AACAP Annual Meeting 2026: Tuesday, October 27
191 sessions on day 2 of 6 · October 26–31, 2026, Atlanta, GA.Program overview & search
06:15–07:30 · Session · Wellness Program
Annual Meeting Fun Run
A short group morning run through Atlanta for meeting attendees.
07:00–08:00 · Session · Wellness Program
Meditation Class: Tuesday AM
A guided meditation class covering focusing techniques, postures, common barriers and building a personal practice, suitable for all levels.
07:00–08:00 · Session · Wellness Program
Yoga Class: Tuesday AM
A morning yoga class with postures, breathing and relaxation, open to all experience levels.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Shared Genetic Risk Between Autism and Schizophrenia: Early Insights From Clinical Research
A talk within a symposium on emerging psychosis in autism, presenting early clinical research findings on genetic risk that is shared between autism and schizophrenia.
08:00–10:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Disrupting the Intergenerational Transmission of Substance Use Disorders and Trauma by Targeting Family Systems
Abita Raj · Christopher Joseph Hammond · Jesse Hinckley · Peter Jackson · Miriam King
Clinical perspectives session on family-focused approaches to interrupting the transmission of substance use and trauma across generations.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Family-Focused Strategies for Adolescent Substance Use: From Prevention to Trauma-Informed Treatment
Covers family-based approaches to adolescent substance use, from prevention through trauma-informed treatment.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Clinical Considerations and Guidance for Intergenerational Family Communication About Substance Use Disorders
Offers clinical guidance on how families can communicate across generations about substance use disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Story of a Family’s Strength and Resilience Through Their Recovery Journey: A Lived Experience Narrative
A lived-experience account of a family's recovery journey and the strength and resilience involved.
08:00–10:00 · Symposium · Clinical Perspectives
From Dysregulation to Regulation: Scientific Advances in Understanding and Managing Emotion Dysregulation
Magdalena Romanowicz · Gabrielle A. Carlson · Arjun Athreya · Joseph C. Blader · Lauren M. Henry
Reviews scientific advances in understanding emotion dysregulation in youth and approaches to managing it clinically.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Using Smartwatch-Based Cardiac Data to Track Therapeutic Outcomes in Pediatric Disruptive Behavior Disorder
Arjun Athreya · Magdalena Romanowicz
Explores using smartwatch cardiac data to monitor treatment outcomes in children with disruptive behavior disorder.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Measuring What Matters: Implementing Validated Outcome Tools in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Mental Health Care
Describes how to implement validated outcome measures in pediatric psychopharmacology and mental health care.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Harmonizing Outcome Selection and Measurement: Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Health Trials and Practice
Addresses harmonizing outcome selection and measurement across youth mental health trials and clinical practice.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Separating an Object From Its Shadow: The Experience of a Psychosis Risk Program in Treating Individuals With ASD
Describes one psychosis risk program's experience treating individuals with autism.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Institute
When the Box Doesn't Fit: Diagnostic Challenges in Restrictive Eating Disorders
Examines diagnostic difficulties when restrictive eating presentations do not fit standard categories.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Occupational Therapy-Informed Interventions in Early Psychosis Care for Individuals With ASD and Psychosis
Covers occupational therapy-informed interventions in early psychosis care for autistic individuals.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
When to Worry: Managing Medical and Nutritional Concerns in Youth With Eating Disorders
Covers how to recognize and manage medical and nutritional complications in young patients with eating disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Implementation of Genetic Testing to Improve Care of Individuals Diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Current Rates, Barriers, and Processes to Increase Use to Improve Clinical Prognostication
Discusses current rates of, barriers to, and ways to increase genetic testing in neurodevelopmental disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Strategies for Working With Athletes With Eating Disorders
Discusses approaches to assessing and treating athletes who have eating disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Updates on the Role of Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Pediatric Eating Disorders
Reviews current evidence on medication use in pediatric eating disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Update on Family-Based Treatment in Youth with Eating Disorders
Updates on family-based treatment for youth with eating disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
My Body, My Choice: Conceptualizing Involuntary Treatment in Anorexia Nervosa
Explores ethical and clinical frameworks for involuntary treatment in anorexia nervosa.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
The Use of Telemedicine in Outpatient Care for Catatonia
Examines telemedicine delivery of outpatient care for catatonia.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
The Use of ECT for Catatonia in Autistic and Nonautistic Patients
Looks at ECT use for catatonia, comparing autistic and nonautistic patients.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Genetic Testing Practices and Diagnostic Outcomes in Catatonia With and Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Presents genetic testing practices and diagnostic yield in catatonia with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture
Stressful Life Events and Catatonia Severity
Examines the relationship between stressful life events and catatonia severity.
08:00–10:00 · Symposium · Clinical Perspectives
Using Measurement-Based Care to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Psychopharmacology: Standards, Trials, and Real-World Practice
Raman Baweja · Boris Lorberg · Eric A. Youngstrom · David R. Coghill · Suneeta Monga · Cesar A. Soutullo
Examines how measurement-based care standards, trial evidence and real-world implementation can improve pediatric psychopharmacology outcomes.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Developing a Measurement-Based Care System for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: The Penn State PCARES-Youth Initiative
Raman Baweja · James G. Waxmonsky · Dara Babinski · Erica Saunders · Daniel A. Waschbusch
Presents the development of a measurement-based care system in child and adolescent psychiatry at Penn State.
08:00–10:00 · Symposium
Catatonia in ASD: Emerging Evidence Across Stress, Treatment, Care Delivery, and Genetics
James Luccarelli · Megan Single · Isaac Baldwin · Joshua Ryan Smith · Kelli C. Dominick · Idil Yazgan
Presents emerging evidence on catatonia in autism spectrum disorder, including stress, treatment, care delivery and genetics.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Measurement-Based Care for Depression and ADHD in UTHealth Houston
Cesar A. Soutullo · Kerri L. Daniel · Hali Temkin · Paris A. Nix · Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon · Jair C. Soares
Describes a measurement-based care program for depression and ADHD at UTHealth Houston.
08:00–10:00 · Lecture · Institute
Neurobiological Mechanisms in the Development and Perpetuation of Eating Disorders
Reviews neurobiological mechanisms involved in how eating disorders develop and persist.
