No earth shaking news in our field today (everyone is taking an extended Hanukkah or Christmas break I think) so I thought I would just put up some short news bites today.
In The Classroom
I saw a press release today for an interesting looking book that may be useful for schools to introduce into early classrooms or perhaps parents who wish to help their child be streamlined into the classroom could donate. "Why Is He Different" by Kristine Byrnside is a children's book that helps introduce cognitive and learning disabilities into the classroom. I can certainly see the benefit of this. CLICK HERE to read a synopsis and the general press release.
Environmental ADHD Links
Research on the environmental links to ADHD have been controversial but it is still worth keeping up to date on. CLICK HERE to read a synopsis of the latest study that showed a significant link with ADHD and perinatal exposure to smoking and led. It interests me that they frequently use the term " [causes] excess cases" of ADHD. A subtle statement but an important one. I have long felt that we are making a mistake trying to find a silver bullet approach to causal and assessment models for ADHD. There is loads of evidence that shows quite unique symptom profile patterns in ADHD kids. Why should we thus assume that because the outcome is the same (academic difficulties, etc) that the source of these attentional and executive deficits is the same?
An Encouraging Story
I also stumbled today across a short and encouraging story about a doctoral student and her late LD identification. It's always nice to hear about success. CLICK HERE for some feel good news!
Humour: Do I have Asperger's? Nope I'm just a jerk!
I found a satirical article today about people with attitude problems rejoicing in potential Asperger's diagnosis. It reminds me of when I used to work in Mental Health and how often we came across people with M.A.D. (Major A**hole Disorder) who had absolutely nothing wrong with them but a habitual desire to play the system for free drugs, food, and disabled status to get government checks. CLICK HERE but only if you have a sense of humour! (Note: The article does not make fun of actual disabled people in any way).
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Workshops: '07 Conference Updates
Learning Disability Association of Quebec - Annual Conference
The Learning Disability Association of Quebec's annual conference is being held this March from the 22nd to the 24th. Most LDA conference I have attended have been a bit of a snooze from an assessment perspective but this is usually due to the heavy (and appropriate) educator, parent, and advocacy framework that these conferences have been shaped by in the past. The LDAQ conference to my surprise has a bit more to it than those I have attended in the past. There is the standard remediation programming (which I recommend getting some exposure to for tightening up recommendations) but there is a very large ADHD push this year. Sessions cover a wide range of ADHD topics in both English and French. If your bilingual definitely take a look (though there is a full schedule of English workshops as well) by CLICKING HERE
LDAQ - March 22-24, 2007 - Montreal
16TH National Conference on Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada and Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Inc.
So after finding such an interesting LDAQ this year imagine my surprise that LDAC's has an interesting psychoeducational agenda as well. The full session breakdown has not yet been provided but many familiar names from the psychoed lecture circuit are making appearances in the Newfoundland '07 conference. Of particular interest is the keynote speaker Thomas E. Brown, PhD. Dr. Brown is the author of the Brown ADD scales and the author of the very worthwhile read Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults (I actually keep this book in my car ... does that make me a nerd?). Brown is one of the key players in the ADD/Executive-Functioning puzzle and is apparently a very engaging speaker. If you have attended the Barkley, Goldstein, and Conner's lectures in the past you will want to check Brown off your list as well (and he tends to be the hardest of the three to track down). You can find more information by CLICKING HERE
The Learning Disability Association of Quebec's annual conference is being held this March from the 22nd to the 24th. Most LDA conference I have attended have been a bit of a snooze from an assessment perspective but this is usually due to the heavy (and appropriate) educator, parent, and advocacy framework that these conferences have been shaped by in the past. The LDAQ conference to my surprise has a bit more to it than those I have attended in the past. There is the standard remediation programming (which I recommend getting some exposure to for tightening up recommendations) but there is a very large ADHD push this year. Sessions cover a wide range of ADHD topics in both English and French. If your bilingual definitely take a look (though there is a full schedule of English workshops as well) by CLICKING HERE
LDAQ - March 22-24, 2007 - Montreal
16TH National Conference on Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada and Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Inc.
