A4 PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Tracks
Stream 1
| Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Ballroom A |
Overview
(Session 1) PRES 30 mins: Chair introduction and emerging insights from the APNRN 2025 conference – Prof Jonathan Payne
(Session 2) PRES 30 mins: The Supervisor’s Role in Setting Psychology Registrars Up for Success – Dr Esther Hutchinson
(Session 3) PANEL 30mins: Early career researchers in paediatric neuropsychology (Lauren Rossetti, Tracey Chau, Renee Testa, Phoebe Schramko)
Presenter
Associate Professor Jonathan Payne
University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and Royal Children’s Hospital
Emerging Themes and Trends Paediatric Neuropsychology: Australian Paediatric Neuropsychology Research Network
10:30 AM - 11:00 AMAbstract
This symposium is facilitated by the Australian Paediatric Neuropsychology Research Network (APNRN), which has more than 600 members. The objective of the network is to enhance the breadth and quality of paediatric neuropsychology research in Australia by 1) disseminating pertinent research and 2) facilitating networking and collaborative research.
In line with this objective, this interactive and engaging symposium will address topics that are particularly pertinent to clinicians and researchers working in paediatric neuropsychology including the:
Future steps for paediatric neuropsychology. The innovations and enablers, the risks and barriers, and strategies.
Managing neuropsychological assessment practices for CALD populations in Australia
Unique features of supervising registrars in a paediatric neuropsychology setting
Navigating developing a career as a clinician-researcher paediatric neuropsychology
If interested in the field of paediatric neuropsychology, you should attend this symposium to hear the most up-to-date evidence from local experts and network with peers from around Australia
SESSION 1. CHAIR INTRODUCTION AND EMERGING INSIGHTS FROM THE APNRN 2025 CONFERENCE
The APNRN Executive representative will present a summary of collaborative discussion and workshops held at the recent APNRN 2025 conference. This includes exploration of what the future steps for paediatric neuropsychology may be, including reference to both the innovations and enablers of our profession, the risks and barriers, and potential strategies for moving forward. A summary of the emerging perspectives and themes on application of neuroaffirming frameworks to paediatric neuropsychology from an interactive panel discussion will also be highlighted.
Learning outcomes:
-Identify future steps for paediatric neuropsychology raised at the recent APNRN conference including innovations and enablers, the risks and barriers, and strategies.
-Identify emerging perspectives on application of neuroaffirming frameworks to paediatric neuropsychology.
In line with this objective, this interactive and engaging symposium will address topics that are particularly pertinent to clinicians and researchers working in paediatric neuropsychology including the:
Future steps for paediatric neuropsychology. The innovations and enablers, the risks and barriers, and strategies.
Managing neuropsychological assessment practices for CALD populations in Australia
Unique features of supervising registrars in a paediatric neuropsychology setting
Navigating developing a career as a clinician-researcher paediatric neuropsychology
If interested in the field of paediatric neuropsychology, you should attend this symposium to hear the most up-to-date evidence from local experts and network with peers from around Australia
SESSION 1. CHAIR INTRODUCTION AND EMERGING INSIGHTS FROM THE APNRN 2025 CONFERENCE
The APNRN Executive representative will present a summary of collaborative discussion and workshops held at the recent APNRN 2025 conference. This includes exploration of what the future steps for paediatric neuropsychology may be, including reference to both the innovations and enablers of our profession, the risks and barriers, and potential strategies for moving forward. A summary of the emerging perspectives and themes on application of neuroaffirming frameworks to paediatric neuropsychology from an interactive panel discussion will also be highlighted.
Learning outcomes:
-Identify future steps for paediatric neuropsychology raised at the recent APNRN conference including innovations and enablers, the risks and barriers, and strategies.
-Identify emerging perspectives on application of neuroaffirming frameworks to paediatric neuropsychology.
.....
