Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia), writing (dysgraphia), and nonverbal learning affect up to 15% of students, though the exact prevalence of each condition is unclear because many children who have difficulty in one of these areas, have difficulties in another. These learning differences can significantly impact a child’s education and future life choices as writing, math, and problem solving skills are crucial in adulthood. This course will cover all aspects of each of these disorders, including current definitions, early signs and symptoms, what constitutes an appropriate assessment, and the most effective treatments. We will explore the most current research as well as the brain’s role in each of these disorders. These disorders not only frequently co-occur with each other, they are also often comorbid with other conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety, we will explore how to recognize and treat those conditions. Lecture, case studies, powerpoint and question and answer sessions will be used to present the content.
Who should attend?
This is an introductory level course intended for teachers, health professionals (OT/PT/SLP), psychologists, health care providers (pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists). No prerequisites are required.
Below are 3 options for participation:
BUNDLE: Live zoom webinar AND On-Demand Replay (available April 5, 2025 - April 13, 2025)
ON-DEMAND ONLY: Access the recording at your own pace between April 5, 2025 - April 13, 2025
LIVE ZOOM WEBINAR ONLY: Attend live on April 3, 2025 only
Speaker
ELLEN BRAATEN, Ph.D.
Ellen Braaten, PhD, is an experienced and prominent psychologist, researcher, speaker, and author. At Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where Dr. Braaten has been affiliated since 1998, she is the Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) and the Kessler Family Chair in Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment. She also holds an appointment as Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. In the past, Dr. Braaten served as an Associate Director of The MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds and the track director of the Child Psychology Training Program at MGH/Harvard Medical School (HMS).
Dr. Braaten is widely recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. She has received funding to conduct longitudinal research on child outpatient samples, and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and reviews on psychological and neuropsychological assessment, intelligence, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, gender, psychotherapy, and motherhood. Dr. Braaten also has edited two reference books for clinicians.
Dr. Braaten is a prolific writer and the co-author of the best-selling book, Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up (2014), the first book of its kind to focus on information processing speed weaknesses in children. Recently (2019), she published the second edition of The Child Clinician’s Report Writing Handbook, which has been called “the most comprehensive child assessment handbook available.” She is the author of How to Find Mental Health Care for Your Child (2010), the co-author of Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids (2003), and the author of the newly released Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less (2023).
Dr. Braaten received her MA from the University of Colorado and her PhD from Colorado State University. She is a mother of two and resides in Boston, MA.
Objectives
- The participants will be able to define and describe at least 3 of the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and nonverbal learning disabilities.
- The participants will be able to identify and describe at least 2 new findings from current research in dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and NVLD.
- The participants will identify 2 reasons for the controversies around NVLD.
- The participants will be able to identify and summarize the most effective treatments and accommodations for students with dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and NVLD throughout the lifespan.
Schedule
EASTERN TIME
Part I: Math Disorder/Dyscalculia
11:00 to 11:20 Definition/LD intro,Understanding mathematical reasoning
11:20 to 11:45 Approaches to assessing math abilities, Etiology and comorbidities
11:45 to 12:10 Treatments and Case Presentation, Q and A
12:10 to 12:15 BREAK
Part II: Disorder of Written Expression
12:15 to 12:20 Understanding Writing/Writing and the Brain
12:20 to 12:35 Defining Dysgraphia/Disorder of Written Expression
12:35 to 1:10 Assessment of Dysgraphia, Interventions and Case Presentation
1:10 to 1:20 Q and A
1:20 to 1:25 BREAK
Part III: Nonverbal Learning Disorder
1:25 to 2:05 Definition, Comorbidities and controversies, Assessing NLD
2:05 to 2:30 Interventions
2:30 to 2:45 Q and A
Professional Development Offerings
ASHA CEUs
This course is offered for .35 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level; professional area). Full attendance and a completed evaluation required for satisfactory completion of ASHA CEUs. *pending approval
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
3.5 hours is available. Attendance will be checked via ZOOM log in/log out.
NBCC
AEP Connections, LLC has been approved as an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7173. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AEP Connections, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Available NBCC Clock Hours: 3.5
NASP
AEP Connections is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. AEP Connections maintains responsibility for the program. NASP Approved Provider #1165. A code to access the course evaluation will be provided in segments throughout the webinar, to ensure full participation. Full attendance is required.
ASWB
AEP Connections, LLC, #1332, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/27/2022- 1/27/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 3.5 continuing education credits. Full attendance, a course evaluation and an additional post test is required for satisfactory completion.
AOTA
AEP Connections, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID XXX. This distance learning – interactive is offered for up to .35 CEUs (3.5 contact hours). Introductory, OT Service Delivery. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures. A course evaluation with additional post test questions is required for satisfactory completion. *pending approval