So after finding such an interesting LDAQ this year imagine my surprise that LDAC's has an interesting psychoeducational agenda as well. The full session breakdown has not yet been provided but many familiar names from the psychoed lecture circuit are making appearances in the Newfoundland '07 conference. Of particular interest is the keynote speaker Thomas E. Brown, PhD. Dr. Brown is the author of the Brown ADD scales and the author of the very worthwhile read Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults (I actually keep this book in my car ... does that make me a nerd?). Brown is one of the key players in the ADD/Executive-Functioning puzzle and is apparently a very engaging speaker. If you have attended the Barkley, Goldstein, and Conner's lectures in the past you will want to check Brown off your list as well (and he tends to be the hardest of the three to track down). You can find more information by CLICKING HERE
ADHD Medication Frequently Discontinued: Lack of Education and Side-Effects Blamed (Study)
The current issue of the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing has an interesting study that explores why many children appear to discontinue use of prescribed ADHD medication and examines how an increased understanding of their medications could result in more stable use.
The article noted that the primary reported causes for discontinued use was not due to lack of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptom alleviation but rather due to "[s]ocial stigma and feeling lifeless and/or alienated from one’s peers..."
Poor Medical Education
Perhaps the most telling result from the research was that while ADHD symptoms were clearly a reflection of a chronic disorder, "none of the adolescents interviewed had received ongoing education about their condition". This lack of communication appeared to translate into appropriate medication usage and dosing as well, noting that as "college students, many used the medications irregularly, sometimes in doses exceeding the prescribed amount, and often at night – factors that may exacerbate the side effects"
The studies lead author, Julie B. Meaux, PhD, RNC, suggests that “dialogue between the child, parents and healthcare provider about the general effects, side effects and potential abuse of prescribed stimulant medications is essential,” adding “careful administration of dosages, based on input from the child, is exceedingly important.”
A brief abstract of the article can be found by CLICKING HERE.
The article noted that the primary reported causes for discontinued use was not due to lack of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptom alleviation but rather due to "[s]ocial stigma and feeling lifeless and/or alienated from one’s peers..."
Poor Medical Education
Perhaps the most telling result from the research was that while ADHD symptoms were clearly a reflection of a chronic disorder, "none of the adolescents interviewed had received ongoing education about their condition". This lack of communication appeared to translate into appropriate medication usage and dosing as well, noting that as "college students, many used the medications irregularly, sometimes in doses exceeding the prescribed amount, and often at night – factors that may exacerbate the side effects"
The studies lead author, Julie B. Meaux, PhD, RNC, suggests that “dialogue between the child, parents and healthcare provider about the general effects, side effects and potential abuse of prescribed stimulant medications is essential,” adding “careful administration of dosages, based on input from the child, is exceedingly important.”
A brief abstract of the article can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Upcoming Workshops: Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)
OPA's full conference listing is out and there is two school psych sessions for us this time around.
Jack Naglieri, PhD. (The nonverbal testing great) and Marie-Josee Gendron, PhD (Director of Research for PsychCorp Canada) will be presenting the session: "The Last Word in Non-Verbal Assessment of Ability: Introducing the Wechsler Nonverbal Scales of Ability"
I highly recommend this session. Not only is it a rare chance to hear from Jack Naglieri himself but the Wechsler Nonverbal is a great advancement in nonverbal measure of general ability (unlike many measures that tap nonverbal ability alone) and is really worth your time if you work with ESL, language disordered, or hearing impaired/deaf populations.
Peter Szatmari, MD of McMaster University is presenting on "Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Diagnosis to Intervention with School Age Children and Young Adults." I have not had an opportunity to meet or see a session by Dr. Szatmari in the past but I have heard very positive things about his workshops from several others in the field. I will certainly be checking out this session as well.