Associate Professor Jonathan Payne is Co-Lead of Brain and Mind Research at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), a senior neuropsychologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on the interface between genomics, brain development, and behaviour, with the aim of understanding how genetic variation gives rise to complex cognitive and behavioural profiles. By integrating neurobehavioral phenotyping, neuroimaging, and advanced in vitro modelling using patient-derived stem cells, his work seeks to bridge mechanism and clinical application, supporting the development of precision-based treatments for children.
His vision for neuropsychological research emphasises on multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation to moving beyond traditional approaches to develop more meaningful assessments and targeted interventions that improve long-term outcomes for children and families.
Dr Esther Hutchinson
Clinical Education Team, Royal Children’s Hospital
SESSION 2. THE SUPERVISOR’S ROLE IN SETTING PSYCHOLOGY REGISTRARS UP FOR SUCCESS
11:00 AM - 11:30 AMAbstract
SESSION 2. NEURODEVELOPMENT
The Supervisor’s Role in Setting Psychology Registrars Up for Success.
‘Registrar psychologists’ working towards endorsement, in a clinical area such as clinical neuropsychology, are required to demonstrate competency across multiple key components: Registrar psychologists can be employed in a myriad of different ways: as a P2 in an ongoing role, recruited to a time-limited ‘registrar program’ or employed casually in private practice. Therefore, while the supervisor's responsibilities are the same across contexts, the role can be complex due to variables such as the time point in which the primary supervisor comes on-board, location including being co-located or off-site or being the secondary supervisor. Unique features of supervising in a paediatric neuropsychology setting will be highlighted together with guidelines and requirements of the registrar program, the APS Core competencies and how to meet them. The presentation will practically address documentation processes and tools and tricks to help supervisors of paediatric neuropsychologists in the Registrar Program.
Learning outcomes:
Describe the guidelines and requirements of the APS registrar program.
Describe APS core competencies and how to meet them in a paediatric neuropsychology setting.
Reference tools and strategies to use in supervision of registrars in paediatric neuropsychology settings.
The Supervisor’s Role in Setting Psychology Registrars Up for Success.
‘Registrar psychologists’ working towards endorsement, in a clinical area such as clinical neuropsychology, are required to demonstrate competency across multiple key components: Registrar psychologists can be employed in a myriad of different ways: as a P2 in an ongoing role, recruited to a time-limited ‘registrar program’ or employed casually in private practice. Therefore, while the supervisor's responsibilities are the same across contexts, the role can be complex due to variables such as the time point in which the primary supervisor comes on-board, location including being co-located or off-site or being the secondary supervisor. Unique features of supervising in a paediatric neuropsychology setting will be highlighted together with guidelines and requirements of the registrar program, the APS Core competencies and how to meet them. The presentation will practically address documentation processes and tools and tricks to help supervisors of paediatric neuropsychologists in the Registrar Program.
Learning outcomes:
Describe the guidelines and requirements of the APS registrar program.
Describe APS core competencies and how to meet them in a paediatric neuropsychology setting.
Reference tools and strategies to use in supervision of registrars in paediatric neuropsychology settings.
.....
Esther is a Senior Clinical Educator in Psychology at The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. She has over 15 years of paediatric experience across populations of neurology, prematurity, oncology, neonatal surgery, mental health, as well as in research, and private practice using a collaborative, strengths-based approaches. This year, Esther commenced a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education at Melbourne University. As a Clinical Educator, she supports RCH psychologists' educational needs applying adult learning principles and has a keen interest in Digital Health. She supervises neuropsychology registrars and junior psychologists, helping them achieve their professional goals. Esther has a passion for supervision and training psychologists to optimise clinical care for children and families through collaboration and innovation.
Dr Lauren Rossetti
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
SESSION 3. EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
11:30 AM - 12:00 PMAbstract
SESSION 5. EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLO
Led by emerging paediatric neuropsychologists and researchers, this interactive panel session will examine practical models for mentorship, supervision and workforce development, with particular attention to cultural responsiveness and reflexive practice within training programs. Through facilitated discussion, the session will provide concrete strategies and shared insights to support students and ECRs in building capability, confidence, and leadership within Australia's future neuropsychology workforce
Evidence-based best practice
a) Demonstrate evidence based best practice (established or emerging) by considering professional expertise and current evidence-based research. Limitations on information must be disclosed.
b) Ensure you list sources used to demonstrate evidence base. Include references less than 10 years old (unless a seminal reference), including a minimum of 5 references from peer reviewed sources.
