Journal of Psychological Abnormalities

ISSN - 2471-9900

Family systems intervention with pediatric neurology and health psychology patients

International conference on Adolescent Medicine & Child Psychology

September 28-30, 2015 Houston, USA

Yolanda C Leon

American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Abnorm Child

Abstract :

Family systems practice in pediatric psychology is a new and scarcely researched field. Clinically relevant and scientifically supported research and evidence based approaches in pediatric psychology have primarily been produced by studies that are disease and disorder specific. There is a significant paucity of established, evidence-based examination of family dynamics and family systems intervention in the clinical practice of pediatric neuropsychology. The present workshop aims to present an overview of the integration of family systems concepts and the influence of context (family system) on development and outcome of neuropsychological consequences of neurodevelopmental disorders in pediatric neuropsychology. Several models to include consultation, intervention and collaboration will be presented. Brief case vignettes from our pediatric neuropsychology practice will also be presented to illustrate significant points and concepts. The material presented will be useful for both Neuropsychologists and General Clinicians who work with pediatric neurology patients and their families. At the end of the presentation, the attendee should be able to understand and implement a systems oriented pediatric psychology consultation treatment model using four tenets of the model (Join, Focus, Promote Competence and Collaborate) with children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders resulting in development of interventions for home and school and identification of other resources to support the child patient and the family system; Articulate the benefits of implementing a family systems practice in pediatric neuropsychology and pediatric psychology practice that is oriented toward family strengths rather than individual psychopathology, facilitate understanding of diversity (structures, ethnicity, culture) and their influence on the family and confront issues of the family system�??s connectedness with those outside of the family system as a gauge of the family�??s isolation and risk or resilience, be more culturally competent in their practice with children/adolescents and encourage other health care referral sources to reframe the referral such that it promotes/facilitates shared responsibility for finding solutions by building a shared understanding of the symptom picture (problem) by the therapeutic triad of health care staff, patient and family.

Biography :

Yolanda C Leon has earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology-School of Psychology, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). She has completed Specialty Training in Neuropsychology during her Doctoral training and completed an APA approved Clinical Psychology Internship with Specialty Training in Neuropsychology. In addition, she has completed a Postdoctoral Residency in Neuropsychology at Winter Haven Hospital. She has over 15 years of experience in the specialty area of Neuropsychology with subspecialties in Child Neuropsychology, Epilepsy and Bilingual assessment. Formerly a School Psychologist, She holds Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees from the University of South Florida and incorporates her training as a School Psychologist into her clinical practice as a Florida Licensed Psychologist.

Email: suncoastpens@gmail.com

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