Pediatic Talks Relating to Children Given By Dr. O'Desky

Here is a sample of some of the talks Dr. O'Desky has given to the professional community as well as to parenting groups.

Helping the Child with Attention Problems and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder in School

Children with non-verbal learning disorder (NLD) are often misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the fact that they frequently present with symptoms consistent with an attention problem. While it is likely that this misdiagnosis has contributed to the over diagnosis of ADHD evident in this society, children with NLD do not need medication but clearly benefit from accommodations in their environment. This talk offers practical, concrete strategies to helping the child with NLD to succeed in school.

The Overdiagnosis of ADHD and Misdiagnosis of NLD

According to recent research, the number of girls diagnosed and treated for ADHD has tripled and the number of boys diagnosed and treated for ADHD has doubled in the time period between 1991 to 1998 and it is estimated that approximately 3% to 5% of school age children have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the present study suggests that many children are receiving this diagnosis inappropriately. This talk presents research on the use of behavior rating scales resulting in a diagnosis of ADHD in many children who do not have this disorder and approximately 20% of the children who receive this diagnosis based on behavior rating scales actually show some form of NLD. This suggests the need for a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine the appropriate diagnosis as well as the best course of treatment for a child.

Turner's Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder

This talk presents research on the cognitive pattern associated with individuals who have Turner's Syndrome. Despite the severity of the disorder, individuals with this genetic pattern show a cognitive style consistent with NLD. This talk presents the neuropsychological findings of a comprehensive evaluation conducted on one individual with a severe form of Turner's Syndrome and a second individual with a very mild form of Turner's Syndrome and discusses the similarity in their cognitive style.

Diagnosing Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: Going Beyond the VIQ::PIQ Disparity

This talk demonstrates the need for a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine if an individual has NLD. This is particularly important with the new version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children as the disparity between the verbal and visual tests of the intelligence testing may be much less as a result of the revision of the test.

What's the difference between ADHD, NLD and Asperger's disorder?

There is a high degree of overlap in symptomatology amongst these diagnoses. This talk discusses the key symptoms associated with each of these disorders and provides teachers and parents with strategies to help these children in school. Concrete, practical approaches proven effective in school are presented.

Am I having a Senior Moment or is Something Wrong With My Mind?

Misplacing your keys? Walking into a room and forgetting why you were going there? Forgot the name of the movie you saw last night? Are these normal signs of aging or is there possibly something more serious going on? Diagnosing Alzheimer.s Disease in its earliest stage is important today because there is now something that can be done to slow the progression of the disease. This talk is designed to educate the audience about the early signs of Alzheimer.s Disease and what someone should do if they think that they or a loved one has this disorder.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Practical tips for teacher.s

This workshop will discuss the key symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and provide strategies to help teachers to help these children in the classroom environment. Concrete, practical approaches that have been shown to be effective in school will be presented.

Helping the Child with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder in School

Children with non-verbal learning disorder (NLD) are often misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the fact that they frequently present with symptoms consistent with an attention problem. While it is likely that this misdiagnosis has contributed to the over diagnosis of ADHD evident in this society, children with NLD do not need medication but clearly benefit from accommodations in their environment. This talk offers practical, concrete strategies to helping the child with NLD to succeed in school.

The Overdiagnosis of ADHD and Misdiagnosis of NLD

According to recent research, the number of girls diagnosed and treated for ADHD has tripled and the number of boys diagnosed and treated for ADHD has doubled in the time period between 1991 to 1998 and it is estimated that approximately 3% to 5% of school age children have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the present study suggests that many children are receiving this diagnosis inappropriately. This talk presents research on the use of behavior rating scales resulting in a diagnosis of ADHD in many children who do not have this disorder and approximately 20% of the children who receive this diagnosis based on behavior rating scales actually show some form of NLD. This suggests the need for a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine the appropriate diagnosis as well as the best course of treatment for a child.

Turner's Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder

This talk presents research on the cognitive pattern associated with individuals who have Turner's Syndrome. Despite the severity of the disorder, individuals with this genetic pattern show a cognitive style consistent with NLD. This talk presents the neuropsychological findings of a comprehensive evaluation conducted on an individual with a severe form of Turner's Syndrome and a second individual with a very mild form of Turner's Syndrome and discusses the similarity in their cognitive style.

Diagnosing Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: Going Beyond the VIQ::PIQ Disparity

This talk demonstrates the need for a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine if an individual has NLD. This is particularly important with the new version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children as the disparity between the verbal and a visual tests of the intelligence testing may be much less as a result of the revision of the test.

What's the difference between ADHD, NLD and Asperger's disorder?

There is a high degree of overlap in symptomatology amongst these diagnoses. This talk discusses the key symptoms associated with each of these disorders and provides teachers with strategies to help these children in school. Concrete, practical approaches proven effective in school will be presented.