08:00–10:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
Hormonal: The Ups and Downs of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy for Youth
Serena M. Chang · Chelsea Cosner · Brandon Johnson · Natalie Ramos · Nathalie Szilagyi
Interactive, case-based program on the psychiatric role in assessing transgender and gender-diverse youth for gender-affirming hormone therapy. Covers evidence and guidelines, informed consent, diagnostic complexity, family communication, and current legislation.
08:00–11:00 · Workshop · Member Services Forum
Smart Tools for Innovative Care: Empowering Clinicians in the Age of AI
Fadi J. Hamati · Christopher A. Chamanadjian · Brandon Trojanowski · Misty C. Richards · Anam Adil
A hands-on roundtable forum introducing AI and large language model fundamentals for clinicians. Workshops cover clinical efficiency, medical education, and research writing, with ethical discussion of algorithmic bias and inclusive care in each area.
08:00–11:00 · Workshop
Family Interventions in Action: Interactive Skills to Empower Your Practice
John Sargent · Darakhshan Adam · Khalid Imran Afzal · Karam Radwan
A hands-on workshop teaching child and adolescent psychiatrists focused family assessment and practical systemic family interventions. Includes brief presentations, clinical examples, and small-group role-play to use alongside medication management.
08:00–11:00 · Workshop
Starting Smart as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Entrepreneur: Self-Reflection, Financing, and Branding
Edidiong David · Derek Isaiah Sloss · Schemide Zetrenne · Sarah Y. Vinson
A workshop preparing child and adolescent psychiatrists to start a small business, covering business setup and regulatory readiness, financing options, and ethical branding and marketing. Includes a discussion comparing entrepreneurial and academic career paths and peer feedback on participants' ideas.
08:00–11:00 · Workshop
The Application of AI in Clinical Documentation and Coding
Olugbemiga Osoba · Kathryn Egan · Courtney Kandler
A hands-on workshop on using AI tools for clinical documentation and coding in child and adolescent psychiatry. Covers capabilities, limits, ethical and regulatory issues, video simulations, and small-group practice with feedback.
08:00–15:00 · Course · Other Programs
AACAP Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research Institute (CAPRI) Early-Career Research Colloquium, Day Two
Lisa R. Fortuna · Manpreet K. Singh · Daniel P. Dickstein · Elizabeth A. Flook · Debha N. Amatya · Diab Ali · Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy · Aaron Lulla · Thomas K. Pak · Katherine M. Stefani · Musa Yilanli · Yezhe Lin
Two-day mentorship colloquium for early-career child and adolescent psychiatry researchers, covering K-series grant development, NIH funding mechanisms and research career navigation.
08:15–13:30 · Course · Other Programs
Clinical Practicum at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: A Model for Provision of Emergency Psychiatric Services and Crisis Recovery for Youth
John N. Constantino · Jennifer Holton · Kristin Weinschenk · William R. Powers · John Gransbach · Darja Beinenson · Hillary M. Henderson · Derek Lee
Half-day on-site practicum following youth in psychiatric crisis from emergency department evaluation through outpatient recovery, including a hospital tour, a suicidality recovery pathway and outcomes monitoring.
08:30–10:30 · Symposium
Understanding Regression in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Research-Informed Approach to a Clinically Actionable Framework
Pilar Trelles · Max J. Rolison · Audrey Thurm · Alexander Kolevzon · Christopher M. Bartley
Symposium presenting a research-informed framework for understanding developmental regression in neurodevelopmental disorders and applying it in clinical practice.
08:30–10:30 · Lecture
Defining and Assessing Regression in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Talk on how regression is defined and assessed in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions.
08:30–10:30 · Lecture
Catatonia as a Regression Syndrome: Insights From Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
Examines catatonia as a form of regression, drawing on findings from Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
08:30–10:30 · Lecture
Immune Dysfunction in Regression and Catatonia: Lessons Learned From Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD)
Discusses the role of immune dysfunction in regression and catatonia, based on Down Syndrome Regression Disorder.
08:30–10:30 · Lecture
From Framework to Practice: Integrating Regression Into Clinical Care and Treatment Pathways
Covers how a regression framework can be applied in clinical care and treatment pathways.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Embedding Evidence Into Innovation: An Academic-Community Fellowship Model to Advance Family Mental Health
Rachel Hanebutt · Matthew Biel · Megan McCormick · Lisa Hepburn · Pamala Trivedi
Describes an academic-community fellowship model that integrates evidence-based practice into innovation for family mental health.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
From Avoidance to Re-engagement: Treating Severe School Refusal Across Higher Levels of Care
Claudia Welke · Khushbu Shah · Melissa A. Arabadjief · Gagandeep Kaur · Kalyani Samudra
Covers treatment approaches for severe school refusal in youth across higher levels of care.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Frontline Psychiatry: Emerging Treatments for Regression, Aggression, Cerebral Palsy, and the Care of Medically Fragile Youth With Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Pankhuree Vandana · Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele · Kathleen A. Koth · Ernest Pedapati · Lisa C. Yeh · Tasia York
Reviews emerging treatments for regression and aggression and care of medically fragile youth with neurodevelopmental disorders.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Music Matters: A Tool for Teaching, Therapy, and Community Engagement
Eve G. Spratt · Steven C. Schlozman · McKay Allred · Matthew W. McMullen · Dhruv Shah · Cynthia C. Swenson · Maggie Connors
Explores the use of music in teaching, therapy and community engagement in child mental health.
