A theoretical course illustrated with clinical examples. This course is composed of videos of 5 to 15 minutes each. The PowerPoint of the course to download.
Advanced Diagnosis of ADHD
Dr. Caroline Buzanko, Psychologist
Excerpt:
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Overview
ADHD affects approximately 5-7% of children worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many children remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to negative outcomes such as academic struggles, social difficulties, anxiety and depression, substance use, and delinquency.
ADHD diagnosis relies heavily on behavioural assessments, but clinicians frequently struggle with accurately identifying ADHD, differentiating it from overlapping conditions, and ensuring assessments reflect real-world functioning. Traditional diagnostic frameworks, which are symptom-focused and deficit-based, often overlook developmental, contextual, and environmental influences, including cultural and gender differences.
ADHD assessment must extend beyond symptom-focused approaches and integrate a strengths-based, neuroaffirmative perspective. It is essential to consider ADHD through a functional, ecological lens that accounts for executive functioning, environmental interactions, developmental age, gender, and neurodivergent processing styles.
This workshop addresses these critical issues by introducing an ecologically valid, strengths-based, neuroaffirmative approach to ADHD assessment. Participants will learn comprehensive methods that incorporate executive functioning, environmental interactions, developmental considerations, and neurodivergent processing styles. The workshop emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD beyond observable symptoms, highlighting the need for holistic frameworks to enhance diagnostic accuracy and intervention effectiveness.
This workshop also provides clear strategies for collaborative engagement with families, educators, and clients throughout the assessment process. Collaboration is essential for diagnostic accuracy and ensuring diagnostic acceptance, promoting adherence to treatment, and supporting positive family dynamics. Participants will leave this workshop equipped with advanced skills to conduct accurate, culturally responsive, gender-sensitive, and collaborative ADHD assessments.
Accreditation
Awaiting the OPQ accreditation number
About the expert
Dr. Caroline Buzanko is a licensed psychologist since 2009, mother, and international speaker. She is the clinical director of Koru Family Psychology based in Alberta and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Calgary. She works with kids, teens, and their families to maximize confidence, forge resilience, and foster strong connections. With over twenty years working with families, her focus is on developing long-term success and well-being by creating meaningful change. She also trains other mental health professionals and educators to optimize their effectiveness working with children and teens.
Learning objectives
- Conduct accurate diagnostic assessments and differentiate ADHD from other neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioural conditions
- Utilize an ecologically valid, multi-modal, and multi-informant assessment approach for diagnosing ADHD from a strengths-based perspective
- Implement ADHD assessment strategies across the lifespan
- Develop skills in effectively collaborating with parents/clients, communicating results while engaging stakeholders
Learning material
Syllabus
- PowerPoint
- 1. Introduction
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Understanding & Conceptualizing ADHD
- 2. DSM 5 TR Criteria Is Deficit Based & Not Neauroaffirmative
- 3. Medical vs. Social Model
- 4. Rethinking ADHD
- 5. Address Challenges and Criticisms
- 6. Textbook Approach
- 7. Parent Connection
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Phase 1: Intake
- 8. Engage Parents Through Preparation
- 9. Interviews
- 10. Teacher and Student Interviews
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Phase 2: Formal Assessment
- 11. Communicate with Parents Throughout
- 12. Assessment Success
- 13. Clinical Measures
- 14. Rating Scales part 1
- 15. Rating Scales part 2
- 16. Psychological Processes
- 17. Neuropsychological Testing
- 18. Psychometrist vs. Clinician
- 19. Clinic Observations
- 20. Assessment Process- Clinical Risks
- 21. Assessment Across the Lifespan
- 22. Adult ADHD- Beyond Childhood Symptoms
- 23. Assessing Impairment Challenges for Adults
- 24. Gender-bias
- 25. Comorbidities and Alternatives Explanations
- 26. Differential Diagnosis- Autism vs. ADHD
- 27. Comorbid ADHD and Autism
- 28. Measuring ADHD vs. Anxiety & Mood
- 29. ADHD and Externalizing Disorders
- 30. Interpreting & Integrating Data
- 31. The Use of Flow Charts
- 32. Decision Making Tree
- 33. Best Practice When Making a Diagnosis
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Phase 3: Communicating Results
- 34. Maximizing Uptake
- 35. Flipping Vulnerabilities
- 36. Parents Must Have Understanding
- 37. Communicating Collaboratively
- 38. Follow Up and What's Next
- 39. Conclusion
- Bibliography
CE Credits
Download a certificate of successful completion.
Audience
This course is intended for mental health professionals.
Registration
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Frequently asked questions
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How long do I have access to the course?
After your registration, the course is accessible anytime and from anywhere for 124 days.
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When does the course start?
That is entirely up to you! When you buy a course, you'll receive an access link that you can activate when you want.
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Is there a student rate?
Yes there is! To learn more, email us at contact@asadis.net.
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