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: Addressing Behaviors and Comorbidities in Therapy Setting

• 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

COST: Early Bird Rate: $925 until August 1, 2024. After that $975. Payment must be received prior to 8/1 to get discount.

Register Now

Graduate Credit  available from Trinity University Washington for an additional fee. Contact us at questions@asdec.org  for information