On the weekend following the OPA conference there is also a session I mentioned before on childhood bipolar disorder that you all may be interested in as well.
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Presentation Assessment Strategies and Treatment Planning with Dr. Eric Youngstrom on the week of February 19th.
Further information can be found in the previous entries.
More information on the February OPA workshops can be found by CLICKING HERE.
I will likely be on hand at the first two sessions (and possibly the third). If you attend please stop by the PsychCorp exhibit and say hello to me!
Jack Naglieri, PhD. (The nonverbal testing great) and Marie-Josee Gendron, PhD (Director of Research for PsychCorp Canada) will be presenting the session: "The Last Word in Non-Verbal Assessment of Ability: Introducing the Wechsler Nonverbal Scales of Ability"
I highly recommend this session. Not only is it a rare chance to hear from Jack Naglieri himself but the Wechsler Nonverbal is a great advancement in nonverbal measure of general ability (unlike many measures that tap nonverbal ability alone) and is really worth your time if you work with ESL, language disordered, or hearing impaired/deaf populations.
Peter Szatmari, MD of McMaster University is presenting on "Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Diagnosis to Intervention with School Age Children and Young Adults." I have not had an opportunity to meet or see a session by Dr. Szatmari in the past but I have heard very positive things about his workshops from several others in the field. I will certainly be checking out this session as well.
On the weekend following the OPA conference there is also a session I mentioned before on childhood bipolar disorder that you all may be interested in as well.
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Presentation Assessment Strategies and Treatment Planning with Dr. Eric Youngstrom on the week of February 19th.
Further information can be found in the previous entries.
More information on the February OPA workshops can be found by CLICKING HERE.
I will likely be on hand at the first two sessions (and possibly the third). If you attend please stop by the PsychCorp exhibit and say hello to me!
Non-Quebec Francophones Lagging in Literacy
Statistics Canada today reported the results of a recent national wide literacy study examining literacy levels in individual's mother tongues (anglophone or francophone). The main result of interest was that non-Quebec francophones displayed significantly weaker literacy levels compared to their English speaking peers. The result is not really all that surprising to me since language minorities are at a clear disadvantage in that they have notably less exposure to environmental based aspects of language (magazines, signs, etc). What was interesting was that while there was a significant improvement in minority-francophone literacy this seemed to be an artifact of improvements in Ontario only. New Brunswick saw no increase in literacy levels despite having cities that are clearly more francophone influenced then you will find in most areas of Ontario.
The discrepancy in Literacy between minority and majority francophone populations would seem to suggest that when utilizing standardized measures of literacy and reading achievement with francophones outside of Quebec measures like the WIAT-II French which was normed on Ontario francophones would be the most appropriate in the absence of the validation of Quebec/France normed measures within this group. In the absence of such studies we cannot be certain that these tests do not underestimate literacy skills compared to their regional French speaking peers.
The article is certainly worth a read and can be found by CLICKING HERE.
The discrepancy in Literacy between minority and majority francophone populations would seem to suggest that when utilizing standardized measures of literacy and reading achievement with francophones outside of Quebec measures like the WIAT-II French which was normed on Ontario francophones would be the most appropriate in the absence of the validation of Quebec/France normed measures within this group. In the absence of such studies we cannot be certain that these tests do not underestimate literacy skills compared to their regional French speaking peers.
The article is certainly worth a read and can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Study: Teen Depression & Suicidality in Canada
Sunnybrook has completed a Canadian wide look at depression and suicidality in teens. Results were quite consistent with US data despite variations in access to mental health support in our health care system.
In general the results found that prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation were significantly higher in females but that depressed males were at higher risk of completed suicide. The full article is in the latest issue of Healthcare Policy, but a summary of the findings (including some regional variations) can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Worth a read and time to dust off your depression, suicidality, and resiliency scales. Even if you are not comfortable with AXIS-1 diagnosis this can be key information for both referral and understanding the effect of these disorders on cognitive testing.
