group of conditions that together represent a substantial global public health burden. Many have a strong genetic basis and are associated with significant morbidity, premature mortality, and long-term disability, with far-reaching consequences for affected children, their families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Clinical heterogeneity is a hallmark of these disorders, as pathogenic variants in the same gene can give rise to diverse phenotypes with variable severity, age at onset, and disease course. In children, ongoing brain development and somatic growth further complicate diagnosis, often leading to nonspecific or atypical presentations that differ from classical adult neurological phenotypes. Advances in genetics and genomics have fundamentally transformed the understanding, diagnosis, and classification of pediatric neurological diseases. The widespread use of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and integrative bioinformatics approaches has enabled the rapid and precise identification of disease-associated genes, even in sporadic and complex conditions, facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnoses and highlighting the role of genetic background and gene–environment interactions in disease pathogenesis. Here we provide an overview of the genetic and genomic landscape of key pediatric neurological disorders with well-characterized molecular etiologies, including neuromuscular disorders, epilepsies, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and movement disorders. Current knowledge is synthesized with emphasis on clinical presentation, genetic architecture, and genotype–phenotype correlations. Gene-specific management strategies and emerging precision therapies are discussed for selected conditions, underscoring the central role of genetic diagnosis in guiding clinical decision-making and improving outcomes in affected children.

28 January 2026 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
INIlaria Notaristefano
Ilaria Notaristefano
FGFederica Gigliotti
Federica Gigliotti
.A. Altomonte
. Altomonte
IGILARIA GRAZIANI
ILARIA GRAZIANI
BPBeatrice Piunti
Beatrice Piunti
MRMaria Romani
Maria Romani
Background: Moral development (MD) arises from the interaction of attachment, temperament, emotion regulation, and decision-making. Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently show impairments across these domains, suggesting increased vulnerability to disruptions in MD. However, the mechanisms linking ADHD to MD remain poorly understood. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed was searched for studies published between January 2014 and November 2024 examining MD-related constructs, including moral reasoning, fairness, aggression, bullying, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, decision-making, and reward sensitivity, in individuals aged 0–18 years with diagnosed or subclinical ADHD. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, measures, and outcomes, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: Of the 2104 records identified, 23 studies met inclusion criteria. Insecure or disorganized attachment, difficult temperament, and emotional dysregulation consistently emerged as developmental risk factors for impaired MD. Hyperactivity–impulsivity and deficient inhibitory control were strongly associated with aggressive and antisocial behaviors. Children with ADHD demonstrated a pronounced preference for immediate over delayed rewards, altered decision-making in social contexts, and reduced sensitivity to positive feedback. CU traits and aggression were frequently identified as behavioral correlates of MD impairments, particularly in interaction with family adversity and comorbid externalizing conditions. Social dysfunction, including bullying involvement, peer rejection, and interpersonal difficulties, was common and contributed to elevated long-term psychosocial risk. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with multidimensional vulnerabilities in MD through intertwined cognitive, emotional, and relational pathways. Interventions targeting attachment security, emotion regulation, reward processing, and social skills may foster MD and reduce later social difficulties. Longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform developmentally sensitive prevention and treatment strategies.

26 December 2025 in Neurological Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
VBValentina Baglioni
Valentina Baglioni
LTLetizia Terenzi
Letizia Terenzi
CCC. Corazzina
C. Corazzina
DEDario Esposito
Dario Esposito
INIlaria Notaristefano
Ilaria Notaristefano
FPFrancesco Pisani
Francesco Pisani

14 February 2026 in Clinical Pediatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
LRLudovico Randazzo
Ludovico Randazzo
MCMarilina Covuccia
Marilina Covuccia
INIlaria Notaristefano
Ilaria Notaristefano
SRSara Romano
Sara Romano
MMMario Mastrangelo
Mario Mastrangelo
FPFrancesco Pisani
Francesco Pisani

3 January 2026
Verified
Book Chapter
Closed access
PDF file
INIlaria Notaristefano
Ilaria Notaristefano
VBValentina Baglioni
Valentina Baglioni
Vincenzo GuidettiVincenzo Guidetti
Vincenzo Guidetti