Presenter: Andrea Bullinger, M.A. and Emily Mezni, M.A.
1 CE Available
Article Link
Abstract:
This study investigates sex differences in demographic and injury-related characteristics, along with recovery patterns, in children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who failed at least one Performance Validity Test (PVT). A retrospective analysis of 186 patients (8–18 years old; 65.1% females) from a specialty concussion clinic with non-credible effort on PVTs was conducted. Data on demographics, injury-related characteristics, symptoms, as well as recovery patterns, were analyzed. There were significant sex differences in age at injury, pre-injury academic status, ADHD prevalence, physical activity levels, and post-injury emotional symptoms. Girls exhibited longer recovery times, had more clinical visits, and received different provider recommendations. This study revealed significant sex differences between boys and girls with mTBI and non-credible effort on PVTs. These findings underscore the need for sex-informed approaches in pediatric mTBI management and highlight areas for future research.
Level of Activity: Introductory
Objectives:
1) Analyze the implications of PVT results in children with mTBI.
2) Assess sex differences in demographic and injury-related characteristics in children with mTBI who failed a PVT.
3) Compare recovery patterns in children with mTBI who failed a PVT.
4) Help guide education and intervention related to pediatric mTBI.
About Andrea Bullinger, M.A.:
Andrea Bullinger is a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Anaheim, CA, completing a Major Area of Study in Neuropsychology. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with areas of study in Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry, from San Diego State University. Andrea has several years of experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders, including implementing behavioral interventions across developmental stages. Her clinical experience includes neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment of children and adolescents. She currently serves as a psychological intern at ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center, a PHP and IOP center for children ages 8–17. Andrea is co-chair of the Orange County Student Association’s Community Outreach Program, and secretary of The Chicago School’s Neuropsychology Student Association. Her clinical and academic interests center on pediatric neuropsychology, particularly the cognitive, behavioral, and developmental factors underlying neurodevelopmental presentations. Andrea’s long-term goal is to work as a pediatric neuropsychologist in a hospital or medical setting, conducting comprehensive assessments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support children and adolescents with developmental, neurological, and medical concerns.
Emily Mezni is a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psy.D. program at The Chicago School (TCS), Anaheim. Emily began advocating for youth mental health at a young age, volunteering in her local community to raise awareness of adolescent suicide and implementing harm-reduction campaigns across public middle and high schools. Currently, Emily holds executive positions in neuropsychological organizations, including President-Elect of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) and Vice President of TCS Neuropsychological Student Association. Since graduate school, Emily has led an AAPdN Journal Club presentation on screen time and parent-child talk, which was attended by 49 participants; presented on the effectiveness of virtual reality assessment at AAPdN’s 2026 annual conference; conducted hour-long structured interviews with three neuropsychologists for AAPdN’s student social media pages; and presented an educational seminar on pediatric neuropsychology and professional involvement to increase student involvement in AAPdN. Her research interests include neuropsychology, children, adolescence, mood disorders, childhood trauma, suicidality, wellness, prevention, intervention, assessment, and evidence-based care. Emily continues to advocate for youth mental health and is committed to building a career in pediatric neuropsychology.
The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