09:00–11:00 · Session
Bridging the Gap: Clinical Approaches to Suicide Risk Assessment and Interventions in ASD and Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Narpinder Malhi · Jennifer McLaren · Jill Hinton · Lisa M. Horowitz · Suzanne M. Rybczynski · Carmen Lopez-Arvizu
Clinical perspectives session on assessing suicide risk and delivering interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual developmental disorder.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Cannabis Use and Early Psychosis Syndromes
Elizabeth Cohen · Hyun Jung Kim · Tushita Mayanil · Henry Teaford · Jeonghyun Shin
Clinical session on the relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis syndromes in youth.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Clinical Pathways for Agitation in Adolescent Patients at a Large, Urban Specialized Children ’ s Psychiatric Emergency Department
Describes clinical pathways for managing agitation in adolescents presenting to a specialized pediatric psychiatric emergency department.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Brief Rating of Aggression by Children and Adolescents (BRACHA) Do or BRACHA Don ’ t: Utilizing Aggression Rating Scales in a Pediatric Psychiatric Emergency Department
Examines the use of aggression rating scales such as BRACHA in a pediatric psychiatric emergency department.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Reimagining Pediatric Emergency Care: A Dedicated Mental Health Staffing Model to Reduce Agitation, Restraint, and Escalation
Michael M. Chu · Hoang D. Nguyen · Dani Milliken · Drea Correia · Michelle Won
Presents a dedicated mental health staffing model in a pediatric emergency setting aimed at reducing agitation, restraint use, and escalation.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Next-Generation Therapies for Obesity and Associated Food-Related Aggression in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Covers emerging treatment options for obesity and food-related aggression in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Approaches to Mental Health and Intellectual Developmental Disability Management in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy
Discusses managing mental health and intellectual/developmental disability concerns in children with cerebral palsy.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Delirium, Catatonia, and Medical Traumatic Stress: Evaluation and Management in the ICU and Beyond
Addresses evaluation and management of delirium, catatonia and medical traumatic stress in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders in intensive care and afterward.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Mary Jane 2.0: The Changing Face of Cannabis
Talk on how cannabis products and use patterns are changing, within a session on cannabis and early psychosis.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Treating Severe School Refusal in Residential Settings
Approaches to treating severe school refusal in residential treatment settings.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Violins in the Classroom for All: A Multimethods Pilot Study of Fifth Grade Experiences and Well-Being
Presents a pilot study of a classroom violin program and its effects on fifth graders' experiences and well-being.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From High to Harm: Cannabis and the Neural Pathways Linked to Psychosis
Examines the neural pathways connecting cannabis use to psychosis risk.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder in Psychiatric Practice: Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment
Recognition, assessment and treatment of Down syndrome regression disorder in psychiatric practice.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Cannabis Use in Early Psychosis: Epidemiology, Risk Associations, and Evolving Practice Landscape
Covers epidemiology and risk associations of cannabis use in early psychosis and how clinical practice is evolving.
09:00–10:30 · Lecture
The Kids FACE FEARS Trial: Overview, Methods, and Main Outcomes
Jonathan S. Comer · Donna B. Pincus · Anthony Steven Dick · Molly Adrian · Dana L. McMakin · Leslie Miller · Rheanna Platt · Andrea Spencer · Michelle V. Porche · Lisa R. Fortuna
Presents the design, methods and primary results of a pragmatic trial comparing therapist-led and guided inference-based CBT for pediatric anxiety.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Hearing the DSM : Teaching Psychopathology and Wellness With Music
Matthew W. McMullen · Dhruv Shah
Explores using music to teach psychopathology and promote wellness.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Mind the Gap: Examining the Intersection of Cannabis Policy and Early Psychosis
Jeonghyun Shin · Hyun Jung Kim
Looks at how cannabis policy interacts with early psychosis care and outcomes.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Promotion of Well-Being in At-Risk Children Through West African Dance and Drumming
Cynthia C. Swenson · Eve G. Spratt
Describes a dance and drumming program aimed at promoting well-being in at-risk children.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Innovation Hub Fellowship Overview: Lessons From 3 Cohorts Embedding Academic Expertise in Early Stage Innovations
Overview of an academic-community fellowship and lessons from three cohorts of early-stage family mental health innovations.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Music Therapy: What Is It, Who Can Benefit, and How Can It Be Accessed?
Introduces music therapy, who may benefit from it, and how families can access it.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Clayful: School-Based Mental Health Coaching at Scale
Describes a school-based mental health coaching program delivered at scale.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Risk Factors for PTSD in a Diverse Cohort of Trauma-Exposed Youth: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study
Reports a two-year longitudinal study of risk factors for PTSD in a diverse group of trauma-exposed youth.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Pediatrics Northwest: Integrating Community Health Workers Into Pediatric Primary Care Settings
Discusses integrating community health workers into pediatric primary care.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
A Longitudinal Investigation Into the Effects of Trauma Exposure and PTSD on Perceived Social Support in Youth
Examines how trauma exposure and PTSD relate to perceived social support in youth over time.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Special Olympics’ Young Athletes App: Improving Uptake and Use of a Family-Facing Digital Tool Across Systems
Covers efforts to improve uptake and use of a family-facing digital app for young athletes across systems.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Recurrent Interpersonal Trauma in Children and Adolescents: A Prospective Study
Presents a prospective study of recurrent interpersonal trauma in children and adolescents.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Treating Severe School Refusal in Partial Hospitalization Programs/Intensive Outpatient Programs: Leveraging Virtual and In-Person Treatment
Treatment of severe school refusal in PHP/IOP settings combining virtual and in-person care.
09:00–10:30 · Lecture
Comparing Therapist-Led vs Guided Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) for Treating Pediatric Anxiety: Secondary Outcomes from the Kids FACE FEARS Trial
Andrea Spencer · Anthony Steven Dick · Molly Adrian · Dana L. McMakin · Leslie Miller · Rheanna Platt · Michelle V. Porche · Lisa R. Fortuna · Donna B. Pincus · Jonathan S. Comer
Reports secondary outcomes comparing therapist-led and guided inference-based CBT for pediatric anxiety.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Toward Trauma-Informed Risk Stratification for Adolescent Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
Discusses trauma-informed approaches to stratifying risk for substance use disorders in adolescents.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Treating School Refusal at Inpatient Level of Care: Challenges and Innovative Experiences
Challenges and innovative approaches to treating school refusal in inpatient settings.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Volume and Characteristics of Youth With Aggression in a Pediatric Emergency Department (ED)
Rebecca Marshall · Amanda Ribbers
Characterizes the number and features of youth presenting with aggression to a pediatric emergency department.
