| Thursday, June 8, 2023 |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
1. TCN Presents: Hot Topics in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) EvaluationsKira Armstrong, PhD, ABPP, Susanne W. Duvall, PhD, ABPP, Ericka Wodka, PhD, ABPP, & Veronica B. Edgar, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A This session is inspired by a recent TCN special issue on autism spectrum disorder (ASD); in this workshop we will focus on current topics relevant to enhancing neuropsychological practice in the assessment of ASD in children. Given that autism is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with even higher incidence in many medically complex groups, this diagnosis may often arise in neuropsychological differential diagnostic conceptualization across settings and patient populations. Although brief discussion of assessment tools will occur, this session will focus more on evaluative approaches, case conceptualization in the context of complex co-occurring conditions as well as neurodiversity-affirming approaches to recognizing and diagnosing ASD. We will describe both red and “pink” flags in patient and family characteristics that should alert neuropsychologists to the possibility of an ASD diagnosis, especially in more subtly presenting patients. Additionally, culturally informed care will be highlighted, including the use of the ECLECTIC framework in this population. |
2. Are You Factually and Rationally Competent to Assess Factual and Rational Competence?: Neuropsychology in the Criminal Forensic ContextBernice A. Marcopulos, PhD, ABPP & Robert L. Denney, PsyD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom B According to Sweet et al. (2022), neuropsychologists have been involved in forensic practice for over 30 years, representing a large portion of their professional time (over 50% for ABCN board-certified neuropsychologists). Although civil forensics involvement is more common, neuropsychologists are increasingly involved in criminal forensic work. Neuropsychological involvement in criminal proceedings, however, requires fluency in unique legal knowledge and clinical methods. This workshop will review the general topic of competency to proceed through criminal adjudication. We will cover the core basis for what makes a person competent or not competent. We will address common types of competency questions (e.g., competency to stand trial, waive constitutional rights to counsel) and methods of determining these answers (including a review of psychometric tools and their validity for diverse populations). We will present cases from our own practices, discuss how different methods were used, and address ethical dilemmas that commonly arise. |
3. The Minnesota 2022 Update Conference - Implications for Current PracticeKathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP, Anthony Stringer, PhD, ABPP, Bob Bilder, PhD, ABPP, Mary Fernandes, PhD, Antonio Puente, PhD, & Celiane Rey-Casserly, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D The Minnesota 2022 Update Conference (MNC) produced updated training guidelines with the goals of centering equity, justice, and inclusion (EJI), and maintaining neuropsychology as a relevant, evidence-based profession that incorporates emerging technologies in the foundational and functional competencies supporting service delivery. The resulting guidelines will have significant implications for practice and continuing education within the specialty of clinical neuropsychology. It is expected that, over time, training programs will develop ways to meet the aspirational guidelines of the MNC. This workshop will focus on how current practitioners can create relevant learning experiences for trainees as well as continue to develop their own competencies in practice. The speakers include members of the MNC steering committee, a trainee delegate, and members of each of the content panels (EJI, technology, and competencies). Each will describe the updates that were made and provide suggestions for implementation into current practice. |
4. Functional Neuroanatomy of LanguageDavid S. Sabsevitz, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E Our understanding of language has expanded considerably since the classic Wernicke-Litchtheim model was proposed in the late 19th century; however, this oversimplified and incomplete model continues to be taught in textbooks and used by clinicians. There is clear evidence that the language network contains several cortical epicenters outside of these previously defined classic language areas (Broca's and Wernicke's) that specialize in processing specific linguistic content (e.g., orthography, phonology, semantics, etc) and these epicenters are highly interconnected via white matter tracts. This presentation will review current understanding of the neuroanatomical substrates of speech and language and will include lesion and electrical stimulation clinical cases to highlight important concepts. |
5. The Effects of Sedation on Cognition in Children: Current Perspectives and ControversiesMelissa Stern Sutcliffe, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 Research has repeatedly demonstrated that rodents and non-human primates exposed to anesthesia during the neurodevelopmental critical period show neuronal apoptosis, abnormal dendritic arborization, reduced synaptic density, neuronal necrosis, and cell death. However, the human critical period is suggested to be much longer, ranging from the third trimester of gestation into year three of life. Thus, children present with a unique vulnerability as 10% of children will undergo general anesthesia prior to age five. While improved research design seems to suggest single exposures are low risk, controversy remains regarding repeated or longer exposures. In addition, the applicability of studies and research design remain a challenge. This talk reviews the biological underpinnings of risk of anesthesia exposure on cognition and behavior, challenges in study design, and the current state of the literature. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM |
6. SAC Workshop I: TCN and CNY Student Paper Winners PresentationsRoom: River Birch Ballroom A |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM → CE Workshops (1.5 CE each) |
7. Update to the DSM-5 Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)Corwin Boake, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D This workshop will cover the significant changes that appear in DSM-5-TR as relevant to psychologists. The major significant changes to be covered are (1) introduction of one new diagnosis (prolonged grief disorder), (2) importing ICD-10 codes for suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury, (3) reinstatement of diagnoses and specifiers that had been unintentionally omitted from DSM-5 (e.g., unspecified mood disorder), (4) selective relabeling of DSM-5 diagnoses (e.g., intellectual developmental disorder), and (5) selective clarification of DSM-5 criteria. Many of the apparent DSM-5-TR changes to criteria and specifiers had already appeared in DSM-5 updates released annually since 2013. According to the American Psychiatric Association, future DSM revisions will follow an iterative, continuous improvement process with implications for costs and accessibility. |
8. Preparing for Subspecialty Certification in Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN)Kelly McNally, PhD, ABPP, Rachel Tangen, PhD, ABPP, & Megan Kramer, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom B The goal of this workshop is to provide information, resources, and support for individuals considering pursuing subspecialty certification in Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology through ABCN/American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This workshop will provide an overview of the three-step evaluation process that includes 1) determination of eligibility and credential review, 2) written examination, and 3) submission of a practice sample. In this workshop, we will discuss the rationale and benefits of the pediatric subspecialty. We will provide information and resources to support the progression of candidates interested in pursuing subspecialty board certification in Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology. We will review relevant functional and foundational competencies including how multicultural competency will be assessed as part of the examination process. |
9. Assessment of Executive Functions: Myths, Truths, and AspirationsYana Suchy, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 This workshop critically examines the veracity of common and widely-held beliefs surrounding clinical assessments of executive functions. Such beliefs fall into two broad categories: Those pertaining to the ecological validity of executive tests, and those pertaining to their specificity. Empirical support for or against each widely-held belief will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of implications for everyday clinical practice. The workshop will close with an overview of aspirations for the future of executive assessment, with a particular focus on achievable and realistic short-term goals that aim to (a) employ a “personalized medicine” approach, (b) incorporate important aspects of patients’ diversity, and (c) significantly improve the validity of predictions about daily functioning. |
| 12:55 PM - 1:55 PM → CE Workshops (1 CE each) |
10. American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) Maintenance of Certification (MOC): An Updated Review of Process and ProceduresLeslie Guidotti Breting, PhD, ABPP & Clemente Vega, PsyD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A To review the ABPP (ABCN) MOC process that involves periodic documentation of routine professional activities that demonstrate Specialists’ continuing professional development and competence. Timeline, benefits, and examples of MOC will be discussed. |
| 12:55 PM - 1:45 PM → Special Interest Lunch Meeting |
11. Pediatric Subspecialty Interest Group MeetingRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E |
| 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
12. What’s in a Name? Understanding Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome – The Symptom Constellation Formerly Known as Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)Lisa A. Jacobson, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E Evidence for Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS; formerly Sluggish Cognitive Tempo) has been expanding rapidly over the past decade, with growing interest in clarifying its causes, consequences, and correlates. CDS reflects a constellation of behaviors observed in youth and adults, including excessive daydreaming, mental confusion and fogginess, and slowed behavior and thinking. Although initial investigations of CDS grew out of work regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, evidence suggests CDS has a unique pattern of associations and comorbidities with a similar epidemiology and profile across cultures. This workshop will share findings from a recent work group on CDS, discuss cross-cultural research evidence, and provide a sample case study in the context of an evidence-based assessment framework, with a goal of enabling the learner to assess the core CDS phenotype and its comorbidities. Domains in need of further research will be highlighted. Although remediation strategies remain limited, potential interventions will also be addressed. |
