| Thursday, June 6, 2024 |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
1. Functional Neurological Disorder in Kids and Teens: The State of the Science and Recommendations for PracticeMichael W. Kirkwood, PhD, ABPPFunctional neurological disorders (FND) and related conditions have been recognized for centuries and occur commonly across multiple healthcare settings. A vast literature has focused on FND in adults. Relatively little attention has been devoted to pediatric FND, particularly within neuropsychology. This workshop will provide an overview of the extant pediatric research. Current conceptualizations will be reviewed including how the field has moved away from diagnosing by exclusion to the need for positive markers. Common risk factors, sociocultural symptom perceptions, and areas of controversy will be examined. Pediatric clinical management is not yet evidence-based, but promising empirically grounded recommendations will be provided. Cases will be used to illustrate the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to clinical evaluation and management. The role of neuropsychology in multidisciplinary care will be explored, as will ideas for establishing and running a pediatric FND clinic. |
2. Expanding Your Validity Test Toolbox: Lesser Utilized PVTs and SVTs That Should Be ConsideredRyan W. Schroeder, PsyD, ABPP, Laszlo A. Erdodi, PhD, Robert D. Shura, PsyD, ABPP, Jason R. Soble, PhD, ABPP, & Patrick Armistead-Jehle, PhD, ABPPMultiple performance and symptom validity tests are currently available and more continue to be developed and validated on an ongoing basis. Some of these have achieved widespread popularity while others are still utilized by a minority of neuropsychologists. Each presenter will discuss two of their favorite and most commonly used validity tests that have yet to achieve frequent utilization within the field. The validity tests and their empirical literature will be presented. Common cutoffs, classification accuracy rates, populations for which the tests are clearly validated, populations in which to use the tests with caution, research on cross-cultural application, and overall strengths and weaknesses of the tests will be emphasized. When available, new currently unpublished data on the validity tests will also be provided. This discussion will be clinically focused so that workshop attendees will have practical information allowing them to immediately add validity tests to their clinical and forensic toolboxes. |
3. Women in Neuropsychology (WIN) Presents: Current Directions in Women’s Neuropsychology ResearchRachael Leigh Ellison, PhD, Alicia Ito Ford, PhD, Sarah A. Raskin, PhD, ABPP, Lauren E. Miller, PhD, Lise Eliot, PhD, & Amy J. Wagner, MDThis workshop aims to share research findings that span multiple neuropsychological topics, unified by their focus on sex and gender. Dr. Ellison will discuss WIN’s past and current initiatives, which includes gender inclusivity and women’s focused research to inform clinical practice and to innovate future research. Dr. Ford will present data from systematic reviews that highlight the issue of underrepresentation of women as participants in neuropsychological research, as well as recommendations for improving clinical research representation. Dr. Raskin will share neuropsychological data on women with traumatic brain injury secondary to intimate partner violence. Drs. Wagner and Miller will co-present on optimal delivery outcomes in women whose pregnancies are complicated by gastroschisis, as well as upcoming research on neurodevelopmental outcomes in these children. Dr. Eliot will present research findings that challenge sexual dimorphism in human brain research and suggest the need to consider a more multidimensional conceptualization of the brain. |
4. Neuroradiology for NeuropsychologistsDavid S. Sabsevitz, PhD, ABPPThis 3-hour workshop is intended to provide an overview of clinical neuroradiology for neuropsychologists. It is aimed at neuropsychology students and trainees and more advanced practitioners looking for more experience in neuroimaging. The first hour will focus on reviewing the basics of neuroimaging, including the different imaging modalities (e.g., CT, MR) and MR sequences and advantages and disadvantages and preferred applications of each technique). This will also include review of normal anatomy and major neuroanatomical landmarks on these different imaging modalities. The second and third hours will focus on disease specific topics with focus on neuroimaging features and hallmark signs. Clinical cases will be presented to highlight important points. |
5. Navigating Sport-Related Concussion: Advanced Evaluation and Proactive Management to Promote Athlete Brain HealthDanielle M. Eason Ransom, PsyD, ABPP, Donna K. Broshek, PhD, ABPP, Munro Cullum, PhD, ABPP, Christopher Bailey, PhD, ABPP, Marc Norman, PhD, ABPP, & Maegan Sady, PhD, ABPPSport-related concussion remains a pressing health concern. As specialists in brain health, neuropsychologists play a critical role in concussion evaluation and management across injury stages. This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of evidence-based concussion management, spanning multidimensional evaluation and treatment strategies from sideline to recovery. Recommendations from the International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport (Amsterdam 2022) will highlight the evolving landscape in concussion care across age groups and sports levels. This workshop additionally addresses persisting symptoms after concussion, considers the impact of social determinants of health on concussion outcomes, incorporates case examples and ethical considerations to illustrate complexities in management, and reviews promising directions for the field. By integrating evidence, ethics, and innovation, this workshop provides attendees with comprehensive knowledge of the latest evidence-based strategies for multidimensional sport-related concussion evaluation and management to assist with navigating complexities, address ethical considerations, and effectively promote athlete brain health. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM |
6. SAC Workshop I: Workshop Your Application!In this first session of the Student Series hosted by the Student Affairs Committee of the AACN, we will hold an application preparation workshop. The workshop will include a panel discussion about successful applications as well as a chance to workshop individual application materials for practicum, internship, postdoc, or your first job. Bring your CV and get some feedback, get answers to your questions, or just come and get help figuring out how to prepare for the next application cycle! |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM → CE Workshops (1.5 CE each) |
7. Are We Loosening the Definition of Disability?Robert L. Mapou, PhD, ABPPThis workshop is based on the author’s 2022 article, “Have we loosened the definition of disability?” published in volume 15 of Psychological Injury and the Law. It covers the changes in the law and documentation requirements in the 30+ years since the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and how these changes have loosened the definition of disability. |
8. Subspecialty Certification in Pediatric Neuropsychology through American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN): Overview and Exam PreparationKelly McNally, PhD, ABPP, Rachel B. Tangen, PhD, ABPP, & Megan Kramer, PhD, ABPPThe 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. Holistic Recruitment: Rationale and Guidance for Increasing Recruitment of Diverse TraineesLynette J. Abrams-Silva, PhD, ABPP, Stephanie J. Towns, PsyD, & Pamela M. Dean, PhD, ABPPIt is generally acknowledged that neuropsychology must increase the diversity of our trainee population. In order to reach this goal we must evaluate our recruitment processes and consider how they may be biased. One model of recruitment that has been adopted by many of our medical colleagues is that of holistic review/recruitment. Defined as “mission-aligned admissions or selection processes that take into consideration applicants’ experiences, attributes, and academic metrics as well as the value an applicant would contribute to learning, practice, and teaching,” holistic review offers a model which includes valuing the lived experiences of the whole applicant and placing less emphasis on traditionally promoted metrics like test scores and leadership roles. Multiple medical specialties have implemented holistic review and demonstrated improvement with regard to the diversity of their clinical trainee classes. We will present a summary of holistic recruitment, data supporting outcomes, and practical steps for its application. |
| 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM → CE Workshops (1 CE each) |
10. American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) Maintenance of Certification (MOC): An Updated Review of Process and ProceduresClemente Vega, PsyD, ABPP & Leslie Guidotti Breting, PhD, ABPPThis presentation provides an overview of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process. The presentation will provide a summary of ‘MOC basics,’ including MOC requirements and timelines for application submissions. A MOC application exercise (‘mock MOC’) will be presented to showcase the recently updated electronic MOC application and to illustrate the array of professional activities that an applicant may cite in support of the successful MOC application. A primary aim of the presentation is to emphasize that MOC is NOT a process of ABCN re-examination or completion of any formal testing, but rather a systematic process of documenting one’s routine professional activities in neuropsychology that have served to maintain competence over time. |
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM → Special Interest Lunch Meeting |
11. Pediatric Subspecialty Interest Group Meeting |
| 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
12. Promoting Successful Transition of Care Through Cognitive Remediation: Reflections and Insights Across Clinical and Research ApplicationsSusan M. Lee, PhD, ABPP, Donna Murdaugh, PhD, ABPP, & Julie A. Trapani, PhDTransition of care from pediatric to adult services requires a coordinated effort involving healthcare providers, patients, families, and support networks to ensure success. This workshop discusses factors, necessary skills, and challenges/barriers in transition of care. We describe a cognitive remediation program (C-READY) aimed at addressing challenges and building skills to support transition, emphasizing development/remediation of executive functioning and cognitive-behavioral skills, behavioral reinforcement, and techniques to foster supportive caregiver-youth collaboration toward age-appropriate independence. We will review existing research on efficacy and effectiveness in diverse medical/neurological groups. Potential systemic issues and practice challenges will be discussed, such as availability/accessibility of resources and consideration of culture, belief systems, and family system dynamics that impact expectations for independence and engagement in intervention. Finally, this workshop will share modifications for and application to specific medical-neurological and/or special populations, as well as potential program adaptations (e.g., telehealth, focused/targeted interventions, hospital versus other settings). |
