The ESB: Directly Assessing Social Communication to Support Early Autism Identification (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Speaker: Molly Ware, M.Ed, Ed.S

2 CEs Available

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Abstract:

A substantial proportion of young children presenting with language concerns have underlying social communication difficulties which are predictive of later autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, yet often miss the window for early, targeted intervention. The Early Sociocognitive Battery (ESB) is an innovative, non-verbal assessment tool that provides a systematic and objective measure of key sociocognitive skills—Social Responsiveness, Joint Attention, and Symbolic Comprehension. This session will bridge the gap between testing and the real world by demonstrating a functional, systematic and play-based model for using ESB results to inform decision-making with respect to interventions.

First, we will review the predictive validity of the ESB, particularly its strong sensitivity for identifying children who receive a social communication or ASD diagnosis years later, regardless of language background or socioeconomic status. Second, we will introduce a framework for identifying deficits in specific sociocognitive subtests (e.g., Joint Attention) and their relationship with Early Intervention (EI) and Special Education Programs eligibility frameworks.

Participants will gain proficiency in using this psychometrically robust battery to guide immediate intervention decisions, foster essential multidisciplinary collaboration, and promote greater equity and access to early services by addressing the gap in evidence-based quantitative measures specific to social communication.

Objectives:

1. Assess performance patterns from videos on the three ESB subtests (Social Responsiveness, Joint Attention, and Symbolic Comprehension) to raw scores and normative scores using the provided scoring system.

2. Compare the ESB’s test design with eligibility frameworks to inform evidence-based decision making.

3. Analyze the ESB’s culturally neutral design and predictive validity to demonstrate how this tool can improve equity and access to early identification and sustainable support for children from diverse language backgrounds.

About Molly Ware:

Molly Ware, M.Ed., Ed.S., is an Assessment Consultant for Hogrefe Publishing, drawing on over ten years of experience as a practicing School Psychologist. During her public-school career, Molly engaged in systemic improvements, developing and advocating for local policies in MTSS, Threat Assessment, and Inclusive Disability Classifications. Molly currently consults with psychologists, presents at national and state conferences, and ensures newly developed assessment tools at Hogrefe align with the real-world needs of practitioners.

The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

*Event Cancellation Policy*

Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Identification and Treatment of Persisting Symptoms After Concussion (PSaC) (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Speaker: Nathan Ramirez, PsyD

3 CEs Available

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Abstract:

Persisting symptoms after concussion present significant challenges for patients and clinicians, often involving physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. This workshop will review current evidence on risk factors, differential diagnosis, and assessment strategies for prolonged recovery. Emphasis will be placed on distinguishing concussion-related symptoms from overlapping conditions and applying individualized, multidisciplinary and multimodal management approaches. Through case discussion and practical guidance, participants will gain tools to better identify and address persisting symptoms, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and supporting safe return to daily activities.

Objectives:

Recognize the common clinical features and biopsychosocial risk factors associated with persisting symptoms after concussion.
Differentiate between concussion-related symptoms and overlapping conditions such as functional neurological disorder, mood, or sleep disturbances.
Apply evidence-based assessment strategies to identify contributing factors to prolonged recovery, as well as active, targeted multidomain clinical interventions.

About Dr. Ramirez:

Nathan R. Ramirez, PsyD completed his undergraduate training at California State University, Fresno majoring in psychology prior to completing his doctoral training in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. He then went on to complete his post-doctoral fellowship specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sport-related and non-sport-related concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

Currently, he operates as a clinical neuropsychologist at the Aptiva Health Concussion & Sports Medicine Institute in Louisville and Lexington, KY where he engages in the clinical treatment of concussion. His research primarily focuses on active and targeted treatment interventions, as well as long-term psychological outcomes following concussion/mTBI.

*Event Cancellation Policy*

Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

AAPdN upcoming events

The ESB: Directly Assessing Social Communication to Support Early Autism Identification (30 May 2026)

Identification and Treatment of Persisting Symptoms After Concussion (PSaC) (20 Jun 2026)