13. How to Handle Depositions and Trial Testimony: Be Prepared, Remain CalmJoel E. Morgan, PhD, ABPP, Jack Spector, PhD, ABPP, Tannahill Glen, PsyD, ABPP, Joette James, PhD, ABPP, & Ted Peck, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D Testifying at deposition and trial is often fraught with anxiety. The needs and expectations of the courtroom often collide with the communication habits neuropsychologists have developed over years of academic and professional training. This workshop provides direct instruction and skill building in courtroom communication that are foundational to productive, competent expert witness testimony. The presenters share strategies for creating access to neuropsychological opinions by utilizing vivid, clear language, understanding the ‘playing field,’ and strong preparation strategies. Participants also learn specific emotion-regulation techniques needed for the difficult emotional work required on the witness stand. More experienced practitioners often learned the pitfalls the hard way, in vivo! Through direct instruction and roleplaying, this interactive workshop provides insight into what to expect, how to prepare, and what not to do. |
14. Preparing for the ABPP Board Certification Examination in Clinical Neuropsychology (Part 1): Policies and ProceduresAnthony Y. Stringer, PhD, ABPP, Julie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 Certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) for clinical neuropsychologists is a major objective of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and is becoming a job requirement in many adult and pediatric settings. This three-part workshop series familiarizes attendees with all aspects of the board certification process and prepares you for your next step toward certification. Part 1 reviews the history and development of board certification in neuropsychology, summarizes current policies and procedures, and shatters common myths and misconceptions both about taking the exam and the success rate for each of its phases. Attendees will be introduced to the extensive resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam and will learn tips for success. This session also provides a "peek behind the curtain" so that you know what is really going on during the board exam. |
15. Positive and Negative Modifiers of Brain Health in Older Adults from Underrepresented PopulationsVonetta Dotson, PhDRoom: River Birch Ballroom B Older adults from underrepresented and marginalized groups face disproportionate risks to brain health. Chronic stress leads to a cascade of behavioral and physiological responses that have detrimental effects on physical health, mental health, and brain health. For example, many Black older adults are chronically exposed to race-related stress in the form of racial discrimination, environmental and neighborhood stressors, and acculturative stress that contributes to racial disparities in age-related cognitive and affective disorders. Underrepresented groups are also more likely to face barriers to lifestyle behaviors that research has shown to benefit brain health, such as exercise, good nutrition, and good sleep. This presentation will describe social and environmental determinants of brain health in older adults from underrepresented communities, summarize lifestyle interventions that benefit brain health in older adults, and recommend strategies to promote brain health in vulnerable groups. |
16. The Role of the Neuropsychologist in Epilepsy Treatment Amidst an Evolving Surgical LandscapeCarrie R. McDonald, PhD, ABPP & Robyn M. Busch, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A As surgical options for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) continue to expand, the role of the neuropsychologist in treatment planning has also grown. Neuropsychologists must not only be aware of the available surgical options for DRE and consider the cognitive and mood consequences of each, they must also be skilled in consolidating information from the presurgical work-up to assess a patient’s risk for postoperative decline while maintaining a careful consideration of non-epilepsy factors that may moderate outcomes. This workshop will (1) provide an overview of resective, ablative, and neuromodulatory techniques currently available for treatment of DRE along with state-of-the-science information on risks to cognition and mood associated with each technique, (2) describe the use of novel algorithms to estimate an individual’s risk for postoperative declines in cognition and mood associated with epilepsy surgery, and (3) provide guidance on how to incorporate patient-specific risk and resilience factors into the conceptualization of cognitive outcomes. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM → Special Interest Group Meeting |
17. Forensic Special Interest GroupRoom: River Birch Ballroom A |
18. Student and Training Director HourRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon F |
19. Ida Sue Baron Recognition and Reception & AACN Scientific Poster Session and ReceptionRoom: Potomac Ballroom Salons 2&3 |
| Friday, June 9, 2023 |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