09:00–10:30 · Lecture
Treatment Engagement and Its Moderating Effects on Pediatric Anxiety Outcomes in the Kids FACE FEARS Trial
Molly Adrian · Lauren McLellan · Leslie Miller · Rheanna Platt · Ronald Rapee · Andrea Spencer · Michelle V. Porche · Lisa R. Fortuna · Donna B. Pincus · Jonathan S. Comer
Explores how treatment engagement moderated pediatric anxiety outcomes in the trial.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Suicide in Children and Youth With Intellectual Developmental Disorder and ASD: Know the Risks and Prevalence
Reviews risk factors and prevalence of suicidality in youth with ASD and intellectual developmental disorder.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Updating Efficient Suicide Risk Clinical Pathways: Translating Research Into Action
Describes updating clinical pathways for suicide risk so research findings can be applied in practice.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Universal Suicide Risk Screening the Neurodevelopmental Disorder P opulation: Feasible and Impactful
Discusses the feasibility and impact of universal suicide risk screening in neurodevelopmental populations.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
The Real-World Clinician: How to Assess Suicide Risk in Youth With ASD and Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Practical guidance for clinicians on assessing suicide risk in youth with ASD and intellectual developmental disorder.
10:30–12:30 · Symposium · Other Programs
The Legacy of Judith Rapoport, MD: A Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Luminary
Jean A. Frazier · Francisco Xavier Castellanos · Jay Giedd · Maryland Pao · Daniel S. Pine · Armin Raznahan
A tribute to the career of Judith Rapoport, covering her research on childhood OCD, neuroimaging, stimulants in ADHD and clinical trials in refractory disorders, and her mentorship legacy.
11:00–13:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Out of the Fog: Managing Cannabis Withdrawal in Youth
Jesse Hinckley · Scott R. Hunter · Christopher Joseph Hammond · Alexander Chevalier · Laura A. Markley
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: A Clinical Framework for Evaluation by Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Presents a clinical framework for psychiatrists evaluating Down syndrome regression disorder.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
Neurologic Evaluation of Children With Down Syndrome and Regression
Covers neurologic assessment of children with Down syndrome who show regression.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
Novel Autoantibodies to Inhibitory Neurons in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) of Individuals With Down Syndrome: Implications for Down Syndrome Regression Disorder ( DSRD)
Discusses autoantibodies found in cerebrospinal fluid of people with Down syndrome and their relevance to regression disorder.
11:00–13:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Telemedicine-Controlled Substance Prescribing, Licensure, Cross-State Practice, and Advocacy
Shabana Khan · Joseph Shotwell
Covers legal and regulatory issues in telepsychiatry, including controlled substance prescribing rules, interstate licensure, and advocacy opportunities for child and adolescent psychiatrists.
11:00–13:00 · Session · Other Programs
Reading Between the Lines: AACAP Book Club Presents: Bunnicula
Pamela E. Hoffman · Danah Atassi · Arya Soman · Stephen Mateka · Brian Perry Kurtz · Fareesh H. Kanga · Rakin Hoq
An interactive book-club session using the children's novel Bunnicula to explore themes relevant to child and adolescent psychiatry. Participants discuss how reading literature builds empathy, cultural humility and reflective practice.
11:00–13:00 · Symposium
Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: From Bench to Bedside
GenaLynne C. Mooneyham · Cassie D. Karlsson · Aaron D. Besterman · Eliza M. Gordon-Lipkin · Christopher M. Bartley
A symposium on Down syndrome regression disorder, spanning laboratory findings through clinical care.
11:00–13:00 · Workshop · Wellness Program
Maintaining Aspects of Identity During Medical Training: An Art-Based Reflective Space
Bhavya Appana · Anindita Chakraborty · Elo Okah · Chuchitra Thanigaivasan · Arany Uthayakumar
A facilitated wellness session where trainees use art-making and group discussion to reflect on identity, power and resilience during medical training.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
High-Potency Tetrahydrocannabinol Product Use and Cannabis Withdrawal in Youth: New Clinical Challenges in a Shifting Legal Landscape
Looks at clinical challenges from high-potency THC products and cannabis withdrawal in youth as cannabis laws change.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
Leveraging Motivational Strategies to Engage Youth With Cannabis Withdrawal
Covers motivational approaches for engaging young people experiencing cannabis withdrawal in care.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
Beyond “Toughing It Out”: Practical Options for Managing Cannabis Withdrawal
Reviews practical management options for cannabis withdrawal.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
When It’s More Than Withdrawal: Psychiatric Risk and Diagnostic Clarity in Adolescent Cannabis Withdrawal
Addresses psychiatric risk and diagnostic differentiation in adolescents with cannabis withdrawal.
11:00–13:00 · Lecture
From Prevalence to Pathways: Genetic Risk for Regression in Down Syndrome
Examines prevalence and genetic risk factors for regression in Down syndrome.
11:30–13:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Paws & Pearls: A Hospital Facility Dog Experience With Practical Pediatric Hospital Facility Dog Program Development and Implementation Strategies
Kathryn Egan · Catherine Lindsay Rutledge · Trina Jones Artis
Covers how animal-assisted activities and therapy with hospital facility dogs can support children with serious illness and their families, including program policy development. Attendees interact with a facility dog.
11:30–13:30 · Symposium
Preventing Psychiatric Disorders: Preliminary Results From a Clinical Update in Progress
David C. Rettew · Matthew Biel · Alan Schlechter · Erica Shoemaker · Carol Vidal
Presents preliminary findings from an in-progress clinical update on preventing psychiatric disorders in youth.
11:30–13:30 · Lecture
Is It Prevention or Treatment? Methodological Issues Behind the Clinical Update
Discusses methodological questions in distinguishing prevention from treatment in psychiatric prevention research.
11:30–13:30 · Lecture
Cognitive/Behavioral Approaches in Recent Prevention Research
Reviews cognitive and behavioral approaches in recent prevention studies.
11:30–13:30 · Lecture
Family- and Parenting-Focused Prevention Strategies
Covers prevention strategies that focus on families and parenting.
11:30–13:30 · Lecture
Prevention Studies for Eating Disorders, Autism, and PTSD
Summarizes prevention research for eating disorders, autism, and PTSD in youth.
13:00–15:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Impact of Stigma on Help-Seeking and Intervention in Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders
Liwei L. Hua · Charles A. Davidson · Peter Jackson · Selin R. Yalcinkaya
Examines how stigma affects help-seeking and treatment engagement among adolescents with psychiatric disorders.