13. Critical Review of Recently Published Studies Claiming Long-term Neurocognitive and Psychiatric Abnormalities in Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryKyle B. Boone, PhD, ABPP & Tara L. Victor, PhD, ABPPMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is accompanied by acute symptoms. However, systematic reviews, including seven meta-analyses from 1997 to 2011 (Binder et al., 1997; Belanger et al., 2005; Belanger & Vanderploeg, 2005; Frencham et al., 2005; Panayiotou et al., 2010; Rohling et al., 2011; Schretlen & Shapiro, 2003), regarding neurocognitive and psychiatric outcome from single-incident, uncomplicated (i.e., without neuroimaging abnormalities) mTBI have demonstrated a return to baseline by weeks to months post-injury. The current workshop will critique research studies published since the last meta-analysis in 2011 that have claimed to demonstrate long-term (i.e., >=12 months post-injury) neurocognitive and/or psychiatric abnormalities in adults after concussion. It will be demonstrated that using six methodological criteria essential for research investigating neurocognitive and psychiatric outcome from mTBI, none of the studies are scientifically adequate. Therefore, the original meta-analytic conclusions remain the most empirically-sound evidence informing current understanding of favorable outcomes following single-incident, uncomplicated mTBI. |
14. Preparing for the ABPP Board Certification Examination in Clinical Neuropsychology Part 1: Policies and ProceduresJulie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, Kathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPCertification 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. Practicing with Cultural Humility: Gender Affirmative NeuropsychologyEmily H. Trittschuh, PhD & Jae M. Purnell, PhDThis workshop will focus on methods for developing one’s affirmative neuropsychological practice. An aim will be to increase comfort with querying gender and selecting neuropsychological measures. The provision of culturally-humble neuropsychological services relies on an understanding of important psychosocial perspectives which include, but are not limited to, minority stress and resilience, as well as models of health disparity. While some topics might be applicable across the lifespan, this course will address neuropsychological care in adults only; it will not address the many special considerations that arise for children and adolescents who are transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse. It is hoped that participants will come ready for discussion and self-reflection during this workshop/interactive session. |
16. Fundamentals of Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical Features and Treatment From the Early-to-Late StagesMichele K. York, PhD, ABPP, Christina A. Palmese, PhD, ABPP, Kathryn A. Wyman Chick, PsyD, ABPP, & Elana Farace, PhDThis workshop is designed to provide the audience with a well-rounded view of the disease from early-to-late stage Parkinson’s disease, utilizing the most up-to-date research. We will cover fundamental basics for practitioners, including descriptors of behavioral observations, neuropsychological profiles, as well as common psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. The workshop will include practical information including possible modifications for neuropsychological assessments and critical components of pre-deep brain stimulation neuropsychological evaluations. The workshop will incorporate considerations for conducting cross-culturally sensitive evaluations for the growing diverse patient populations. Recommendations designed to support brain health and quality of life in this patient population will also be reviewed. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
17. Student and Training Director Hour (View Participating Sites) |
| 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM → Special Interest Group Meeting |
18. Forensic SIG - Mistakes Were Made: Lessons Learned from Failed Forensic Consultations |
| 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
19. AACN Scientfic Poster Session and Reception |
| Friday, June 7, 2024 |
| 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 DefenseJulie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, Kathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPCertification 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. |
21. Putting New Care Models into Action: Approaches to Implementation of Innovative Pediatric Neuropsychological Care ServicesElise M. Turner, PhD, ABPP, Stephany Cox, PhD, & Dawn Ilardi, PhD, ABPPThe scope of pediatric neuropsychological care is continually expanding to new medical populations and evolving based on the introduction of novel medical diagnostic tools and treatments. The ability to actively respond to these changing needs over time can be timely and resource-demanding for providers, which emphasizes the need for innovative care approaches that can be flexibly implemented and updated. While new tiered models of neuropsychological care have been introduced to support these efforts, available practical guidelines or real-world approaches for developing these services are limited. This workshop will highlight several perspectives for development of tiered care in clinical practice, including the use of 1) quality improvement methodology, 2) professional organization-based collaboratives, and 3) collaboration with community-based resources. We will also highlight opportunities to directly address pertinent diversity and equity issues in care with these approaches to program development, as well optimization of sustainable billing practices and training benefits. |
