Pediatric Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellowship with Specialization in ASD & 0 to 5

Overview

The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology is dedicated to the training and education of future pediatric neuropsychologists. We understand there is a strong need for clinicians experienced in the neuropsychological evaluation of children with neurodevelopmental and medical disorders. We are pleased to offer a two-year postdoctoral fellowship training program in pediatric neuropsychology with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the assessment of infants and toddlers. The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology is a participating member of the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN).

The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology, LLC is a private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida consisting of three full-time pediatric neuropsychologists and one full-time psychometrist. CPN has served families in Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Luice County, and Grand Cayman  for over a decade. CPN is a regional leader in pediatric neuropsychological evaluations and works closely with specialty clinics of allied professionals including pediatricians, neurologists, and psychiatrists. The clinic and staff are known throughout Southeast Florida and highly regarded by colleagues, clinicians, and families.

The mission of CPN is to provide high-quality neuropsychological evaluations and evidence-based treatment plans to children with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. We strive to serve children from a broad array of socioeconomic backgrounds. The mission of the CPN fellowship program is to provide education and training in the neuropsychological assessment of children, with emphases on Autism Spectrum Disorders and children age 0 to 5. The goal of the program is to prepare the fellow with necessary clinical and research skills for independent practice in pediatric neuropsychology in accordance with the APA Division 40 Guidelines for Postdoctoral Training in Clinical Neuropsychology and the Houston Conference on Specialty Education and Training in Clinical Neuropsychology. The program is designed to provide trainees with the required experiences and education to meet eligibility requirements for board certification in clinical neuropsychology and subspecialization certification in pediatric neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. We achieve this through direct teaching, supervision, evidence-based care, scholarly inquiry, research via a scientist-practitioner model, informed professional development, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Training Activities

Fellows will spend approximately 65% of their time providing direct clinic services with regular direct supervision. Additionally, at least 10% of their time will be devoted to research which will include interactions with applied professionals, 10% of their time will be devoted to didactics, and approximately 5% of their time will be devoted to professional preparation.

Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic:

This major rotation in pediatric neuropsychology will focus on patients aged 6 to 21. Populations include traumatic birth history/extreme prematurity, prenatal exposure to teratogens, genetic syndromes, epilepsy, ASD, ADHD/LD, RAD, and complex psychiatric presentations. Fellows will complete one full evaluation per week under the supervision of a staff doctor for the duration of the 2-year fellowship. The fellow will participate in all aspects of the evaluation process with faded direct support. A full evaluation includes clinical interview of caregiver and child (and any other necessary individuals), neuropsychological testing (and test selection), feedback, and any other consultation with medical providers and/or school personnel. The fellow will participate in all components of the evaluation from start to finish, including feedback and report writing, and will be increasingly responsible for those components. Whenever possible, a psychometrist will be available to the fellow to complete testing; however, the fellow should expect to complete the majority of testing themselves.

The Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic will include referrals to Concussion Clinic, which consists of student athletes who do not show an expected recovery course following a mild TBI.

Zero to 5 Clinic:

This major rotation will include developmental evaluations of children age 0 to 5, the majority of whom present with a question of ASD. Fellows will participate in one full evaluation every week for the first year and will be responsible for one full evaluation every week during the second year. The fellow will participate in comprehensive parent interviews, developmental testing, ADOS-2 administration and scoring, and first-time ASD feedbacks.

Els for Autism Foundation:

This minor rotation will entail multi-disciplinary evaluations of children age 0 to 5 referred for ASD diagnostic evaluations. The fellow will work with SLPs, BCBAs, and Clinical Psychologists to complete evaluations which include the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Els for Autism is a non-profit organization committed to better understanding the aspiration of people with ASD and helping them to fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive, and rewarding lives. The fellow will have the opportunity to extend this rotation if they choose.

Pediatric Oncology Support Team Clinic (POST):

This minor rotation will include full neuropsychological evaluations of children with cancer. The majority of children are in the process of transitioning back into the school system. POST is a non-for-profit 501(c)3 and the majority of referrals are minority families of low SES. Fellows will complete one full evaluation per month under the supervision of a staff doctor for 1 year of their fellowship. The fellow will participate in all aspects of the evaluation process with faded direct support.. Whenever possible, a psychometrist will be available to the fellow to complete testing; however, the fellow should expect to complete the majority of testing themselves.

Forensic Exposure:

The fellow will have an opportunity to participate in forensic evaluations and consultation. The fellow may assist with record review, case conceptualization, and report writing. They will learn the obstacles and legal maneuvers relevant to forensic evaluations as it pertains to pediatric neuropsychology. The fellow will have opportunities to observe depositions and possibly trial testimony, and receive direct instruction and mentoring in providing neuropsychological testimony.

Application and Selection Procedures

The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida will accept applications beginning November 2020 for one two-year, full-time postdoctoral fellowship position in pediatric neuropsychology. The fellowship program participates in the APPCN Fellow Matching Program. Visit www.appcn.org to learn more about the program.

Interested candidates must submit materials by January 10, 2022. Interviews will be conducted at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, in person at The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology by request, or via Zoom.

Requirements

1. Completion of an APA-approved or CPA-approved internship in Clinical, Counseling, or Child Psychology.
2. Doctoral degree conferred from an APA-approved graduate school training program in Psychology; or doctoral candidate in good standing with an APA-approved graduate school training program in Psychology.
3. Applicants must participate in the APPCN-affiliated National Matching Service.

Email the following documents in PDF format to drk@neuropsych4kids.com
– A letter of interest
– Curriculum vitae
– APPCN Verification of Completion of Doctorate Form
– Copy of one (1) neuropsychological evaluation
– Official Copy of Graduate School Transcript(s)
– Three (3) letters of recommendation should be sent separately

Official Graduate Transcripts and Three Letters of Recommendation should be mailed to (letters of recommendation can also be e-mailed to drk@neuropsych4kids.com):

Jill Kelderman, PhD, ABPP-CN
The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology
11211 Prosperity Farms Road #C-303
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410

Contact training director Jill Kelderman, PhD, ABPP-Cn with questions or for more information:
Phone: 561-688-9795
Email: drk@neuropsych4kids.com
Fax: 561-688-9795

Checklist of required application documents, due January 10, 2022:
• Letter of Intent
• CV
• APPCN Verification of Doctorate Form
• One (1) Sample Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Official Graduate Transcript

The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology participates in the APPCN match and abides by the rules and procedures related to the match. More information is available at: http://appcn.org/

Living in Southeast Florida

Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and the surrounding area is a lush, beautiful beachfront community with a small-town feel. The area offers numerous options for outdoor recreational activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, fishing, or just lounging on the beach. Palm Beach Gardens is a golfing mecca and home to PGA headquarters. Downtown Miami and all it has to offer is a 70-minute train ride away. The average temperature in December is 76 while the summer months average 89 to 90 degrees. Leave your coat and boots behind…We live in paradise!