NEURO-PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING DIFFERENCEs Featuring Presentations from Dr. Rachna Varia, Co-Founder of Mindwell Associates, Jennifer Appleton, CALT-QI and Jennifer Cofone, CALT-QI in training

This hybrid onsite and online course offers full, up-to-the-minute research findings in the brain functions underlying learning, with emphasis on language-learning. Participants will learn about the history of psychology, brain structure, brain development, and neurological anomalies that produce learning differences.

The course will discuss how to use different intervention strategies based on a better understanding of how neurological conditions affect learning. Specifically, participants will learn how to respond to behaviors and create more effective learning environments both in a one-to-one teaching environment as well as in the classroom.

Participants will also learn how to read and analyze neuro-psychological testing to design the most effective learning interventions. This class is ideal for all teachers, academic therapists, tutors and parents who wish to better understand the neurological strengths and weaknesses of their learners.

Required Reading:

• Stanislas Dehaene, Reading in the Brain

Class Schedule:

Class 1: Welcome and Overview

• Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024

• Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST

• Duration: 2 hours

• Format: Virtual

• Instructor: Jennifer Appleton, M.Ed., CALT-QI & Jennifer Cofone, M.Ed., CALT-QI in training 

• Content:

• • Introduction to the course

  • Overview of expectations

  • Discussion of research ideas and assignments

  • Assignment: Write a brief summary of your research interests and goals for the course (1 page).

Class 2: Neuropsychological Testing Fundamentals

• Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024

• Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST (break included)

• Duration: 4 hours

• Format: Onsite in Herndon & Live Streamed

• Instructor: Dr. Rachna Varia, Co-Founder of Mindwell Associates

• Content:

• • Definitions and applications of neuropsychological testing

  • Understanding and interpreting scores

  • Assessment of cognitive areas: memory, processing, executive functioning, emotional testing, autism rule-out

  • Assignment: Complete a quiz on neuropsychological testing fundamentals.

Class 3: Advanced Neuropsychological Testing

• Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024

• Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST (break included)

• Duration: 4 hours

• Format: Onsite in Herndon & Live Streamed

• Instructor: Dr. Rachna Varia

• Content:

• • Case examples

  • Orthographic and phonological dyslexia

  • ADHD and dyslexia

  • Dyslexia and low intellectual functioning

  • Visual motor/dysgraphia

  • Assignment: Analyze a provided case study and prepare a report on the findings.

Class 4: Independent Study and Application

• Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024

• Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST

• Duration: 6 hours total (Asynchronous and Synchronous)

• Format: Virtual

• Instructor: Jennifer Appleton, M.Ed., CALT-QI

• Content:

• • Part 1: Asynchronous

  • • Read sample neuropsychological assessments

    • Prepare a 2-page application plan

  • Part 2: Synchronous

  • • Discuss application to therapy lessons

  • Assignment: Submit the 2-page application plan and participate in the discussion.

Class 5: Book Study

• Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

• Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST

• Duration: 11 hours total (Asynchronous and Synchronous)

• Format: Virtual

• Instructor: Jennifer Cofone, M.Ed., CALT-QI in training

• Content:

• • Study of Stanislas Dehaene, Reading in the Brain

  • 2-hour discussion

  • Assignment: Write a book review (3 pages) and participate in the discussion.

Class 6: JUST ADDED: 

ASDEC presents
"Dyslexia and ADHD: Connections and Treatments," with Dr. Karin Varblow.  Dr Varblow  is a pediatrician with expertise in Behavioral Pediatrics and treating children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). After serving individuals as a general pediatrician for over a decade, she opened her own practice to work intensively with families whose children have behavioral issues.  Her interest in ADHD and Behavioral Pediatrics has developed into more of a passion, and her treatment style addresses the unique needs of the patients and their family members. 

Dr. Varblow will discuss the intricate relationship between dyslexia and ADHD which frequently co-occur but can also mimic or mask each other, making diagnosis challenging. The presentation underscores the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of both dyslexia and ADHD so that clinicians and academic therapists may learn to differentiate them. By doing so, clinicians may tailor appropriate treatment plans that address the unique needs of students with Dyslexia and ADHD. 

• Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

• Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST

• Duration: 2 hours

• Format: Virtual

• Instructor: Jennifer Appleton, M.Ed., CALT-QI

• Content:

• • Practical strategies and techniques for managing behaviors and comorbidities in the therapy setting

  • Assignment: Develop a behavior management plan or strategy for a hypothetical case.

Class 7: Presentation of Class Research

• Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024

• Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST

• Duration: 3 hours

• Format: Virtual

• Instructor: Jennifer Appleton, M.Ed., CALT-QI

• Content:

• • Presentation and discussion of reports and insights gained throughout the course

  • Assignment: Prepare and present a research report (5-7 pages) based on your findings and insights from the course.

DATE: September 19 to December 12, 2024

AS OF 8/10/24 SPACE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THE  ONSITE PRESNTATION WITH DR. VARIA, THE SESSIONS WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED AND RECORDED.

COST: $975

Register Now

Graduate Credit  available from Trinity University Washington for an additional fee. Contact us at [email protected]  for information