20. Preparing for the ABPP Board Certification Examination in Clinical Neuropsychology (Part 2): Practice Sample Submission and DefenseAnthony Y. Stringer, PhD, ABPP, Julie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 Certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) for clinical neuropsychologists is a major objective of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and is becoming job requirement in many adult and pediatric settings. Part 2 introduces attendees to the practice sample submission and defense at the oral examination for board certification. During the workshop, attendees will view mock oral exam practice sample defenses to learn effective strategies for this part of the exam. Participants also may optionally submit a single clinical case report (appropriately blinded and without raw data) for a mock practice sample review. One workshop presenter will email confidential feedback on the mock practice sample. In order to be reviewed, the single case report must be submitted by May 20, 2023 through this form. |
21. Evaluating Cognitive Capacity and Functional Independence in Adolescents and Young AdultsJennifer Turek Queally, PhDRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D This workshop is designed to provide knowledge, strategies, and techniques to work with adolescents and young adults to understand their cognitive functioning, capacity and decision making skills, and functional independence skills. We will review how to interpret evaluation results, interview patients and their parents, as well as evaluate their decision making abilities. We will discuss decision making supports, including shared decision making models and guardianship. The program will include information on billing strategies as well as effective documentation strategies to increase efficiency. Special attention will be given to programmatic goals and considerations to begin working with families in advance of their child's 18th birthday and prepare the family for these conversations and the process. |
22. An Introduction to the MMPI-3 for Forensic NeuropsychologistsYossef S. Ben-Porath, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A This workshop introduces the MMPI-3, the most up-to-date and newly normed version of the MMPI, to forensic neuropsychologists. The test co-author will provide an overview of the rationale for, and methods used to develop the MMPI-3, the new English-and Spanish-language norms, the MMPI-3 scales, and documentation and empirical findings available to help guide test users. The presentation will also include an overview of considerations when using the MMPI-3 in forensic assessments and data of particular relevance to neuropsychological assessments. |
23. Teleneuropsychology Comes of Age: What Have We Learned and Where Can We Go With This Technology?Munro Cullum, PhD, ABPP, Lana Harder, PhD, ABPP, & Scott Sperling, PsyD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom B This workshop will provide a critical review of the evidence base for teleneuropsychology techniques, including methodological and test limitations, along with a summary of the most well-validated tests. Application to special populations (children and older adults) will be discussed in the context of in-office versus in-home assessment considerations and practical “lessons learned” during the pandemic. Remote computer-based assessment will be discussed in the context of research applications, experimental designs, and opportunities for the development of neuropsychological tests that capitalize on the telehealth model. |
24. Providing Competent, Ethical, and Culturally Informed Supervision in Clinical NeuropsychologyDoug Bodin, PhD, ABPP & Kirk J. Stucky, PsyD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E Supervision is an essential professional activity provided by clinical neuropsychologists. Clinical supervision is now considered a specific competency by the American Psychological Association (APA) and APA has specified guidelines for supervision in health service psychology (APA, 2015). Unfortunately, most practicing neuropsychologists receive very little training in the provision of supervision (Shultz, Pederson, Roper, & Rey-Casserly, 2014). The existing literature on supervision in clinical psychology pertains mostly to therapy supervision. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in attention paid to supervision in neuropsychology (Schultz et al., 2014 and Stucky, Bush, & Donders, 2010). This workshop is designed to provide a review of practical, ethical, legal, and theoretical considerations when providing supervision in clinical neuropsychology from a competency based and culturally informed perspective. This workshop is intended for practicing neuropsychologists who provide training and for advanced trainees who are learning how to conduct clinical supervision. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM → CE Workshops (1.5 CE each) |
25. Handling Demands in the Legal Arena that Compromise Test SecurityKyle K. Boone, PhD, ABPP, Tannahill Glen, PsyD, ABPP, & Mark Barisa, PhD, ABPPRoom: Potomac Ballroom Salon 3 Participants will be helped to problem-solve how to respond to demands within the legal arena for access by nonpsychologists to protected neuropsychological/psychological test information and materials, and demands for third party observation (including audio- and video-recordings) of exams. Participants will be alerted as to publications within the field of neuropsychology and psychology regarding test security that can be used to educate the judicial system on the importance of psychology test protection. Additionally, participants will be provided with sample declarations that can be provided to retaining attorneys to assist them in protecting psychological/neuropsychological tests on our behalf. Workshop discussion will also include methods to modify test forms to eliminate protected test information for those circumstances in which neuropsychologists are ordered to turn over test data sheets to nonpsychologists, and how to structure exams to avoid administration of tests that would be harmed by release of audiorecording of testing to nonpsychologists. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM |
26. SAC Workshop II: 2022 Minnesota Conference: Implications for Current and Future Learners in NeuropsychologyRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E |
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
27. AACN Town Hall MeetingRoom: Anacostia Ballroom EDuring the Town Hall, the Presidents of the AACN, AACNF, and ABCN summarize the current state, recent activities, and plans of their organizations. Award winners are typically announced in this session and at the beginning of Distinguished Neuropsychologist session. The Town Hall typically concludes with an unstructured Q&A period. |
| 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
28. Preparing for the ABPP Board Certification Examination in Clinical Neuropsychology (Part 3): Oral Examination in Ethics/Professional Development and Fact FindingAnthony Y. Stringer, PhD, ABPP, Julie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 Certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) for clinical neuropsychologists is a major objective of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and is becoming job requirement in many adult and pediatric settings. This three-part workshop series familiarizes attendees with all aspects of the board certification process and prepares you for your next step toward certification. Part 3 introduces attendees to the ethics/professional development and fact finding parts of the oral examination for board certification. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe simulations of these portions of the oral exam and hear critiques from the presenters in order to develop effective strategies for taking these parts of the exam. |
29. Thinking Beyond the Traditional Evaluation: Intervention, Consultation, and Multidisciplinary Clinic-Based Care in Pediatric NeuropsychologyKelly A. McNally, PhD, ABPP, Kelly Wolfe, PhD, ABPP, & Cynthia Austin, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon E With the ongoing evolution of healthcare systems, neuropsychologists are increasingly providing clinical services that extend beyond traditional outpatient assessment models. The goal of this workshop is to examine innovative clinical service models for pediatric neuropsychologists including (1) screening in multidisciplinary medical clinics, (2) neuropsychologically-informed interventions, and (3) post-evaluation consultation. We will highlight issues related to feasibility of implementation across three hospital systems in different regions of the US. Patient/family satisfaction, referring provider satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness considerations will be reviewed. We will discuss how these clinical care models can improve access to care and will present data on the clinical value of these services. |
30. Staying up to Date II: A Review of Validity Literature from 2022Robert Desmond Shura, PsyD, ABPP & Patrick Armistead-Jehle, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A Research related to performance and symptom validity assessment continues to expand. With the multitude of new studies published each year, keeping up to date on validity trends, cutoff scores, base rates, and related topics can be challenging. For the second year in a row, this workshop will comprehensively review validity research from the prior year. Studies on both embedded and stand-alone performance validity tests will be covered with particular attention paid to diagnostic accuracy in existing measures and validation of new indices. Additionally, investigations of both stand-alone and embedded symptom validity tests will be discussed. Finally, new research on cross-cultural assessment, validity assessment in various diagnostic populations, and new methodologies will be reviewed. For each topic, research will be synthesized, with a focus on identifying practical take home points. |
31. Stepping into Action: The Role of Neuropsychologists in Social Justice AdvocacyMirella Díaz-Santos, PhD & Kendra M. Anderson, PhDRoom: River Birch Ballroom B This workshop is a call for neuropsychologists to step into action as social change agents. We focus on US based race-relations and review advocacy-related historical and ethical considerations in neuropsychology. We review some reasons why neuropsychologists avoid engaging in advocacy and the realities that deter neuropsychologists from social justice advocacy in particular. We then provide specific ways that neuropsychologists can transition from advocacy awareness to action. We propose a shift in frame of reference towards a transformational learning approach. We use an ecological systems framework to suggest opportunities for neuropsychologists to dismantle inequities across microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, and macrosystems. Concrete suggestions and examples of how neuropsychologists can engage in bite-sized, larger scaled, and transformative advocacy efforts are included. Lastly, we point to where equity and advocacy can lead neuropsychology, i.e., towards transformational justice and social responsibility in neuropsychology. |
