TBI, Cognitive Deficits, and Multi-modal Learning Heather Pedersen, Ph.D., ABPP

What is neuropsychology? Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty field within clinical psychology, dedicated to understanding the relationships between brain and behavior, particularly as these relationships can be applied to the diagnosis of brain disorder(s), assessment of cognitive and behavioral functioning, and the design of effective treatment.

Neuropsychologists … Who I am How I got here A clinical neuropsychologist is an independent, professional, doctoral level psychologist who provides assessment and intervention services to people of all ages, based upon the scientific concepts of clinical neuropsychology. Training in clinical neuropsychology comprises a broad background in clinical/counseling psychology, as well as specialized training and experience in clinical neuropsychology.

Domains Attention Language Processing Speed Verbal and Nonverbal Intelligence Verbal and Nonverbal Memory Visuospatial Motor and Sensory Executive Functions Emotional Functional

When the brain malfunctions… Psychiatric Conditions Medical Conditions Depression Anxiety Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder ADHD Learning Disabilities CVAs Dementias Epilepsy Brain Tumors Hypoxia/Anoxia Movement Disorders Multiple Sclerosis CNS infections/ acute processes Genetic Disorders Down Syndrome, Fragile X, etc. TBI

TBI

Normative vs Ipsative Analysis Inter- vs intra-individual Personal strengths / weaknesses Maximize strengths to compensate for weaknesses

Rehabilitation Cognitive Rehabilitation Multi-Modal Learning Language Visual-spatial Attention Working memory Processing speed Memory Executive functions Auditory Visual Kinesthetic

Attention Strategies Sleep enough Take breaks Exercise Pace yourself Be open to help Avoid interruptions Cut distractions Keep it simple

Attention continued Active Mental Effort = being intentional Using Self-Talk = yes, talking to yourself IS adaptive!! Demonstration….

Attention continued LEAP into conversations: 1) Listen actively 2) Eliminate distractions 3) Ask questions 4) Paraphrase

Memory Strategies Deciding what is important Simplifying information Reducing the amount of information Making information personally meaningful

Memory continued Writing things down Association Categorizing/grouping Acronyms Rhyming

Memory continued Visual Imagery Method of Loci Overlearning Mental retracing Alphabetic searching Recreating the context

Memory continued External Strategies: ones that rely on things outside your head (in your environment) Calendar / iPad / Cell Phone Lists / Notes / Appointment cards Sticky notes Notebook “Can’t Miss” reminders Automatic places Writing on your hand Filing boxes Timers / Alarms / Watches Voicemail reminders (calling yourself) Emailing yourself

Visual Learning

Auditory Learning

Kinesthetic learning