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• Contextual Considerations for the Neuropsychological Assessment of Pediatric mTBI

  • When
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Remote

  Register

  Presenters: Grace Mucci, Ph.D., M.S., ABPdN, ABPP and Abigail Strawn, B.S.

  1 CE Available

  Article Link

  Abstract:

  Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, is a common injury in the pediatric population. In 2014, children aged 0 to 19 made up 32% (812,000) of the 2.5 million TBI-related emergency department visits in the United States, which does not reflect the much higher number of children with a brain injury who do not present to medical centers (Black & Zablotsky, 2021). Similar to psychiatric diagnoses, a diagnosis of mTBI/concussion is made using clinical features and symptoms that are classified under cognitive, affective, and somatic domains, with none of the symptoms pathognomonic for TBI. Symptoms secondary to a mTBI are time limited and show a typical trajectory, and in a majority of cases, lead to full resolution. When this expected pattern is not observed, contributing comorbid and premorbid factors need to be considered for a thorough understanding of etiology. Accurate psychoeducation and prompt intervention, which begin with early screening (e.g., vulnerabilities, comorbidities, risk factors), are needed to empower the systems that support a child. Although comorbid factors are many and a thorough review is outside the scope of this case series, the three cases presented represent a common constellation of factors (e.g., neurodevelopmental, environmental, and adverse/traumatic experiences) that interplay with contextual factors in a diagnostic workup and treatment planning. This case series will also present relevant literature to briefly introduce various social and cognitive outcomes following mTBI relative to more severe injuries, define aspects that differentiate mTBI from more severe injuries, and discuss the influence of environment and other contextual factors across the severity spectrum.

  Level of Activity: Intermediate

  Objectives:

  1) Describe 3 pre-morbid conditions that complicate mTBI recovery.

  2) List 2 environmental factors that contribute to recovery of mTBI.

  3) Define the role of the pediatric neuropsychologist in the assessment of mTBI.

  Grace Mucci, Ph.D., M.S., ABPdN, ABPP Bio: 
  

  Dr. Mucci has over 30 years’ experience in the assessment and treatment of children with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions. She is currently a Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Anaheim Campus and is Visiting Scientist at CHOC Children’s Hospital. She is also on medical staff at CHOC where she worked for over 20 years as a pediatric neuropsychologist. Dr. Mucci is the Principal Investigator of FIT Brain, a Neurocognitive Remediation Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors, and has been involved in research involving the neurocognitive effects of epilepsy, as well as other chronic conditions that affect the central nervous system. Dr. Mucci also maintains a private practice with offices in Long Beach and Newport Beach.

  Dr. Mucci received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Bay Area, and completed a post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. She completed an APA-Accredited internship at CHOC Children’s Hospital, with post-doctoral training in neuropsychology at CHOC and the Neurobehavioral Clinic and Counseling Center in Mission Viejo, California. Dr. Mucci is Board Certified in Pediatric Neuropsychology and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology, where she is currently serving as Executive Director.

  Abigail Strawn, B.S. Bio:

  Abigail is a recent graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where she graduated in three years with a major in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a Minor in Applied Psychology. While at UCSB, she was a member of the varsity rowing team and was involved in psychological organizations, such as Psi Chi and the Society of Undergraduate Psychologists. She currently works as a behavioral technician at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, where she provides ABA Therapy for children on the Autism spectrum in school, clinic, and home settings. She also works with the Global Intern Collaborative, where she helps set up AAPdN’s monthly virtual workshops.

  
  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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• Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI) for Autism and Related Neurological Correlates

  • When
    20 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Remote

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  Speaker: Jonine Nazar-Biesman, Psy.D., ABPdN and Diane Cullinane, M.D.