32. Frontotemporal Dementia: State of the Science and Practice RecommendationsAdam M. Staffaroni, PhD, Katherine Rankin, PhD, & Jessica de Leon, MDRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for a heterogenous group of clinical syndromes that present with a wide range of behavioral, cognitive, and motor impairments. This workshop will provide an overview of the clinical syndromes and include information about sporadic and genetic forms of FTD. We will discuss the role of the neuropsychologist in differential diagnosis and disease monitoring, with an emphasis on language assessments for primary progressive aphasia and social cognition testing. We will also discuss diagnostic pitfalls, including the overlap of FTD and primary psychiatric conditions. The workshop will review cultural considerations and our understanding of the impact of cultural and linguistic differences on the presentation of FTD. Finally, we will discuss the potential role of digital technologies for improving equitable access to care and clinical trial participation. |
33. Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award Presentation: A Survival Guide for Clinical Neuropsychology to the End of the DecadeNeil Pliskin, PhD, ABPPRoom: Potomac Ballroom Salon 3 |
34. Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award ReceptionNeil Pliskin, PhD, ABPPRoom: Potomac Ballroom Salon 2 |
| Saturday, June 10, 2023 |
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
35. Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: Evaluation, Mapping, and Collaborating to Advance the FieldMadison Mehalani Berl, PhD, ABPP, Jennifer I. Koop, PhD, ABPP, Alyssa Ailion, PhD, & Kristina E. Patrick, PhD, ABPPRoom: Meeting Rooms 12/13/14 Pediatric epilepsy surgery has improved given new techniques that expanded the range of children who are potential candidates for surgical intervention. This workshop provides an update on the range of children presenting for surgery, as well as the role that the neuropsychologist has in assessing neuropsychological risks and working with the multidisciplinary surgery team. We will also discuss disparities in the clinical pathway to Phase I epilepsy evaluation. We will present on the changing landscape of pediatric epilepsy surgery using our initial results from a recent multi-site collaborative focused on pediatric epilepsy surgery. Presurgical workup also requires functional mapping by the neuropsychologist. We will review a range of techniques used for mapping language and memory function (e.g. Wada/IAP, fMRI, bedside/intraoperative, sEEG) including discussing practical aspects for clinicians. We will also provide an overview of neuropsychological outcomes including recent efforts to employ big data and modeling to improve prediction of outcomes. |
36. The Current Status of Neuropsychological Validity Assessment in North America: Trends, Practices, and Consensus GuidelinesRyan W. Schroeder, PsyD, ABPP & Phillip K. Martin, PhD, ABPPRoom: Anacostia Ballroom Salon D The workshop presenters will examine and discuss results from a North American validity assessment survey that was conducted in late 2022. The newly collected data will be provided against a backdrop of past survey results, updated position statements, and recent empirical research. Subsamples within the survey data will be analyzed, and beliefs and practices across practitioner groups will be investigated, including: clinical practitioners, forensic consultants, VA neuropsychologists, and validity testing experts. Areas of general agreement and areas where consensus is currently lacking will be highlighted to assist in current clinical decision making. By examining national survey findings alongside professional consensus statements and empirical literature, the current status and trajectory of validity assessment will be discussed in detail. The workshop will conclude with a view of ongoing needs that are informed by both survey-based and empirical literature findings. |
37. Psychometrist Training: Promoting Competence in Psychological TestingChristine Ghilain, PhD, ABPPRoom: River Birch Ballroom A As requests for neuropsychological evaluations and demands for testing are increasing worldwide, neuropsychologists are responding by adding psychometrists to their teams. Despite the well-documented historical use of psychometrists across diverse testing settings (e.g., hospitals, academic medical centers, private practices, and others), there is not yet a formally agreed upon guide as to how to train these individuals. While it is generally understood that the neuropsychologist will train the psychometrist, particularly given that the psychometrist is working under the neuropsychologist’s license, no clear guidelines, benchmarks, or expectations around minimum standards of competence have been agreed upon by the field. Thus, the goal of this talk today is to outline a training protocol for psychometrists, and to discuss both critical training components and ways to ensure ongoing high-quality standards of competence of those administering psychological tests, ultimately allowing us to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. |
38. Common Ethical Issues in GeropsychologyDouglas Lane, PhD, ABPP & Kimberly Hiroto, PhDRoom: River Birch Ballroom B This workshop will address ethical issues commonly encountered in clinical practice with older adults. The session will provide strategies for identifying these issues, offer useful resources for navigating them, and share a model for ethical decision-making with older adults. It will also include information pertinent to palliative and end-of-life circumstances. |
