There is a rapid demand for ADHD assessments which has posed challenges in upskilling psychologists to conduct these assessments. It is crucial that psychologists consider that an ADHD assessment is not just an ADHD assessment. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is also a high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, conduct disorders, and personality disorders.  It is crucial that co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders and comorbid psychiatric conditions be comprehensively assessed and established so that the best order of treatment can be determined together with the client. There should also be an emphasis on assessment as a therapeutic process, and assessors should wear the ‘therapeutic lens’ at the outset of the evaluation.   

This one-day ‘live’ virtual workshop will cover the intricacies of conducting assessments with adults suspected of ADHD. It will discuss the issues and dilemmas in ADHD assessments, such as:

• Issues around cognitive bias and errors
• Assessing co-morbid and co-occurring conditions
• Transdiagnostic and diagnostic overshadowing issues
• Issues around feigning ADHD and the use of ‘malingering’ tests
• Psychometric instruments to assess ADHD and other co-morbid conditions
• Diagnostic considerations and formulation
• Providing therapeutic feedback
• Treatment considerations 

The facilitator will introduce the use of an empirically validated assessment approach in assessing not only ADHD but other co-morbid and co-occurring conditions.  Group and case discussions will allow the participants to apply their learning from the session.  

Who should attend?

This one-day training workshop is suitable for psychologists and psychiatrists who are aiming to develop their knowledge and skills in conducting ADHD assessments especially with client with complex presentations. 

The participants will have access to the PowerPoint handouts, relevant articles, and psychometric tests available in the public domain to assess ADHD and co-morbid conditions, and other resources.

Please clink this link to register
https://courses.theemotionsclinic.com.au/courses/September8th2023ComplexitiesintheAssessmentofAdultswithADHD-with-dr-joseph-allan-sakdalan 

Here are some of the lovely participant feedback:

* Fantastic neurodiversity-affirming lens on the whole workshop. Very comprehensive around instruments and differential diagnosis/cooccurring presentations. Joseph was so warm and knowledgeable.

* Dr Joseph has a very welcoming and open style of delivery. The information presented was very helpful. I liked the opportunity to work in breakout rooms also.

* Very comprehensive training- especially appreciate that Joseph provides an in depth case example which is based on a real client and we were able to follow through the full assessment process, reflect, and discuss.

* Joseph has a lot of expertise and personal experience which supports consolidation of information shared. Stories of real clients always support understanding I feel.

* The group work was extremely beneficial as Dr. Joseph pointed us on good topics that were not too heavy or light for the amount of time given 

Presenter

Dr Joseph Allan Sakdalan

Dr Sakdalan is an NZ and AHPRA registered clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, and clinical neuropsychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience conducting assessments and treating complex clients with mental health problems, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders, personality issues, and problematic/offending behaviours.  He has worked across various sectors, including educational and hospital settings, community and inpatient psychiatric services, forensic disability and forensic mental health, and in private practice. Dr Sakdalan has developed a suite of offence-related and offence-specific treatment group-based programs (e.g. sexual offending, family violence, general offending, treatment readiness, substance abuse) for forensic and correctional services. Dr Sakdalan has written book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles in his speciality areas. He has run training workshops on the Adapted DBT program locally and internationally.