Differentiating ADHD From Other Disorders of Executive Function in Children: Relevance for Treatment Response

James Hale, PhD, MEd

June 9th, 2023 9:00 am - 12:20 pm

3 CE Credits

$90/ MPA/MSPA Members $135/Non-Members

Online via Zoom

Workshop Level: Intermediate- Psychologists who have experience in the content area or are familiar with the literature

ADHD is a disorder of executive control of attention, not basic attention, so attention-deficit is a misnomer. In this workshop, participants will learn why understanding ADHD as an executive function problem, and differentiating it from other disorders that affect attention, is critical for effective assessment and intervention practices. Providing a neuropyschological model of ADHD, combined with Executive Circuit Balance Theory for differentiating other causes of attention problems, not only will help participants develop diagnostic skills, but also aid in determining the best treatment course for affected individuals. To highlight the importance of differential diagnosis using both cognitive and behavioral assessment results, participants will also learn how to monitor treatment response in individuals with ADHD. Research results suggest that the test battery used in double-blind placebo-controlled medication trials is not only effective in determining treatment responders, but also highlights differential cognitive and behavioral dose-response relationships in good responders. A case study will highlight the protocol results that are most commonly found in good methylphenidate (i.e.,Ritalin) responders. Implications and future research will be discussed.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
1.Contrast how ADHD is a frontal-subcortical circuit problem affecting executive control of ADHD symptoms, not a basic attention deficit

2. Articulate Executive Circuit Balance Theory to differentiate ADHD from other disorders of attention.

3. Evaluate treatment results at the group and single subject level to develop skills in evaluating treatment efficacy using non parametric randomization statistical tests.