Differential Diagnoses in Play Therapy: Is it ADHD or Something Else? – Kansas City/Live Webinar
Description:
“He’s out of control.” “She can’t pay attention in class.” “He has big emotions and can’t calm down.” Do these statements from parents and caregivers sound familiar? Clinicians working with children are often challenged to determine which diagnosis best fits a child’s symptoms, particularly when Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents alongside or overlaps with other conditions. This workshop invites participants to examine ADHD through a play therapy lens, with specific attention to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and common co-occurring disorders. Through case examples and experiential discussion, participants will learn to identify ADHD symptoms in the playroom, differentiate ADHD from other diagnoses, and apply developmentally appropriate play therapy interventions to support treatment goals.
Objectives:
- Examine Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5-TR through a play therapy lens. - Identify ADHD symptoms as they present in the playroom and differentiate ADHD from other potential childhood diagnoses, using case examples and personal clinical experiences.
- Demonstrate at least five play therapy interventions appropriate for children exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms, aligned with specific treatment objectives.
Instructor: Laura Lester, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT™
Workshop Schedule:
2:30-2:45 Afternoon Break
2:45-4:15 Training Continues with Workshop Conclusion
Live Webinar Policy:
For a successful Live Webinar that ensures full CE credit, you will need:
- A device (computer or tablet preferred) with a working camera and microphone.
- A strong and reliable internet connection.
- A designated safe space of your choosing free from disruption.
- A reliable childcare plan (if applicable).
- A commitment to keep your webcam on the entire workshop.
- The workshop supplies nearby that have either been requested in the workshop email or provided in the supply shipment (if applicable).
Workshop Cancellation:
- Cancellation requests should be submitted by email to Heartlandpti@gmail.com no later than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled workshop date in order to receive a full refund of the paid workshop fee. Cancellation and/or rescheduled requests that are submitted after 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled workshop date will result in a refund of the paid workshop fee – with the exception of a $25 administrative fee for a half-day workshop, a $50 administrative fee for a full-day workshop a $75 administrative fee for 2-day workshop.
- Heartland Play reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to insufficient enrollment. Heartland Play will email workshop students at least 5 calendar days in advance of the scheduled workshop date to notify students of the cancellation. Notice will be provided with the option to reschedule for a future course date or to receive a full refund of paid workshop fees.
- Heartland Play reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to inclement weather, instructor illness or instructor family emergency. If a workshop is canceled, students will be notified via e-mail prior to the workshop start time. Heartland Play will notify the students of a reschedule date for the workshop within 10 calendar days of the cancelled workshop. Notice will be provided with the option to reschedule for the future course date or to receive a full refund of the paid workshop fee.