  2 CEs Available

  Level of Activity: Intermediate

  Abstract:

  Developmental Relationship Based Interventions (DRBI) have emerged amidst decades of research as evidence-based approaches for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. While ABA had been the "gold standard" for many years; more recently, DRBI has been recognized in well-regarded journals as being efficacious, in California legislation as outlined in SB805, as well as being emphasized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in its recent policy statement (Expanding Access to Care for the Autism Community). In the current presentation, the research base and core foundations for DRBI will be shared as well as the central concepts of innate motivation for social engagement and learning; the importance of supporting parent- child and other relationships; and the neurology of innate motivation in both typical development and in ASD. The affective, motor, and sensory processing vulnerabilities underlying ASD and subsequent challenges with social connection are shown to be supported by helping those with ASD and their caregivers to lean into relationships, to intimately understand individual differences, and to subsequently establish meaningful progress through responsive and attuned connection. Conceptualizations that those with ASD lack innate motivation are challenged, as well as sole reliance on external motivators.

  Objectives:

  1. Describe the key features of DRBI.

  2. Discuss the role of innate motivation in DRBI.

  3. Compare and contrast DRBI and Behavioral approaches.

  4. Summarize the evidence of effectiveness of DRBI.

  5. Identify the neuroscience regarding individual differences and innate motivation.

  About Dr. Nazar-Biesman:

  Dr. Jonine Nazar-Biesman is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist who has worked in a multitude of clinical settings over the past 25 years including hospitals, community mental health centers, residential treatment centers, therapeutic agencies, schools, group homes, and private practice.
  

  As part of her daily work, Dr. Nazar-Biesman specializes in assessing and treating children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, ADHD, and learning differences; genetic disorders; traumatic brain injuries; cerebral palsy; concussion; social-emotional; behavioral; and educational challenges. She treats a range of core challenges including trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, dual diagnosis, digital detoxification and balance, loss, and divorce. Complex cases are common in her practice and artfully navigated to include strategic treatment planning and therapeutic collaboration as well as school and home observations as needed.

  Dr. Nazar-Biesman is a skilled therapist, parent coach, and family systems interventionist. Additionally, she offers neurodevelopmental assessments and formulates treatment plans and early intervention programs for children ages 0-5. She holds an advanced certification in DIR/ Floortime and conducts play therapy with children specifically using DRBI approaches.

  Dr. Nazar-Biesman provides forensic neuropsychological evaluations and expert testimony involving cases for those who have suffered a birth injury, traumatic brain injury, abuse, and/or concussion as examples. She has served as a Qualified Medical Expert for the Social Security Administration and has conducted Independent Medical Evaluations for adults seeking disability benefits.

  Training, consultation, and program development have been a longstanding component of Dr. Nazar-Biesman’s practice. She supervises graduate students in post-doctoral positions, provides guidance regarding educational placement, and attends IEP meetings and due process hearings as required. She developed a High School and College Mentor program to train selected students in working with and coaching children in social interactions in their natural environments. She has lectured and consulted on a variety of child development, brain functioning, and parenting issues at various conferences. Lastly, Dr. Nazar-Biesman is a Chief Scientist for Thrively, a strength-based learning platform dedicated to the development of the whole child.

  Most recently, Dr. Nazar-Biesman has joined with Dr. Neiman-Kimel under the umbrella of Brain Matters employing a unique "brain print" approach to all assessment and therapy cases.

  

  About Dr. Cullinane:

  Dr. Diane Cullinane is a developmental pediatrician with a specialization in autism. She has worked in various settings including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, LA Unified School District, Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center, managed health care, and private practice. She then was co-founder of a nonprofit multi-disciplinary clinic, Professional Child Development Associates, and was executive director there for 23 years. Dr. Cullinane is an expert in DIRFloortime, a developmental relationship-based form of intervention. She is the author of the book, Behavioral Challenges in children with Autism, the developmental approach. Although she is now retired, she continues to work on advocacy for legislation supporting services for children with autism, as well as teaching, writing and consulting.