22. Forensic Neuropsychology: New Cases, Persistent Controversies, Legislative Developments, and an IOPC Task Force Update on Test Security/Third Party ObservationPaul M. Kaufmann, JD, PhD, ABPP & Kyle Boone, PhD, ABPPCourts rely on neuropsychologists for expert testimony about brain-behavior relations and mental state, in criminal, civil, administrative, probate and alternative dispute resolution cases. Growth in forensic consulting remains robust and sixty years of comparative case trends are reviewed and updated for 2024. This workshop presents recent legal cases, new legislation, and continuing controversies relevant to forensic consulting, that show how law impacts practice. Both favorable and damaging case law and legislation regarding test security, third party observers, and admissibility challenges are analyzed, including opposition to expert opinions about malingering in various jurisdictions. Discussion will focus on strategic preparation for multi–state practice when neuropsychologists assume forensic roles and consult with attorneys. Updates from the IOPC Task Force on Test Security and Third–Party Observers are presented, including our collaboration with the APA Ethics Committee on imminent reforms. Participants will learn how to weigh legal authority in ethical decision–making, when considering practice guidelines. Ethics training is a central component of this Workshop. As such, this Workshop presents evidentiary material from actual legal cases illustrating the application of the APA Ethics Code to dilemmas arising in forensic consultation in a manner consistent with Relevance 2050 educational goal guidelines. |
23. Adult Neuropsychological Evaluation of Long COVID-19: Cognitive, Psychological, and Performance Validity ConsiderationsDouglas M. Whiteside, PhD, ABPP, Michael R. Basso, PhD, ABPP, & Ciaran Considine, PhD, ABPPCOVID-19 has rapidly emerged as a significant clinical and public health concern and although the pandemic has diminished, increased demand for neuropsychological consultation persists, particularly for individuals presenting with Long COVID. However, existing research literature has yielded contradictory findings with some studies purporting to find significant cognitive issues but others not, likely related to research methodology issues. This presentation will examine the existing research literature and illustrative case examples to analyze the cognitive, psychological, and performance validity issues associated with Long COVID in adults, using this data to provide clinicians guidance on conducting effective neuropsychological evaluations. Additionally, related issues of health disparities, psychosocial consequences of the pandemic on children, and medicolegal issues will be addressed. The presentation will provide specific guidance to clinical neuropsychologists based on the best empirical evidence to date and recommendations for future research will be discussed. |
24. Responsibly Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Enhance the Practice of Clinical NeuropsychologyJonathan DeRight, PhD, ABPPConcerns about the implications of AI in neuropsychology have often been discussed, but the potential benefits seem to have been explored with less fervor. The focus of this workshop will be to explain what AI is (and what it is not), how to effectively use search terms in AI to complete an objective, and ways in which AI can be used to enhance feedback and report preparation. Workshop attendees will learn how content in AI is generated and ways in which this content can be curated to numerous settings and needs. Suggestions for the types of questions to ask in order to generate useful responses will be provided along with examples of misinformation or potential misuse of AI. Finally, workshop attendees will gain an understanding of what AI currently "knows" about the field and ways in which we need to adapt to the newly-minted landscape of the AI-equipped world. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM PM → CE Workshops (1.5 CE each) |
25. What Does Every Neuropsychologist Need to Know About Lecanemab?Kevin Duff, PhD, ABPPWith the approval of disease-modifying agents for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), like lecanemab, the number of patients wanting a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or AD is likely to rapidly increase. This will strain many aspects of current healthcare systems, including neuropsychology. This presentation will address some of the unique challenges that clinical neuropsychologists are expected to face in the coming years due to this development. Based on the findings of the primary study of lecanemab, should I be recommending it to patients and their families? If I am recommending it, then what criteria should I be using to identify MCI and AD-dementia that would be appropriate for this intervention? When evaluating patients from diverse backgrounds, are there special considerations in the evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendations for these patients? How do I keep up with the demand? |
| 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM |
26. SAC Workshop II: TCN/CNY Paper Competition Winners and JeopardyIn this second session of the Student Series hosted by the Student Affairs Committee of the AACN, winners of the TCN and CNY Paper Competition will present their winning papers. In the remaining time, we will play a friendly game of Neuropsychology Jeopardy. |
