ADHD Unpacked: A Modern Approach to Case Conceptualization and Treatment

Kyle Rafferty, BA will present with these Learning Objectives:

Conceptualize ADHD Symptomatology — Develop a broader understanding of ADHD beyond core diagnostic criteria, including how symptoms may present differently across developmental stages and affect emotional, relational, academic, occupational, and daily functioning.
 Understand Deficits in Executive Functioning — Identify common executive functioning challenges associated with ADHD, including difficulties with attention regulation, working memory, task initiation, organization, planning, time management, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
 Recognize the Lived Experience of ADHD — Explore how repeated experiences of frustration, underperformance, criticism, and misunderstanding may influence self-concept, relationships, motivation, and emotional well-being.
 Expand the Treatment Model — Move beyond a symptom-management approach by integrating psychoeducation, executive functioning supports, emotional regulation strategies, behavioral interventions, and relationally responsive psychotherapy.
 Translate Conceptualization into Intervention — Identify practical therapeutic strategies that address the individual client’s ADHD presentation, functional impairments, strengths, developmental needs, and treatment goals.
 Promote a Strengths-Based Perspective — Consider how clinicians can help clients develop greater self-understanding and self-advocacy while identifying strengths and reducing shame associated with ADHD-related challenges.