  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
  

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  *Event Cancellation Policy*

  Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

  Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

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• 2026 Virtual Pre-Conference Registration

  • When
    23 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual Zoom Event

  Register

  
  

  Schedule: 

  Morning Session: 9:00AM - 12:00PM PST (3 CEs)

  Grand Rounds: 1:00-4:00PM PST (3 CEs)

  6 CEs Available

  
  

  Morning Session: 

  9:00AM - 12:00PM PST (3 CEs)

  Beyond the Clipboard: Digital D-KEFS Advanced in Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment

  Speaker: Dr. Dean Delis 

  3 CEs Available

  Level of Activity: Intermediate

  Abstract:

  Most revisions of established tests--such as the Wechsler scales--offer both a print version and a digital-assist format (e.g., via Q-interactive). For the D-KEFS, we chose a different path: the D-KEFS Advanced is entirely digital, administered and scored exclusively on iPads. Without the need to produce equivalent print versions, we had the freedom to fully leverage the processing power of digital devices to create more complex, dynamic measures of multitasking and other executive functions and to automatically capture and score a wealth of new process scores for each test. This undertaking, however, proved far more complex than anticipated, with significant mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. In this workshop, I will describe these obstacles, our attempts to overcome them, and the solutions we ultimately developed. I will also demonstrate the new tests, explain the rationale for the numerous new process scores that could only be captured on digital devices, and present evidence of their clinical severity (effect sizes) in three child clinical groups, including ADHD, ASD, and Specific Learning Disorder-Math Impairment. I will also explain how the new D-KEFS Advanced does not replace the original D-KEFS but compliments it, with both batteries available for use and serving different purposes. By sharing out setbacks and mistakes made in developing the D-KEFS Advanced, I hope to provide insights that will assist future test developers and help the field of neuropsychology keep pace with other disciplines, such as neuroradiology, in embracing the digital revolution.  

  Objectives: 

  1. Identify mistakes made and lessons learned when developing fully digital tests to ensure test integrity.

  2. Analyze the process of designing digital tests while measuring and applying past principles of brain-behavior relationships.

  3. Compile process scores to better understand executive function deficits. 

  4. Explain the clinical sensitivity of the new D-KEFS Advanced tests in various child clinical groups and apply them to real-life situations.

  About Dr. Delis: 

  Dean C. Delis, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, where he has been a professor since 1985. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and board certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. For over 25 years, he served as co-director of training in neuropsychology in the joint doctoral program in clinical psychology at UCSD and San Diego State University, and director of the Psychological Assessment Unit at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He has published over 200 research articles, book chapters, and books on cognitive sequelae of various neurological and psychiatric disorders in children and adults, and he has served on the editorial boards of several journals in neuropsychology. Dr. Delis is also the lead author of several neuropsychological tests that are used nationally, including the California Verbal Learning Test - 3 (CVLT-3); CVLT - Children's Version; Delis Rating of Executive Functions – Children and Adult versions (D-REF); Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS); and the new D-KEFS – Advanced.

  

  
  

  Afternoon Session: 

  1:00PM - 4:00PM PST (3 CEs)

  Grand Rounds Case Presentations: Chronic Pediatric Illness: Executive Functions and Other Neuropsychological Consequences and Considerations

  We are spotlighting cases that demonstrate the impact of chronic illness and disease on cognitive, social, and emotional functioning on children and adolescents. We seek to deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between chronic health conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as leukemia, brain tumors, epilepsy, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurofibromatosis, meningitis and encephalitis, genetic and metabolic disorders, and their impact on neurodevelopment, cognitive performance, and social-emotional functioning.

  
  

  You must attend the live, interactive workshop in order to receive CE credits. If you cannot attend during the scheduled time but would like to receive CE credits, you would need to wait until the workshop is uploaded through the Home Study program. This is a separate product from your registration fee.

  
  

  Visit the 2026 Pre-Conference page for more details here. 

  **Please note that the AAPdN 12th Annual Conference from April 24 to 26, 2026 is a separate event and WILL NOT be included in your Pre-Conference registration fee. To register for the Conference click here. 