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
27. AACN Town Hall Meeting |
| 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 FindingJulie A. Bobholz, PhD, ABPP, Kathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP, & David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPPCertification 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 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. The Impact of COVID-19 on Children: Pediatric Neuropsychological Considerations in Severe Acute Illness and Long COVIDChristine Koterba, PhD, ABPP, Kristen R. Hoskinson, PhD, Gray Vargas, PhD, ABPP, & Rowena Ng, PhD, ABPPOver 15 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, but less is known about the cognitive and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 in children than adults. Fortunately, children generally experience a milder infection course and recover well. However, a sizable minority of children can become very ill with an acute infection or go on to develop “pediatric long COVID”, which can include physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral difficulties. Pediatric neuropsychologists are uniquely positioned to support youth impacted by both severe COVID-19 infection and pediatric long COVID. Our role can include consultation with patients and families and, when necessary, neurocognitive assessment in which we can provide recommendations for appropriate supports and treatment at home, school, and in the community. This workshop will provide an overview of pediatric COVID-19 through a review of research to-date, neuropsychological data from a COVID-19 clinic sample, clinical case examples, and practice recommendations. |
30. Factitious: Human Deception, not DisorderMichael D. Chafetz, PhD, ABPP & Paige Haley, PsyDThe DSM-5 Handbook (First, 2014) warned practitioners to rule out Malingering [MAL] and Factitious Disorder [FD] to make an accurate psychiatric diagnosis, but FD continued to be listed (DSM-5-TR) under somatic disorders. Both MAL and FD involve deception of others, compared to self-deception of somatoform disorders (Boone, 2007). Early descriptions of MAL are similar to current descriptions of FD. Initially, MAL was thought to be rare; had to be observed surreptitiously; personality was important; and inside knowledge (e.g., medical) was crucial. With Slick et al. (1999) guidelines, MAL evolved as a predictive science, but FD stayed an observational science. Our goal in The Other Face of Illness Deception (Chafetz et al., 2020) was to put FD on the same plane as MAL, with probabilistic criteria for better research/prediction. This workshop describes an update of criteria for FD similar to Sherman et al. (2020), with more rigor for determination and classification. |
31. Evidence-Based Assessment of Learning Disabilities and ADHD in Older Adolescents and AdultsRobert L. Mapou, PhD, ABPPThis workshop is an updated version of the presenter’s previous workshops and will cover assessment of learning disabilities (LDs) and ADHD in older adolescents and adults from an evidence-based perspective. It will include case vignettes and, as time allows, detailed case examples. |
32. Technology and Innovation in Neuropsychological Teaching, Testing and Treatment: Practical Solutions for Practitioners and EducatorsRobert M. Bilder, PhD, ABPP, Jared F. Benge, PhD, ABPP, Alexandra Davis, PsyD, ABPP, Brittany Wolff, PhD, & Sophie Leib, PhDIncorporating novel technologies into practice is essential to ensure that clinical neuropsychology remains relevant in the modern healthcare arena. This workshop from the AACN Disruptive Technology Initiative offers pragmatic recommendations for practitioners and educators to learn about and apply these innovations. Topics include: 1) Teaching: overview of the newly proposed technology and innovation competency, to help practitioners and educators develop functional skills; 2) Testing: how to integrate computerized and web-based methods using adaptive algorithms, ecological momentary assessment, active and passive sensing to enhance history-taking, acquisition of self report data including common data elements, psychometric assessments, scoring, interpretation, reporting, and sharing of test results in everyday practice; 3) Treatment: review of practices for prompting, monitoring and implementing intervention adherence using technology, including methods to facilitate and enhance dynamic feedback and personalized adaptive treatments. Attendees will receive practical tools and readings to integrate technology and innovation into current practice and training settings. |
| 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
33. Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award Presentation |
| 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
34. Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award Reception |
| Saturday, June 8, 2024 |
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM → CE Workshops (3 CE each) |
