Differential Diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Mental Health Conditions
Information
Date & Time
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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Identify 2 or more diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorder
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Define Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and explain their prevalence and impact, including their neurological impact and the resultant symptomology.
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Identify 3 or more shared symptoms between neurodevelopmental disorders and other mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, mood, trauma).
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Explain how to rule out common conditions when differentiating between neurodevelopmental disorders.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is to increase knowledge of the differential diagnosis process in the context of neurodevelopmental disorder and mental health symptomology.
Description
In this three-hour presentation, we will walk through the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and other disorders that share symptomology with neurodevelopmental disorders. There is substantial overlap in symptomology between neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorder, as well as overlap between these disorders and other mental health conditions such as anxiety, mood, trauma-related, substance-induced, and personality disorders. Further yet, research demonstrates that adverse childhood experiences are highly prevalent in the general population and result in symptomology that can appear neurodevelopmental. As a result, misdiagnosis of these conditions is common. They are also often misunderstood by laypersons, especially in the context of social media content. Thus, we will discuss the diagnostic criteria for neurodevelopmental disorders, necessary rule-out conditions, other related considerations such as Sensory Processing Disorder, and how to differentiate between these presenting concerns.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Medical Doctor
- Psychologist
- Registered Nurse
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Melanie M. Wilcox, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Psychiatry at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. She received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University at Albany in 2015. Dr. Wilcox’s research focuses more broadly on culturally and structurally responsive health care; racial and socioeconomic inequity in higher education; and Whiteness, antiracism, and social justice. She has 30+ peer-reviewed publications and 70+ peer-reviewed presentations spanning these research areas. Dr. Wilcox is currently a member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, having served as board Chair in 2020, and is currently a candidate for President of APA Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Wilcox is a licensed psychologist and board certified in counseling psychology. She works part-time, providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment by telehealth. Her clinical areas of expertise include oppression-based issues, trauma, and substance abuse and addiction.
Financially Sponsored By
- Aetna Better Health of Louisiana