In general the results found that prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation were significantly higher in females but that depressed males were at higher risk of completed suicide. The full article is in the latest issue of Healthcare Policy, but a summary of the findings (including some regional variations) can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Worth a read and time to dust off your depression, suicidality, and resiliency scales. Even if you are not comfortable with AXIS-1 diagnosis this can be key information for both referral and understanding the effect of these disorders on cognitive testing.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
APA Monitor - A Year in Review
Another year has come and gone with the American Psychologists Associations news magazine the APA Monitor. It is full of articles but is very inclusive of all disciplines in psychology so I'm sure everyone has not had a chance to review it all. Fortunately for you I have! I have pulled out all of the School psych related articles for your reading pleasure. Have fun!
"Medicate or not? An APA working group reports on use of medications when treating children."
- November 2006 Synopsis Full Report
"Baby’s first heard words: Infants’ early language learning may hold clues to their later language abilities."
- September 2006 Full Article
"Closing the gap: Psychologists make the case that Head Start remains the best option for helping disadvantaged children catch up in the school-readiness race."
- September 2006 Full Article
"New needs in New Orleans schools: School psychologists help Katrina-evacuated children express their feelings and tell their stories."
- June 2006 Full Article
"Medicate or not? An APA working group reports on use of medications when treating children."
- November 2006 Synopsis Full Report
"Baby’s first heard words: Infants’ early language learning may hold clues to their later language abilities."
- September 2006 Full Article
"Closing the gap: Psychologists make the case that Head Start remains the best option for helping disadvantaged children catch up in the school-readiness race."
- September 2006 Full Article
"New needs in New Orleans schools: School psychologists help Katrina-evacuated children express their feelings and tell their stories."
- June 2006 Full Article
ADHD & Social Relationship Training
Another interesting ADHD related article today, this time on interpersonal peer relationships with ADHD kids. From the article ...
[About 5 percent of school-age children are affected by ADHD. Symptoms include a short attention span, poor organization, excessive talking, disruptive and aggressive behavior, restlessness and irritability. Children with ADHD often are uncooperative and may make their own rules.
“These symptoms get in the way of making and keeping friends,” Mikami said. “The child with ADHD can become stigmatized, known as ‘the bad kid,’ and this can lead to more inappropriate behavior. It can become a vicious cycle resulting in more social isolation.”]
In regards to this a "Friendship Clinic" was set up to provide essential social school trainings for both parents and the child to promote increased social competence and interpersonal skills. It looks like the program is having significant success (though no article or sources are provided). It is worth a look if you are interested in remediation strategies. CLICK HERE if you would like to read more.
[About 5 percent of school-age children are affected by ADHD. Symptoms include a short attention span, poor organization, excessive talking, disruptive and aggressive behavior, restlessness and irritability. Children with ADHD often are uncooperative and may make their own rules.
“These symptoms get in the way of making and keeping friends,” Mikami said. “The child with ADHD can become stigmatized, known as ‘the bad kid,’ and this can lead to more inappropriate behavior. It can become a vicious cycle resulting in more social isolation.”]
In regards to this a "Friendship Clinic" was set up to provide essential social school trainings for both parents and the child to promote increased social competence and interpersonal skills. It looks like the program is having significant success (though no article or sources are provided). It is worth a look if you are interested in remediation strategies. CLICK HERE if you would like to read more.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Challenging Dyslexia Theories - New Ideas
Interesting article came out this week discussing new theories of Dyslexia that look at the role of distraction and attentional difficulties in high noise environments. You can find a very interesting overview of the recent batch of literature by CLICKING HERE. It's a short article and should definitely be read. I had a case just last week that this seems remarkably applicable towards.
I will track down the references for other articles it discusses and post them shortly for your information as well.
I will track down the references for other articles it discusses and post them shortly for your information as well.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Recommendation: NASP Listserv
If you are not already a member you may want to consider joining the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Listserv. A listserv is kind of like a private email group in which emails sent to the listserv address is shared with everyone. This ends up with about 10 extra emails a day in your inbox (though you can request a single daily summary email) but it is well worth it.