13:00–15:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Scaling Evidence-Based Pediatric Mental Health Care: Training, Workforce Development, and Systems Change Strategies
Peter S. Jensen · Heather J. Walter · Barry Sarvet · John Parkhurst · Gary Maslow · Nathan Copeland · David J. Kolko
Discusses strategies for training, workforce development and systems change to expand evidence-based pediatric mental health care.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Recognizing and Reducing Substance Use-Related Stigma to Increase Treatment Engagement and Improve Youth, Family, and Provider Wellness
Covers how substance use-related stigma affects treatment engagement and wellness for youth, families and providers, and ways to reduce it.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Longitudinal Outcomes for Patients Beyond the First 2 Years in an Early Psychosis Program: Should They Stay, or Should They Go?
Looks at long-term patient outcomes beyond the standard two-year period in an early psychosis program and whether to continue or end care.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Negative Impact of Stigma on Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents
Examines how stigma hinders diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder in adolescents.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Scaling Early Detection in an Urban Early Psychosis Program: Evaluation of Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) at EPIC-NOLA
Evaluates the CALM approach for scaling early detection within an urban early psychosis program.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Impact of Psychosis-Related Stigma on Youth and Caregiver Communication and Disclosure Processes
Considers how psychosis-related stigma shapes communication and disclosure between youth and their caregivers.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Treatment Implications of Symptom Profiles of Youth in Child Welfare: Relationship and Impacts of Deficits in Sensory Processing and Executive Functioning
Discusses symptom profiles of youth in child welfare, focusing on sensory processing and executive functioning deficits and their treatment implications.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Large-Scale Dissemination of Modified Versions of a Behavioral Health Integration Program in Pediatric Primary Care
Describes large-scale dissemination of adapted behavioral health integration programs in pediatric primary care.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Trauma and Traumatic Stress Within Primary Care
Covers addressing trauma and traumatic stress in primary care settings.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Consultation to Independent Practice: Evaluation of the Mood, Anxiety, ADHD Collaborative Care Program
Presents an evaluation of a collaborative care program for mood, anxiety and ADHD that supports clinicians moving from consultation to independent practice.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line: Delivering Statewide Pediatric Mental Health Practice Transformation
Describes a statewide psychiatry access line in North Carolina and how it supports pediatric mental health practice transformation.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Discrepancies in Psychosocial Needs Between Kinship and Foster Placements for Children in Out-of-Home Placement
Amanda Bird Gilmartin · Rebecca Orsi-Hunt · Kaci Pickett-Nairne
Compares psychosocial needs of children in kinship versus foster placements.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Building Care Team and Leadership Capacity to Sustain Doctor Office Collaborative Care Using Implementation Science
Discusses using implementation science to build care team and leadership capacity to sustain collaborative care in pediatric offices.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Symposium
Reframing Early Psychosis: A Longitudinal, Systems-Based Approach to Youth Care
Presents a longitudinal, systems-based approach to caring for youth with early psychosis, drawing on a decade of clinic experience.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Efforts to Increase Therapist Flexibility in Tailoring Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment for Youth With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, a Group With High Trauma Risk
Juliet M. Vogel · Peter J. D'Amico
Describes efforts to help therapists flexibly adapt evidence-based trauma treatment for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Fatherhood in Transition: Traditions, Rituals, and the Evolving Role of Fathers in Indian and Diaspora Family Life
Explores how the role of fathers is changing in Indian and diaspora families, including traditions and rituals that shape father-child relationships.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Fathers as Intergenerational Catalysts for Bicultural Identity and Emotional Resilience in Latino Families
Looks at the role fathers play in supporting bicultural identity and emotional resilience in Latino children and families.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Father-Child Bonds as Cultural Anchors Bridging Generations
Discusses how father-child bonds serve as cultural anchors across generations.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Paratha (Flatbread) to Pizza: Preserving Core Values While Raising Resilient Children
Addresses how immigrant parents can preserve cultural values while raising resilient children in a new cultural setting.
13:00–15:00 · Symposium
A Decade of the Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic-New Orleans: Beyond the First Episode—Early Detection and the Continuum of Psychosis Care
Ashley Weiss · Glen McDermott · Patricia Hawley · Ramin Mojtabai · Serena Chaudhry
Reviews ten years of an early psychosis clinic, focusing on early detection and the continuum of psychosis care.
13:00–15:00 · Symposium
Updates in Measurement-based Screening, Assessment, and Treatment of Maltreated Youth Across Diagnoses and Settings
Jodi Zik · Steven J. Berkowitz · Brooks Keeshin · Amanda Bird Gilmartin · Juliet M. Vogel
Updates on measurement-based screening, assessment and treatment for maltreated youth across diagnoses and care settings.
13:00–15:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
Beyond the Clinic Walls: Building the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Toolbox to Address School Absenteeism Across Settings
Aleiya Butler Wright · Kristie Ladegard · Virginia F. Barbosa · Geeta S. Ilipilla · Bettina Bernstein · Julia Solowey · Heidi Schumacher · Sarah Fracci · Anna Maria Campana
Interactive session with cases and small-group rotations offering tools to address school absenteeism and avoidance across rural, urban and diverse youth populations.
13:00–16:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Holding the Child in Mind: Narrative and Theater Approaches to Caregiver Conversations
Gabrielle L. Shapiro · Rebecca Susan Daily · Dhwani Ravi · Harshita Naga Krishna Sai Vullaganti · Richard Zhang · Shaurya Kumar Singh · Faduma Hassan · Chandani Rana · Eunice Y. Yuen · Aanchal Shah
An experiential workshop using forum theater and narrative medicine to practice difficult conversations with caregivers whose beliefs differ from the clinical picture. Participants rehearse de-escalation and alliance-preserving strategies through two enacted scenarios.
13:00–15:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Bridging Cultures, Bridging Generations: Contemporary Father-Child Relationships
Deepika Shaligram · Alexandra M. Harrison · Abishek Bala · Henry R. Marquez-Castro · Yousif Tawadros · Muhammad Zeshan
Clinical perspectives on father-child relationships across cultures and generations, and their relevance to child and adolescent care.
13:00–16:00 · Workshop
Hands-On Qualitative Research Workshop in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Maria C. Velez Florez · German E. Velez · Andrés S. Martin · Andrea Spencer
A hands-on workshop introducing qualitative and mixed-method research designs for child and adolescent psychiatry, with didactics, interview and coding exercises, and small-group mentorship to develop participants' own projects.
