AAPdN upcoming events

The ESB: Directly Assessing Social Communication to Support Early Autism Identification (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Speaker: Molly Ware, M.Ed, Ed.S

2 CEs Available

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Abstract:

A substantial proportion of young children presenting with language concerns have underlying social communication difficulties which are predictive of later autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, yet often miss the window for early, targeted intervention. The Early Sociocognitive Battery (ESB) is an innovative, non-verbal assessment tool that provides a systematic and objective measure of key sociocognitive skills—Social Responsiveness, Joint Attention, and Symbolic Comprehension. This session will bridge the gap between testing and the real world by demonstrating a functional, systematic and play-based model for using ESB results to inform decision-making with respect to interventions.

First, we will review the predictive validity of the ESB, particularly its strong sensitivity for identifying children who receive a social communication or ASD diagnosis years later, regardless of language background or socioeconomic status. Second, we will introduce a framework for identifying deficits in specific sociocognitive subtests (e.g., Joint Attention) and their relationship with Early Intervention (EI) and Special Education Programs eligibility frameworks.

Participants will gain proficiency in using this psychometrically robust battery to guide immediate intervention decisions, foster essential multidisciplinary collaboration, and promote greater equity and access to early services by addressing the gap in evidence-based quantitative measures specific to social communication.

Objectives:

1. Assess performance patterns from videos on the three ESB subtests (Social Responsiveness, Joint Attention, and Symbolic Comprehension) to raw scores and normative scores using the provided scoring system.

2. Compare the ESB’s test design with eligibility frameworks to inform evidence-based decision making.

3. Analyze the ESB’s culturally neutral design and predictive validity to demonstrate how this tool can improve equity and access to early identification and sustainable support for children from diverse language backgrounds.

About Molly Ware:

Molly Ware, M.Ed., Ed.S., is an Assessment Consultant for Hogrefe Publishing, drawing on over ten years of experience as a practicing School Psychologist. During her public-school career, Molly engaged in systemic improvements, developing and advocating for local policies in MTSS, Threat Assessment, and Inclusive Disability Classifications. Molly currently consults with psychologists, presents at national and state conferences, and ensures newly developed assessment tools at Hogrefe align with the real-world needs of practitioners.

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!

Identification and Treatment of Persisting Symptoms After Concussion (PSaC) (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Speaker: Nathan Ramirez, PsyD

3 CEs Available

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Abstract:

Persisting symptoms after concussion present significant challenges for patients and clinicians, often involving physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. This workshop will review current evidence on risk factors, differential diagnosis, and assessment strategies for prolonged recovery. Emphasis will be placed on distinguishing concussion-related symptoms from overlapping conditions and applying individualized, multidisciplinary and multimodal management approaches. Through case discussion and practical guidance, participants will gain tools to better identify and address persisting symptoms, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and supporting safe return to daily activities.

Objectives:

Recognize the common clinical features and biopsychosocial risk factors associated with persisting symptoms after concussion.
Differentiate between concussion-related symptoms and overlapping conditions such as functional neurological disorder, mood, or sleep disturbances.
Apply evidence-based assessment strategies to identify contributing factors to prolonged recovery, as well as active, targeted multidomain clinical interventions.

About Dr. Ramirez:

Nathan R. Ramirez, PsyD completed his undergraduate training at California State University, Fresno majoring in psychology prior to completing his doctoral training in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. He then went on to complete his post-doctoral fellowship specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sport-related and non-sport-related concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

Currently, he operates as a clinical neuropsychologist at the Aptiva Health Concussion & Sports Medicine Institute in Louisville and Lexington, KY where he engages in the clinical treatment of concussion. His research primarily focuses on active and targeted treatment interventions, as well as long-term psychological outcomes following concussion/mTBI.

*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!

Reframing Practices for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (7 Aug 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Speakers: Laurel Snider, PhD., Devadrita Talapatra, PhD

3 CEs Available

Level of Activity: Introductory

Abstract:

Psychoeducational assessment practice frequently focuses on the technical aspects associated with assessing, identifying, and treating intellectual disability. Consequently, we are trained to emphasize intellectual disability as pathology and discount the experiences of children and families. In our practice, this impacts how we conceptualize an assessment battery, consult with other clinicians, consult with educators, construct report recommendations, and frame feedback to parents. This webinar will prepare participants to critically consider our discourse about students with intellectual disability and engage in assessment, report writing, and feedback that centers client capacity rather than deficits.

Objectives:

Critically analyze how psychology frames and describes intellectual disability and explore alternative models for conceptualizing disability identity.
Brainstorm how our beliefs and expectations for children with intellectual disability may inform our evaluation, report-writing, recommendations, and partnership with families.
Generate professional strategies that uplift the experiences, goals, and self-determination of clients with intellectual disability.

About Dr. Snider:

Laurel A. Snider, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the School Psychology program at the University of Alabama, where she teaches coursework on assessment and diagnosis. Dr. Snider’s research focuses on how family-school partnerships can be leveraged to support the well-being of students with disabilities, particularly intellectual disability.

About Dr. Talapatra:

Devadrita Talapatra is an Associate Professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of Denver. She has two research foci: (1) increasing capacity of school psychologists to promote educational and societal access for youth with intellectual disability (ID); and (2)

exploring research and practice frameworks that support school psychology identity and pedagogy. In 2025, she was awarded the National Association of School Psychologists' Presidential Award in recognition for her exceptional service to children and school psychology and work in Disability Justice. She is the former Chair of the NASP Accessibility Task Force and the current President of the Trainers of School Psychologists and Co-Editor-in-Chief of School Psychology Training and Pedagogy.

*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!

Fall Symposium on Pediatric Forensic Neuropsychology: Where Development Meets the Law (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

General Sessions: (13 CEs)

(subject to change)

Friday, September 25th, 2026 - Saturday, September 26th, 2026

Featuring speakers...

Cecil Reynolds, Ph.D.

Robert McCaffrey, Ph.D., ABN, ABPdN

Robert Leark, Ph.D., ABPP, ABCN

Gesenia Sloan-Pena, Psy.D.

Peter Dodzik, Psy.D., ABN, ABPdN

Judy Ho, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN

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.

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.

Virtual 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 (September 15th). If you do not receive your Zoom link within a week of the conference, please email us at aapdnoffice@gmail.com. Thank you!

Our on-site sessions will be located at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Anaheim (2400 E Katella Ave # 1200, Anaheim, CA 92806) in rooms 1283 and 1285. Please note that there will be limited in-person availability. If you are interested in attending in-person and maximum capacity has been reached, you will have the option to join the waitlist and be notified if a spot opens up.

*Event Cancellation Policy*

Cancellations must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 30 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!