Journal Club Events

Switch to Calendar View

• 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.

  Show details