13:00–16:00 · Workshop
Innovative Pathway to Adulthood: A Hands-On, Data-Driven Framework for Transition-Focused Psychiatric Care
Sara Uram · Robert J. Schloesser · Emily Berich-Anastasio
Hands-on workshop presenting a strengths-based, measurement-driven battery for assessing adaptive functioning in transition-aged youth with autism. Participants practice interpreting patient and proxy reports, reconciling discrepancies, and drafting transition plans and eligibility documentation.
13:00–16:00 · Workshop
Regulate, Don’t Terminate! DBT Strategies for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Working With Dysregulated Teens
Allison B. Ventura · Steven P. Cuffe · Scott R. Johnson · Zachary G. Cooley
A hands-on workshop teaching child and adolescent psychiatrists core DBT-A skills and the biosocial model to engage and retain dysregulated teens, including those with BPD traits, and to support clinician self-regulation.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
Clinical Trajectories and Outcomes Among Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Identified Through a Community Early Detection Program
Examines clinical courses and outcomes of youth identified as clinical high risk for psychosis through a community early detection program.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Basic Science of Nicotine and Cannabis Interactions With Eating
Covers the basic science of how nicotine and cannabis interact with eating behavior and appetite.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder and Eating Disorders Among Youth: A 3-Year Analysis
Niranjan S. Karnik · Sara W. Kelly · Dale L. Smith
Presents a three-year analysis of co-occurring cannabis use disorder and eating disorders in youth.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
The Gut as a Driver of Use: How Gastrointestinal Symptoms Shape Substance Use in Youth
Explores how gastrointestinal symptoms may influence substance use in young people.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Treatment Considerations for Comorbid Presentations
Discusses treatment approaches for youth with co-occurring eating, gastrointestinal and substance use problems.
13:30–15:30 · Symposium · Clinical Perspectives
This Is Your Gut on Drugs: Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Problems Related to Nicotine and Cannabis Use
David L. Atkinson · Jennifer L. Derenne · Niranjan S. Karnik · Laura A. Markley · Jennifer Creedon
Clinical perspectives on how nicotine and cannabis use relate to eating disorders and gastrointestinal problems in young patients.
13:30–15:30 · Panel · Member Services Forum
Advancing Cultural Fairness: Who Gets Seen, Heard, and Helped? A Cross-Caucus Collaborative Forum to Improve Psychiatric Care Pathways for Youth
Ailyn D. Diaz · Alicia W. Leong · Manal Assi · Jonathan J. Shepherd · Sumru A. Bilge-Johnson · Arpit Singh · King Fok · Monica Arora
Case-based forum from several AACAP caucuses on how clinician-level decisions affect access, diagnosis and engagement for minoritized youth, with practical strategies for referral bias, interpreter use and family mistrust.
14:00–16:00 · Session
“Voices or Thoughts?” Overcoming Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges at the Intersection of Pediatric OCD and Psychosis
Michelle L. Zaydlin · Jamie R. Odzer · Aisa M. Moreno-Megui · Jessica D. Leuchter
A clinical case conference using three pediatric cases to show how obsessive-compulsive symptoms can be mistaken for psychosis, and how the two can co-occur. It covers phenomenological assessment, autism and medical comorbidity, cultural considerations, and treatment options.
14:00–16:00 · Session
Catatonia at the Intersection of ASD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Rethinking Presentation and Pharmacological Response
Elizabeth Margolis · Anastasia Klott · Joshua Ryan Smith · Josiah Cox · Kristina Flores
Clinical perspectives session on how catatonia presents in youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and on pharmacological response in these patients.
14:00–16:00 · Session
Child-Parent Psychotherapy: Processing Trauma and Healing Attachment Through Dyadic Play
Joshua Russell · Mary Margaret Gleason · Amber Thompson · Elizabeth C. Fuentes · Sharlo Bayless Tharma · Xiaoyi Yao
Clinical perspectives session on Child-Parent Psychotherapy, using dyadic play to address early trauma and support attachment between young children and caregivers.
14:00–16:00 · Session
Paging Doctor TikTok: Social Media Psychoeducation, Misinformation, and Contagion
Paul E. Weigle · Kristopher Kaliebe · Jennifer Yen · Carlene M. MacMillan · Carol Vidal
Clinical perspectives session on social media as a source of mental health information, including psychoeducation, misinformation and social contagion among youth.
14:00–16:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Practical Framework for Assessing and Managing Clinically Significant Psychotropic Medication Side Effects in Children and Adolescents
Salma Malik · Raman Baweja · Jeffrey Robert Strawn · Sadiq Naveed · Conor Wilson
Offers a practical approach to recognizing and managing clinically significant side effects of psychotropic medications in youth.
14:00–16:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Review of Adolescent Outpatient Commitment in the United States
Brody Montoya · Ravi Anand · Terry Git Lee · Eva C. Ihle · Marvin S. Swartz
Reviews how outpatient commitment is applied to adolescents across the United States.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Neurological Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications in Children and Adolescents: Recognition, Management, and Clinical Implications
Covers recognizing and managing neurological adverse effects of psychotropics in young patients.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
How to Bend and Not Break: Diagnostic and Treatment Flexibility in Catatonia and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Kristina Flores · Joan R. Winter
Discusses flexible diagnostic and treatment approaches for catatonia in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
14:00–16:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
AACAP Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Updates: Current Processes and Future Directions for Integrating AI
Smita Thakkar · Carol M. Rockhill · Raghuram Prasad · Lipi Gupta · Munya Hayek · Laurence Lee Greenhill
Member forum on how AACAP develops clinical practice guidelines and updates, and how AI tools could be integrated with ethical safeguards and clinician oversight.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Review of Discontinuation Symptoms Secondary to Psychotropic Medications: Strategies in Assessment, Management, and Risk Mitigation
Reviews psychotropic discontinuation symptoms and approaches to assessing, managing, and reducing risk.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Child-Parent Psychotherapy 101: Core Principles, Evidence, and Indications
Amber Thompson · Elizabeth C. Fuentes
Introduces the core principles, evidence base and indications for Child-Parent Psychotherapy.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Adolescent Outpatient Commitment: A Novel Framework for Compulsory Treatment in Minors
Introduces a framework for outpatient commitment as a form of compulsory treatment for minors.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Petition to Practice: A Clinical Vignette of Virginia’s Adolescent Outpatient Commitment Model
Uses a clinical vignette to illustrate how Virginia's adolescent outpatient commitment process works in practice.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Inside the Dyad: Psychodynamic Processes in Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Examines psychodynamic processes within the parent-child dyad in Child-Parent Psychotherapy.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Failure to Launch: Postimplementation Lessons From Washington’s Adolescent- Assisted Outpatient Treatment Expansion
Reviews lessons learned after implementing Washington's expansion of assisted outpatient treatment to adolescents.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Model to System: Building Child-Parent Psychotherapy Programs and Community Partnerships
Describes how to build Child-Parent Psychotherapy programs and community partnerships.
