Suzanne Derks

Suzanne Derks is an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Clinical Child and Family Studies department. She also holds appointments at APH - Societal Participation & Health and LEARN! - Child rearing. Her research focuses on interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, visual impairments, and their families, emphasizing stress regulation, mentalization skills, and serious game development for therapeutic purposes. Derks leads projects like 'Sociale relaties en ICT' and 'Improved assessment = improved care', exploring digital tools and diagnostic approaches in disability care. She has received a Poster award (2021) and actively participates in academic conferences on mental health and disability. Her teaching includes courses on clinical practice, communication skills, and pedagogical methodologies.