Understanding Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This 9-hour seminar reviews the current areas of research and theories of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults including neurology, diagnosis, genetics, co-morbidity, and treatment. The history of ADHD, common misconceptions, and misdiagnosis will be discussed.

The prevalence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is 7.2% or 23.5 million people in the United States alone. Our methods of diagnosing and understanding ADHD has changed dramatically over the past 20 years with new research and technology including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain. In this workshop you will be introduced to how the new research has changed our theories and treatment models for ADHD and glimpse into what the future research may inform our understanding of this previously perplexing and misunderstood diagnosis in children as well as adults.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an ever-growing field of study. Important updates because of the latest research requires a change in the tools for the management of symptoms that professionals use. This comprehensive course will review the evidence and breakthroughs provided by research as well as undoing past misconceptions and errors in past research.

Areas of focus for the course will include the neurological impacts of ADHD, including development into adulthood. Practice on using behavior charts as well as reviewing the complications that can arise will be completed. Identifying common problems with misdiagnosis as well as issues related to co-morbidity will be completed using case vignettes. Steps for treatment/symptom management will be broken down into obtainable steps with time to discuss complications and considerations of using accommodations in school settings.

This course will complete an overview of the most common questions caregivers and educators have about ADHD to provide the learners with prepared responses to the questions in digestible and simple terms. The seminar will be presented through zoom and will include time for questions, practicing skills, and interacting with others in the course.

Workshop attendees can expect to:

• Review research on the impacts of ADHD throughout childhood and into adulthood. • Develop skills to be able to engage in psychoeducation with families and teachers. • Explore common secondary impacts of ADHD and their impacts on functioning.

EPDC CE Hours: 9

Presenter: Leo DeBroeck

Leo DeBroeck, MS, LMHC, CMHS, MHP  received his BA in Psychology from Gonzaga University and his Masters in Psychology from Eastern Washington University.   Leo is currently a Child and Family Therapist at Sea Mar Community Health.  He is the Founder/CEO of Counselor’s Choice Award, LLC, and a Quarterly Faculty Member at Eastern Washington University, Bellevue where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes and seminars. Mr. DeBroeck has written several articles and books about Suicide, Trauma, Abuse and Neglect, and children dealing with parental drug and alcohol dependency. Leo also has volunteered for Everett School District, Boy Scouts of America and Compass Health