14:00–16:00 · Symposium
Providing Nationally Representative Norms for Pubertal Status, Mood Symptoms, and Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors
Eric A. Youngstrom · Boris Birmaher · Yinuo Liu · Rachel A. Vaughn-Coaxum · Marissa B. McClellan · Mindy Westlund Schreiner
Presents nationally representative normative data on pubertal status, mood symptoms, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in youth.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Navigating the Ethics of Adolescent Outpatient Commitment
Discusses ethical considerations surrounding compulsory outpatient treatment of adolescents.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Social Media and Mental Health: Making Sense of the Research
Reviews the research on social media and mental health in youth.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Symposium
Psychometrics and Norms of the Parent-Report Pubertal Development Scale in a Nationally Representative Sample
Yinuo Liu · Eric A. Youngstrom
Presents psychometric properties and national norms for the parent-report Pubertal Development Scale.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Missed for 3 Years: Delayed Diagnosis of Catatonia and a New Diagnosis of Kleefstra Syndrome
Case presentation of catatonia that went undiagnosed for years and led to a diagnosis of Kleefstra syndrome.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Could This Be Catatonia? A Case of Refractory Psychosis Associated With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Case of refractory psychosis with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in which catatonia was considered.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture
National Norms and Sociodemographic Measurement Invariance of the Parent-Report Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for School-Aged Children
Rachel A. Vaughn-Coaxum · Krithika Prakash · Claire S. Tomlinson · Patrick Mair · Lan Yu · David J. Kolko · Paul Pilkonis · Oliver Lindhiem
Presents nationally representative norms for the parent-report Mood and Feelings Questionnaire in school-aged children and examines whether it measures consistently across sociodemographic groups.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Mania vs Agitated Catatonia, Plus Treatment Complications in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
Differentiates mania from agitated catatonia and reviews treatment complications in a patient with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture
A Robust Analysis of the Parent-Report Child Mania Rating Scale in a Nationally Representative Sample of 6–18-Year-Olds
Marissa B. McClellan · Yinuo Liu · Cristian Alcaino · Eric A. Youngstrom
14:00–16:00 · Lecture
Psychometric Properties of the Parental Report Version of the Concise Health Risk Tracking Assessment: Charting the Course of Suicide Risk Across Age and Sex
Mindy Westlund Schreiner · Halle A. Deericks · Yinuo Liu · Eric A. Youngstrom
Examines the psychometric properties of the parent-report Concise Health Risk Tracking Assessment and how suicide risk varies by age and sex.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
The Good, the Bad, and the Misinformed: Social Media Psychoeducation
Examines the benefits and risks of mental health psychoeducation on social media, including the spread of misinformation.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
DSM -TikTok: Differential Diagnosis of the Performative Sick-Role on Social Media
Discusses how to differentiate genuine psychiatric conditions from performative sick-role presentations influenced by social media.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
How to Assess and Address Social Media Contagion in Clinical Practice
Covers practical approaches for clinicians to assess and respond to social media contagion of symptoms in patients.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Systematic Framework for Anticipating, Identifying, Assessing, and Managing Medication-Related Adverse Effects
Presents a structured framework for anticipating and managing adverse effects of psychotropic medications in youth.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Evidence-Based Strategies to Screen and Manage Endocrine and Metabolic Complications
Reviews screening and management of endocrine and metabolic complications of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents.
14:30–16:00 · Panel · Member Services Forum
Parity for Kids: When Coverage Fails the Standard of Care
John N. Constantino · Sarah C. Phillips · Neetu Abad · Jason Bearden · Melissa Haberlen DeWolf
Examines how mental health parity laws apply to pediatric care and how coverage denials and utilization management create barriers for youth. Offers strategies for documenting and responding to parity violations, including a hospital case study of tracking coverage outcomes.
15:15–16:30 · Session · Other Programs
CAPRI Research Colloquium Reunion
16:30–18:30 · Panel · Member Services Forum
Making Effective Change in Chaotic Times: An Elected Official Panel and Discussion
Avanti Bergquist · Adam J. Sagot · Steve Bergquist · Ryan Matthew White · Eric Lewkowiez
A panel of elected officials, including legislators and school board members, shares effective advocacy strategies, followed by an open forum where members bring local policy concerns and get solutions-focused input. Also reviews AACAP advocacy resources.
16:45–18:15 · Session · Other Programs
Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows Meet Life Member Mentors at the 2026 AACAP Annual Meeting
Margery R. Johnson · Geraldine S. Fox · Renee Mehlinger-Mitchell · Julia L. Versel · Margaret Y. Yau
An informal mentoring session where trainees meet senior Life Member mentors at small tables to discuss career paths, training options and getting involved in AACAP.
16:45–18:45 · Lecture
The Impact of Maternal Stress, Medication and Lifestyle During Pregnancy on ADHD, Autism, Mood and Psychotic Disorders In Children and Adolescents
Examines how maternal stress, medication use and lifestyle during pregnancy relate to later ADHD, autism, mood and psychotic disorders in offspring.
16:45–18:45 · Lecture
Novel Neuroimaging Techniques to Evaluate Intrauterine Exposures
Covers emerging neuroimaging methods for assessing the effects of intrauterine exposures on the developing brain.
17:30–18:30 · Session · Wellness Program
Yoga Class: Tuesday PM
A wellness yoga class with postures, breathing and relaxation for all experience levels. Mats are provided and space is first-come, first-served.
17:30–18:30 · Workshop · Wellness Program
Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, and Breath Work for Youth Mental Health: An Experiential Immersion
Experiential session introducing four meditative practices for youth mental health: seated and informal mindfulness, guided imagery, and breath work with heart rate variability biofeedback. Covers how to integrate them into clinical practice with children and adolescents.
