Differentiating Second Language Learning from Reading Disorders: Educational and Clinical Approaches for Pediatric Neuropsychologists

Speaker: Monica Oganes, Ph.D.

3 CEs Available

Due to the dynamic nature of this workshop, we will not be recording it for home study. After the workshop, we will email the handout to all attendees.

Participants will explore how to integrate both DSM-5-TR and IDEA criteria in evaluations and will gain tools for assessing language proficiency and dominance to support appropriate test selection and interpretation. This session will also address how differences in access to effective instruction, language support, and referral practices may lead to the misidentification of learning disorders in multilingual children. In addition, the potential impact of their background history and immigration experiences will be considered, particularly how it may affect language development, attention, and academic performance. By understanding and addressing these factors, pediatric neuropsychologists can enhance the accuracy of their evaluations and provide recommendations that reflect each child’s unique cultural, linguistic, and educational experiences.

Objectives:

1. Describe key patterns in second language acquisition and reading development in multilingual children.
   
2. Identify how orthographic and instructional factors impact reading outcomes.
   
3. Apply DSM-5-TR and IDEA criteria to distinguish second language learning from reading disorders.
   
4. Identify relevant background and contextual history in the evaluation of reading difficulties.
   
5. Assess language proficiency and dominance to inform test selection and interpretation.

ABOUT DR. OGANES:

Dr. Monica Oganes has an education specialist degree in school psychology and a clinical psychology degree with a neuropsychology concentration. She worked as bilingual school psychologist in the public schools for a decade, where she served as Multitiered-Systems of Support and assessment trainer serving the multilingual population. She also worked in hospital settings providing pediatric neuropsychological assessment and cognitive rehabilitation of multilingual children. In leadership, she served as President, Diversity Chair, and School Neuropsychology Chair of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, and as the Latino Co-Chair of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Multicultural Affairs Committee. She currently serves as Florida Delegate for NASP and Team Leader for the Multilingual Interest Group, providing monthly training on multilingual issues.

Dr. Oganes is clinical director in her Florida private practice offices in Miami and Orlando. She provides training to educational institutions, associations, and international organizations focusing on instruction and assessment of multilingual learners. She has expertise on trauma and immigration in her forensic work. Dr. Oganes has authored book chapters on school neuropsychological assessment, working with immigrant children and families, and other publications focused on multilingual and multicultural issues.