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In my first post in this blog series, I explained how the D-KEFS™ Advanced represents a significant departure from traditional revisions of paper-pencil cognitive tests. We went all in and developed digital-only tests that are administered and scored exclusively on iPads. Unlike the WISC-5, WAIS-5, and WMS-5, which offer both print and digital-assist formats, the new D-KEFS Advanced has no print equivalent. There are no paper stimuli, record forms, or physical manipulatives, such as the round chips and wooden pegs used in the original D-KEFS Tower Test. Instead, examinees use a stylus to interact directly with the Client iPad, which presents the test stimuli and digital manipulatives, and automatically captures and scores responses. Examiners work solely from the Practitioner iPad, which provides instructions, prompts, timing, and a real-time record of the examinee’s responses.  

For most people, video games are a form of entertainment. For Rhoda Au, Ph.D., professor at Boston University, video games represent something far more profound: a potential window into the human brain.

Clinical Outcome Assessments (COAs) are essential for translating patient experiences into meaningful trial data, but they also bring complexity that creates friction.

A new research report, “Unlocking the Power of COAs in Clinical Research,” found that early and strategic planning can help address the top three COA friction points: licensing, translations, and rater training.

In this blog, we share findings on where the greatest opportunities lie — and why planning earlier and partnering smarter are keys to stronger trial execution.

Mental health screening and assessment tools are more important than ever, and one of the most foundational tools — the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) — is about to be released by Pearson in its fourth edition. As we discussed in a recent episode of “Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: How to Navigate Mental Health and Build Support,” the BASC-4 includes key updates for clinicians and educators while also retaining the evidence-based focus that has made it an effective suite of materials for nearly 40 years.

In recent decades, an increasing number of children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the U.S. According to the latest CDC data, the number of 8-year-olds identified with ASD is about 1 in 31. However, as discussed on a recent episode of our podcast, “Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: How to Navigate Mental Health and Build Support,” there is more to that number than meets the eye.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 7 million children in the U.S., and it can be challenging to diagnose due to complex symptom presentation and varying levels of healthcare resources. Diagnosis rates are inconsistent across different geographies, ranging from 6% to 16% across states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As a school-based occupational or physical therapist, you know that time is your most precious resource. Between evaluations, documentation, meetings and direct therapy, your schedule is packed. And as productivity expectations continue to rise, the number of hours in each day remains stubbornly the same!

Here are some practical ways to maximize your valuable time (without compromising quality) by making strategic assessment choices and leveraging the power of digital tools.

I have a confession to make. During the early years that the Pearson research team and I were developing the D-KEFS™ Advanced (all-digital tests of executive functions), I was reluctant to use digital assessments in my private practice. I felt a bit hypocritical; here we were striving to create state-of-the-art digital tests of executive functions, yet in my own practice, I was clinging to tried-and-true print versions of tests, even for questionnaires like the MMPI-3^®.