Contemporary Assessment of Neuro-developmental Conditions Across the Lifespan

Wellbeing in Mind Psychological Services is pleased to present an intensive two day in-person workshop at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Auckland focused on the theory and clinical practice of assessing and treating neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

This training is designed for registered health professionals including psychologists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals (e.g. OT, speech therapists) and is aimed at developing your ability to identify and support neurodivergent children and adults.

Participants may choose to attend both days or register for individual days, depending on their clinical interests and learning needs.

Topic Overview & Learning Outcomes

Day 1 (22 October): The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Across the Lifespan

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong, preventable neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It causes irreversible brain damage and physical abnormalities, often resulting in learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, and a range of neuropsychological impairments, including poor memory, communication difficulties and executive dysfunction.

This workshop will focus on contemporary approaches to assess and diagnose FASD across the lifespan, including current diagnostic frameworks, practical assessment adaptations, and best-practice intervention planning. Learning is supported through a series of didactic and interactive activities to support application of theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

Topic Overview:

• FASD Diagnostic Systems Across the Globe

• Reflections on the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD

• Research Findings: Evidence-Based Adjustments to Neuropsychological Testing to Increase Accessibility to FASD Assessments for Young Children

• Assessment of FASD in Adults

• Interventions for FASD: Evidence and Best Practice

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should:

• Have an understanding of FASD diagnostic criteria.

• Have basic skills to contribute to making a FASD diagnosis within their scope of practice.

• Have an understanding of the the neuropsychological profile associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.

• Recognise how neuropsychological assessment can clarify, confirm, or disconfirm neurodevelopmental disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.

• Have an understanding of best practices in supporting individuals with FASD.

Day 2 (23 October): The Neuropsychology of Neurodiversity

This workshop will focus on a lifespan perspective on autism, exploring complex and less visible presentations, cognitive profiles in autism and ADHD, and neuro-affirming approaches to assessment and reporting. Learning is supported through a series of didactic and interactive activities to support application of theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

Topic Overview:

• Internalising and Highly Masking Presentations of Autism

• Autism Symptoms Following Prenatal or Early Childhood Acquired Brain Injury

• Spiky Profiles: Cognitive Function in Autism and ADHD

• Trauma and Autism

• Neuro-Affirming Report Writing

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should:

• Have an understanding of internalising and highly masking presentations of autism.

• Recognise how neuropsychological assessment can assist in clarifying areas of strength and difficulties in neurodivergent adults and children.

• Be better equipped at identifying autism.

• Have a better understanding of common co-occurring conditions and differential diagnosis, especially for individuals with a history of trauma.

• Know how to convey assessment findings in a neuro-affirming way.

CPD

Each individual day accounts for 6 CPD Hours (total 12 hours if attending both days)

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this workshop aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the workshop counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

Meet the Presenters

Dr Tania Pomario (PhD, MPsych Clin Psych, MA Neuropsych)

Tania completed her training in Clinical and Neuropsychology in South Africa. She is the clinical director/ principal psychologist of Wellbeing in Mind Psychological Services, a private practice in Brisbane, Australia, which focusses on providing high quality developmental assessments for individuals across the lifespan.

Tania has a special interest in the assessment of individuals across the lifespan to assist with the identification of developmental delays and differences. She believes that early identification and intervention is key to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and allowing them to achieve their full potential.  Read more

Dr Liz Eggins (PhD (Clinical Psychology), BA CCJ/BA, PsychSci Hons I)

Liz is a Clinical Psychologist and the assessment team leader at Wellbeing in Mind Psychological Services. In addition to her role at Wellbeing in Mind, Liz currently works as a senior psychologist in a Queensland Health Perinatal Wellbeing Team.

Liz is passionate about providing a neuroaffirming approach to assessment and treatment, and she fosters this passion through ongoing professional development and training in this space. Her practice is informed by the social model of disability, which attributes disability to a ‘misfit’ between the person and their environment rather than deficits within the person. Read more