  
  

  All registrants will be receiving an invitation to join the Zoom Events platform so that you have access to the handouts, exhibit booths, and sponsor information. You will receive an email from Zoom Events with your join link 10 days before the event begins (April 14th). If you do not receive your Zoom link within a week of the conference, please email us at conference@theaapdn.org Thank you! 

  
  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  
  

  *Event Cancellation Policy*

  Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

  Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event! 

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• 2026 12th Annual Virtual Conference Registration

  • Start
    24 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Location
    Virtual Zoom Event

  Register

                               

  
  

  General Sessions: (21 CEs)

  (subject to change)

  Friday, April 24th, 2026

  • Dr. Mary Ann Scott, Ph.D., ABPdN - "When Development Takes a Detour: Understanding Neuropsychological Trajectories and Evidence-Based Intervention in Neural Tube and Related Disorders"
  • Dr. Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., ABPdN - "Harnessing Early-Life Plasticity: Implications for Intervention in Pediatric Neuropsychology"
  • Dr. Krista Brittain, Psy.D. - "From Scores to Systems: Integrating a Family Systems Approach into Child
    and Adolescent Assessment"

  Saturday, April 25th, 2026

  • Dr. Alison Wilkinson-Smith, Ph.D., ABPP-CN - "Integrating Therapeutic Assessment with Neuropsychological and Cognitive Testing: Navigating Dynamic Tensions in Child and Adolescent Evaluations"
  • Dr. Gesenia Sloan-Pena, Psy.D. - "Executive Function in Action: Integrating Tests and Rating Scales
    to Inform Function Recommendations" 
  • Dr. Briana Calcagno-Davi, Psy.D. and Dr. Jessie Beshara, Psy.D., CBIS - "Pediatric Diabetes: Understanding the Disease, the Neuropsychological Sequela, and Supporting Successful
    Management and Transitions"

  Sunday, April 26th, 2026

  • Dr. Rebecca Lyren, Ph.D. and Kristin Dell'Armo, Ph.D. - "Ethical Considerations for Including People
    with IDD in Decision-making"
  • Dr. Whitney Graff, Psy.D., ABPP - "When Test Data Come Alive: Integrating Context, Function, and Observation in Child Assessment" 
  • Dr. Stephanie Nelson, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN - "Climate, Context, and Cognition: Linking Environmental Change to Children's Daily Lives"

  
  

  Student Social Hour

  Virtual Poster Session

  ABPdN Board Prep

  
  

  Visit the 2026 Conference page for more details here. 

  **Please note that the Pre-Conference on April 23, 2026 is a separate event and WILL NOT be included in your Conference registration fee. To register for the Pre-Conference click here. 

  
  

  Conference Fees: 

  AAPdN Professional Member: $395 (Fellow, Member, Emeritus)

  Non-Member: $545

  Student Member: $125

  Student Non-Member: $175

  NEW Professional Member Bundle: $455 

  NEW Student Member Bundle: $145

  *These special bundles offer discounted pricing and include full registration for the 2026 AAPdN Conference plus membership for the 2026 calendar year. Please note that this special pricing is only available to NEW Professionals and NEW Students who have not had an existing membership with the AAPdN in the past. Proof
  of student status will be required. Please send an email to aapdnoffice@gmail.com with proof of transcript/
  class schedule to receive a code for this pricing.

  You must attend the live, interactive workshop in order to receive CE credits. If you cannot attend during the scheduled time but would like to receive CE credits, you would need to wait until the workshop is
  uploaded through the Home Study program. This is a separate product from your registration fee.

  
  

  All registrants will be receiving an invitation to join the Zoom Events platform so that you have access to
  the handouts, exhibit booths, and sponsor information. You will receive an email from Zoom Events with your
  join link 10 days before the event begins (April 14th). If you do not receive your Zoom link within a week of the conference, please email us at conference@theaapdn.org Thank you! 

  
  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program
  and its content.

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  
  

  *Event Cancellation Policy*

  Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

  Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event! 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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