Learning outcomes:
-Identify and critically reflect on key challenges and benefits associated with navigating a career as a clinician-researcher in paediatric neuropsychology.
-Explain how recent regulatory and competency changes are shaping training pathways for students and early career neuropsychologists in Australia.
-Evaluate mentorship and supervision models that support sustainable and culturally responsive workforce development.
-Apply principles of cultural safety and reflexive practice to professional development within paediatric neuropsychology.
-Describe how students and ECRs are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of developing and shaping technological innovations within the paediatric neuropsychology space.
Led by emerging paediatric neuropsychologists and researchers, this interactive panel session will examine practical models for mentorship, supervision and workforce development, with particular attention to cultural responsiveness and reflexive practice within training programs. Through facilitated discussion, the session will provide concrete strategies and shared insights to support students and ECRs in building capability, confidence, and leadership within Australia's future neuropsychology workforce
Evidence-based best practice
a) Demonstrate evidence based best practice (established or emerging) by considering professional expertise and current evidence-based research. Limitations on information must be disclosed.
b) Ensure you list sources used to demonstrate evidence base. Include references less than 10 years old (unless a seminal reference), including a minimum of 5 references from peer reviewed sources.
Learning outcomes:
-Identify and critically reflect on key challenges and benefits associated with navigating a career as a clinician-researcher in paediatric neuropsychology.
-Explain how recent regulatory and competency changes are shaping training pathways for students and early career neuropsychologists in Australia.
-Evaluate mentorship and supervision models that support sustainable and culturally responsive workforce development.
-Apply principles of cultural safety and reflexive practice to professional development within paediatric neuropsychology.
-Describe how students and ECRs are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of developing and shaping technological innovations within the paediatric neuropsychology space.
.....
Dr Tracey Chau
Monash University/eastern Health
SESSION 3. EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM.....
Tracey is a Research Fellow with the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University, and a Clinical Neuropsychologist within Infant, Child & Youth Mental Health Services (ICYMHS) at Eastern Health. With a strong passion for working with children and families to achieve their best, Tracey's research and clinical interests are closely aligned and inform one another. Some of her current projects include: a transdiagnostic conceptualisation of neurodevelopment and mental wellbeing in autistic and ADHD children, understanding the cognitive, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental profiles of adolescents with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and exploring post-diagnostic and mental health supports for caregivers of neurodivergent children.
Dr Renee Testa
Child And Adolescent Neuropsychology Gro
SESSION 3. EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM.....
Renee Testa bio: Renee Testa is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Founder and Director of CANGROUP (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group), a specialist paediatric neuropsychology clinic. She also holds a position as Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist in Mental Health at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and lectures at several universities on neurodevelopmental disorders. Renee sits on several professional committees, including the APS Thriving Kids Subcommittee and the APNRN Neurodevelopment Subcommittee. She has supervised numerous students and registrars over 20 years and has an intensive training program at the clinic. With extensive clinical and academic experience in child and adolescent neurodevelopment, she is committed to evidence-based assessment and neurodiverse-affirming practice across paediatric mental health and education settings.
Miss Phoebe Schramko
Royal Hobart Hospital
SESSION 3. EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS IN PAEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM.....
Phoebe is an early career Clinical Neuropsychologist who has recently joined the Tasmanian Health team as part of the Royal Hobart Hospital paediatric rehabilitation and neurocognitive services. She previously worked within an outreach program based at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, providing comprehensive ADHD assessments via telehealth to regional, rural and remote communities.
Phoebe has a particular interest in practical and sensitive assessments for children with neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions. She is passionate about finding novel solutions to ensure equitable and accessible care is provided to all children and families, and values collaborative work between multidisciplinary teams and researchers to explore new clinical options.
Session chair
Jonathan Payne
University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and Royal Children’s Hospital