19:00–21:30 · Workshop · Media Theatre
“What, Like It’s Hard?”: Using Legally Blonde to Teach Barriers to Women Physician Leadership
Karuna S. Poddar · Natasha Reddy · Nancy Itohan Osazuwa · Juliette Romeus
Uses clips from the film Legally Blonde with facilitated discussion to examine gender bias and barriers facing women physician leaders in child and adolescent psychiatry. Covers strategies such as mentorship, sponsorship and allyship.
19:00–21:30 · Session · Media Theatre
“You Really Think AI Is a Child?”: Anthropomorphization, Exploitation, and Implications for Child Psychiatry in Humans in the Loop
A film screening of Humans in the Loop followed by discussion of data annotation labor behind AI, how AI differs from child development, and the risks of anthropomorphizing AI. Presenters offer guidance for child psychiatrists on talking with patients and families about AI.
19:00–22:00 · Session · Media Theatre
Sugarcane : Navigating Intergenerational Trauma, Religion, and Survivance After Native American Boarding Schools
Daniel Miller-Azar · Steven Sust · Beth Michel · Emily Si'al · Kelly S. Hill · Rebecca Susan Daily
Screening of the documentary Sugarcane about abuse at a Native American boarding school, followed by a panel discussion. Covers intergenerational trauma, the role of religion in assimilation, and culturally informed healing for Indigenous families.
Plenary · Plenary Session
Presidential Interview: John T. Walkup, MD Interviews Awais Aftab, MD
AACAP's president sits down with psychiatrist and writer Awais Aftab for a live-streamed conversation on conceptual and philosophical issues facing modern psychiatry.
Lecture · Plenary Session
James C. Harris, MD, Developmental Neuropsychiatry Forum: Translational Frontiers in Autism: Advancing Discovery from Gene Pathways to Patients
Rana Elmaghraby · Suma Jacob · Alexandra L. Bey · Pankhuree Vandana · Natasha Marrus · Matthew State · Alison T. Singer
Matthew State presents how the identification of more than 100 high-confidence autism risk genes is being turned into therapeutic programs, with profound autism as a tractable starting point, while Alison Singer brings the family perspective on genetic testing and trial participation.
Plenary · Plenary Session
Research Symposium: Maternal Mental Health, Intrauterine Exposures and Child Outcomes
Dorothy E. Grice · Karen G. Martinez-Gonzalez · Veerle Bergink · Moriah E. Thomason
A general-session research symposium examining how maternal psychiatric illness and intrauterine exposures shape child developmental and mental health outcomes, led by perinatal psychiatry and developmental neuroscience researchers.
Course · Institute
Evidence-Based Updates in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Youth With Eating Disorders
Lisa H. Weiss · Jennifer L. Derenne · Jennifer Leah Goetz · Guido K. W. Frank · Jennifer L. Carlson · Elizabeth Wassenaar · James Lock
Institute spanning the biological foundations, diagnosis, and management of pediatric eating disorders, designed for trainees through experienced clinicians and featuring family-based treatment developer James Lock.
Workshop · Extended Workshop
Evaluation of ASD and Developmental Delays in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Ji Hong · Kelly Sheperd · Alyson Fagan · Ross Goodwin
Extended workshop teaching early developmental assessment across language, cognitive, motor, play, and social domains, including administration of the DAYC-2 and autism screening and diagnostic instruments for very young children.
Workshop · Extended Workshop
Psychiatric Assessment of the Very Young Child in the Clinic
Karen A. Frankel · Ashley D. Sward · Mini Tandon · Melissa Batt
Hands-on extended workshop on the nuts and bolts of evaluating preschool-aged children, using the DC:0-5 diagnostic system, the AACAP Infant Toddler Mental Status Exam, the Crowell Procedure, and the Working Model of the Child Interview.
Symposium · Symposium
Clinical Outcomes of Childhood Trauma
Karen Dineen Wagner · Judith A. Cohen · Cody G. Dodd · Erin Logue · Cynthia A. Claassen · John Leri
Symposium on the downstream clinical outcomes of childhood trauma, featuring TF-CBT co-developer Judith Cohen and mood-disorders researcher Karen Dineen Wagner.
Symposium · Symposium
Emerging Psychosis in Autism: Implications for Risk Assessment, Clinical Care, and Research
Amandeep Jutla · Takahiro Soda · James T. McCracken · Gautam Rajendran · Margaret R. Latt
Symposium examining how psychosis emerges in autistic youth and what that means for risk assessment, clinical management, and future research.
Symposium · Symposium
The Kids FACE FEARS Pragmatic RCT of Therapist-Led vs Guided Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) for Pediatric Anxiety: Overview, Main Findings, and Secondary Outcomes
Jonathan S. Comer · John Piacentini · Andrea Spencer · Molly Adrian
First-look results from the Kids FACE FEARS pragmatic randomized trial comparing therapist-led versus guided internet-delivered CBT for pediatric anxiety, presented by trial leaders Jonathan Comer and John Piacentini.
Symposium · Symposium
Managing Youth Aggression in the Emergency Department (ED): Strategies to Address a Growing Problem
Rebecca Marshall · Megan Mroczkowski · Meghan Schott · Michael M. Chu
Emergency psychiatry symposium on practical strategies for managing agitated and aggressive youth in the ED as pediatric mental health boarding grows.
Session · Clinical Case Conference
Going From Lorazepam 140 Mg to Zero: A Cross-Country Transfer for Electroconvulsive Therapy
Aishwarya Rajagopalan · Anastasia Klott · Jacob Feigal · Jonathan R. Komisar · Beau A. Carubia · Alejandra Chavez
Case conference on severe malignant catatonia from anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis requiring a cross-country transfer for ECT, used to spotlight state-level legal barriers to pediatric ECT access, with the patient and family perspective included.
Session · Clinical Case Conference
Pregnant and In Crisis: Complex Cases and Practical Principles for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Perinatal Adolescents
Sasha K. Narayan · Ilang M. Guiroy · Amalia Londoño Tobón · Sophie Scharner · Caridad Benavides
Case-based session offering practical principles for evaluating and managing pregnant adolescents in psychiatric crisis through a two-generation lens, an area where few child psychiatrists have formal training.