Being a member of the listserv is simply like having access to your colleagues from all around the world (including some famous ones in our circles and some who believe they are more famous than they are :)
Today had discussions on Autism assessment, medication use within schools, teacher rating scale validity, and sensory processing resources. It really is a neat way to see how our US counterparts are thinking (good or bad). It's worth a look and you can always unsubscribe if it is not to your tastes.
This can be a great resource but one should also always follow listserv's with caution as it's hard to avoid posters who have ulterior motives (pushing tests, theories, etc).
To subscribe to the Listserv send an email to this address:
NASP-Listserv-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You do not have to enter anything special in the subject or body of the email. An email will be sent to you with posting and unsubscribe instructions.
If you have a Yahoo! email account you can subscribe to the listserv's archive at THIS LINK
Being a member of the listserv is simply like having access to your colleagues from all around the world (including some famous ones in our circles and some who believe they are more famous than they are :)
Today had discussions on Autism assessment, medication use within schools, teacher rating scale validity, and sensory processing resources. It really is a neat way to see how our US counterparts are thinking (good or bad). It's worth a look and you can always unsubscribe if it is not to your tastes.
This can be a great resource but one should also always follow listserv's with caution as it's hard to avoid posters who have ulterior motives (pushing tests, theories, etc).
To subscribe to the Listserv send an email to this address:
NASP-Listserv-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You do not have to enter anything special in the subject or body of the email. An email will be sent to you with posting and unsubscribe instructions.
If you have a Yahoo! email account you can subscribe to the listserv's archive at THIS LINK
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Stimulant Prescriptions Drop Dramatically With Increase in Tea Bag Sales
Just kidding. I came across an interesting article today discussing a study on the affect of Tea consumption on attention. CLICK HERE to read the article.
It looks like they actually may have used a CPT test to measure the effects ... "The volunteers performed computerized tests that measured their ability to focus attention. This is the ability to ignore distracting information and is synonymous with concentration. In the laboratory, it is measured by presenting more than one piece of information at a time, but with instructions to process and respond to only one. After drinking PG tips tea,there were significant improvements in both the speed and accuracy of their performance." [Quote edited for grammar, typos, and spelling - clearly they did not drink the tea]. At first I thought it would be a caffeine benefit but they did differentiate the results from coffee.
Should be noted the research was carried out by scientists at Unilever's GlobalBeverage Technology Centre. Which means you always have to read the fine print. Clearly the tea-cartels are finally making the moves on the pharmaceuticals!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Online Slideshow: Executive Functioning Assessment
Below you will find my first attempt at an online powerpoint. This was the session I provided at CPA 2006 in Calgary. Item content was present at the session but has been removed from the powerpoint below for test security purposes. Blank slide were put in their place to retain the continuity of the session. Viewing the powerpoint requires flash.
Upcoming Workshops: Ontario Psychological Association
OPA has a pre-conference workshop on bipolar disorder that may be of interest to everyone:
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Presentation Assessment Strategies and Treatment Planning with Dr. Eric Youngstrom on the week of February 19th.
You can find a full description by CLICKING HERE (warning: this will open as a pdf document).
While not 100% psychoed based this topic does come up a lot at workshops I have provided and I frequently come across people looking for potential differential diagnosis tools for childhood bipolar disorder.
They have not released a full list of workshops from OPA this year but I can tell you that last I heard there was going to be a very big psychoed speaker coming up from the US. More details soon!
Executive Functioning Reading List
A lot of my presentations over the last year and half have been based on executive functioning assessment in psychoeducational domains. I have also been assessing pretty heavily in this area as well. I thought I would take the opportunity to share some resources with everyone since this area has become so clearly part of our day to day practice. I have some powerpoints that I will put up in the next day or so but I need to remove some item content for the files. For now here is a great reading list of books related to EF assessment and remediation. CLICK HERE to view the reading list in a new window.
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