Title
Going for Gold: Evidence-Based Standards for Childhood ADHD Assessment (1.5 CE/CPD)
Date/Time
(Wednesday), October 4, 2023, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CDT Click here to register.
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common of all childhood mental health concerns. It often precedes other types of mental health challenges, and so early identification offers an opportunity to prevent later concerns. Yet ADHD diagnosis remains controversial with both under- and over-diagnosis in different groups. Identifying ADHD can be complicated because many typically developing children experience occasional challenges with attention or impulse control, and the symptoms of ADHD overlap with other common childhood concerns. Finally, the exact presentation of ADHD may vary considerably across children and across development. This talk will address each of these challenges and provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing assessment of ADHD in childhood and adolescence.
Bio
Sarah Lyn Karalunas, PhD is an associate professor at Purdue University and a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her PhD in Child Clinical Psychology from Pennsylvania State University in 2011. Her research interests and clinical practice focus on behavioral, cognitive, and emotional assessment of children with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work emphasizes the unique individual differences between children, and she is passionate about ensuring that all children and families have access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health care that addresses their unique needs.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After this presentation, the learner will be able to:- Describe the core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as other common associated features and how these may differ between individuals.
- Discuss best practices for assessing ADHD, including ruling out other problems, adjusting procedures for younger children or adolescence, and considering contextual variation.
- Compare the roles of different types of measures in ADHD assessment (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, cognitive testing).