35. Culturally Informed Concussion Care: Ethical Considerations and Clinical Insights from a Southwestern Hispanic/Bilingual PopulationCynthia A. Austin, PhD, ABPP & Laura K. Winstone-Weide, PhDDespite advances in pediatric concussion care, the increasing demographic diversity in the United States (US) is not well represented in the current concussion literature. The Hispanic population recently reached 30-40% in the Southwestern US, yet clinical outcomes and research findings with historically underrepresented populations remain limited. The goal of this workshop is to examine patient outcomes, mental health factors, and culturally informed assessment measures in a Hispanic and/or Spanish/English bilingual patient population drawn from a multidisciplinary pediatric concussion clinic in the Southwestern US. Insights for both monolingual English and Spanish/English bilingual neuropsychologists will include test options, informed history taking, and treatment planning in the context of targeted, brief concussion evaluations. Performance validity measures, symptom reporting, and access to care for this diverse patient group will be reviewed. We conclude with dialogue about ethical considerations, ongoing challenges and continued room for improvement in serving this diverse patient population. |
36. Providing Engaging, Understandable, and Compelling Expert Witness Testimony: Preparing for the Difficult Yet Rewarding Work of Forensic NeuropsychologyNancy Hebben, PhD, ABPP & Elizabeth Leritz, PhD, ABPPHow can we as neuropsychologists learn to step outside of our traditional academic ways of communicating to effectively provide expert witness testimony? This workshop will familiarize attendees with the concept of “disruptive shifts,” which are the bases from which neuropsychological experts can develop credible and masterful testimony. This includes shifting from the academic teaching mindset to one that is more juror-focused and uses relational communication, using clear, jargon-free language, and establishing person-centered credibility. Participants will learn skills in communicating effectively with courtroom stakeholders, creating vivid metaphors and accessible visuals, and outlining characteristics that define a credible expert witness. The presenters will share real life deposition and testimony examples that highlight effective testimony as well as potential pitfalls. They will also share strategies for preparation and pre-trial interactions with attorneys. This workshop will help prepare attendees for the intellectually rewarding work of serving as an expert neuropsychologist. |
37. Best Practices and Practical Guidance for Survey Research in NeuropsychologyDouglas M. Whiteside, PhD, ABPP, Bernice A. Marcopulos, PhD, ABPP, Scott A. Sperling, PsyD, ABPP, & Leslie Guidotti Breting, PhD, ABPPResearch using survey methods has increased substantially in neuropsychology journals, but the methodological sophistication varies considerably, and many researchers are unfamiliar with best practices in survey research. The panel will focus on how to construct and implement high-quality survey research to benefit the field. Dr. Whiteside will provide an overview of the pertinent issues and the need for rigorous methodology in survey research. Dr. Sperling will examine common methodological, conceptual, and pragmatic issues in survey research from the editorial and reviewer perspectives. Then Dr. Marcopulos will discuss best practices in survey research as applied to neuropsychology. Finally, Dr. Guidotti Breting and Dr. Whiteside will use recent Student Affairs Committee survey research to illustrate challenges encountered doing survey research, lessons learned along the way, and the application of best practices to improve subsequent surveys and increase the chances for acceptance in peer-reviewed neuropsychology journals. |
38. Hydrocephalus: A Lifespan DisorderCynthia A. Smith Seidel, PhD, ABPP, T. Andrew Zabel, PhD, ABPP, Nickolas A. Dasher, PhD, ABPP, & Ramin Eskandari, MS, MDHydrocephalus is a lifespan neurological disorder which requires an integrative team of neuropsychologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and other allied health professionals. All patients living with hydrocephalus, regardless of the etiology, benefit from the services of neuropsychologists. Unfortunately, at the present time there is a paucity of neuropsychologists familiar with this lifespan disorder. The objective of this presentation is to provide education to neuropsychologists who 1) may encounter patients with hydrocephalus in their clinical practices or 2) may be interested in expanding their practices to include patients with hydrocephalus. Specifically, we intend to provide up-to-date information on hydrocephalus (i.e., cognitive profiles, neuroanatomy, functional challenges, and affective pathology), discuss common referral questions/issues, and share related evaluation approaches/resources. The presentation will include three sections focused upon hydrocephalus as it presents in infant/childhood, adult, and geriatric patients. This presentation is supported by the Hydrocephalus Association. |
39. Neuropsychology-Related Health Disparities in Diverse US populations: Practical Steps ForwardApril Thames, PhD, Shawn McClintock, PhD, & Paola Suarez, PhDOver the years, clinical neuropsychology services have been considered “boutique” given disparities in access to these services. Even for those with access, the process of getting a referral, obtaining insurance authorization, and scheduling with the provider is no easy feat. Most of us [neuropsychologists] have been trained under a model that is largely devoid of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. Closest to the consideration of DEI is the subspeciality of “cultural neuropsychology” which borne out of a need to bring awareness to the impact of culturally-relevant variables on neuropsychological performance. However, much expansion is still needed. The proposed workshop will bring together scientific innovative approaches to the practice of neuropsychology-related health disparities with emphasis of translating knowledge to skills and enhancing one's own self-knowledge to optimize access to care. |
