Invited Keynote:
Michael Kirkwood, PhD (USA)
Pediatric performance validity testing: The state of the science and what it means for clinical practice
REMOTE presentation with LIVE Q & A

Abstract:
Research on methodologies to identify performance invalidity in children and adolescents has lagged behind that for adults. Even so, multiple performance validity tests have now been shown to be appropriate for use in younger populations. This workshop will review the empirically supported options and provide a rationale for including objective validity testing when putting together any school-age test battery. Data will be presented to demonstrate that noncredible effort occurs consistently in pediatric populations. Case examples will highlight some of the many reasons children present with noncredible data. How practitioners can address noncredible effort once it is identified will also be discussed, including a model for delivering feedback to parents and children in the context of clinical evaluations. Future directions for the field will be outlined.
Learning objectives: Delegates will be able to:
1. Describe studies that have investigated the base rate of noncredible effort in children presenting for neuropsychological exam.
2. Examine performance validity tests that have been studied empirically in pediatric samples.
3. Discuss a model for providing feedback after a youth provides noncredible effort in a clinical evaluation.
4. Recognize areas in need of future research in pediatric validity testing.
Level: Basic through experienced. This workshop will have relevance for students and early career neuropsychologists who are just learning about PVTs but will also be relevant for seasoned clinicians interested in a state-of-the-science review.
Presenter: Michael Kirkwood, PhD
Dr. Kirkwood is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the USA. He is the Director of the Rehabilitation Psychology & Neuropsychology Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado and a founder and co-director of the hospital’s Concussion Program and the hospital’s Functional Neurological Disorder Program. He has particular interest in pediatric validity testing and TBI, presenting nationally and internationally on the topics and serving on multiple expert panels and committees. His research has been funded by numerous organizations. He has authored over 100 scientific articles and book chapters. He is also the author/editor of four scientific books, including one on validity testing in children and adolescents.
Keywords: pediatric, performance validity testing, noncredible presentations