Michele Zappella, renowned child neuropsychiatrist, dies at 90

Professor Michele Zappella, a prominent figure in international child neuropsychiatry, has passed away at the age of 90. For 33 years, Zappella led the Child Neuropsychiatry department at the hospital in Siena, an appointment he held from 1973 until 2006.

A distinguished scholar and psychiatrist, Zappella’s research made significant contributions to the understanding of autism, developmental disorders, and Rett syndrome. He is specifically recognized in international scientific literature for identifying a specific form of Rett syndrome known as the ‘Zappella Variant,’ characterized by delayed language and manual skill acquisition. He also discovered the ‘Placing Reflex,’ which is utilized in the early diagnosis of severe intellectual disabilities.

Zappella’s career included international experience at London’s Fountain Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Washington via a Fulbright scholarship. In Siena, he served as a teacher at the University of Siena’s specialization schools, training multiple generations of medical professionals.