The 28th Annual Children's Neuroscience Symposium was held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Phoenix Children's Conference Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Sponsored by Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's, the event brought together a vast number of attendees representing a diverse cross-section of the pediatric healthcare community, including 31 physicians, 27 advanced practice providers, and 12 medical residents and fellows. The program featured an outstanding lineup of nationally and internationally recognized experts in their field, covering a broad range of pediatric neuroscience topics relevant to everyday clinical practice.

Keynote Address

The symposium was anchored by a keynote presentation from Christina Kwasnica, MD, Brain Injury Specialist and Chair of Physical Medicine & Neurorehabilitation at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Kwasnica addressed Transitions of Care: The Role of PMR in the Transition to Adulthood in Childhood Disability, offering critical insights into continuity of care for pediatric patients as they transition into adulthood.

Featured Presentations

Neuroimmunology: What the PCP Needs to Know
Dr. Bains presented on equipping primary care providers with foundational knowledge in this evolving subspecialty.
Harlori K. Bains, MD, Director of Pediatric Neuroimmunology, Division of Child Neurology

Chiari Malformation: Management, Best Practices, and Modern Approaches Toward Treatment
Dr. Chiarelli reviewed current surgical strategies and updated clinical standards.
Peter A. Chiarelli, MD, Attending Surgeon and Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Suicide Prevention in Primary Care: Practical Strategies for Managing Risk
Dr. Allan presented actionable risk management tools for frontline clinicians.
Carla Counts Allan, PhD, Hagenah Family Endowed Chair, Division of Psychology

Beyond Testing: The Evolving Role of Pediatric Neuropsychology in Clinical Care
Dr. Whitaker highlighted expanding contributions beyond traditional assessment.
Ashley M. Whitaker, PhD, Division Chief of Neuropsychology

Assessing and Treating Complex ADHD
Dr. Levine offered guidance for navigating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Todd Peter Levine, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. View Dr. Levine's presentation. 

 

 

Tics Uncovered: From Diagnosis to Management in Everyday Practice
Dr. Bhatia presented a practical framework for managing tic disorders.
Poonam Bhatia, MD, Child Neurologist. View Dr. Bhatia's presentation.

Medical Management of Epilepsy
Dr. Morris covered pharmacological strategies and best practices in seizure management.
Gary E. Morris, MD, Child Neurologist

Epilepsy Surgery in Children
Dr. Hauptman discussed surgical candidacy, outcomes, and evolving techniques.
Jason S. Hauptman, MD, PhD, Division Chief of Neurosurgery

FNDmentals: Discussion of Functional Neurological Disorders
Dr. Kahlon reviewed diagnosis and management in pediatric populations.
Simran Kahlon, MD, Child Neurologist

First Contact: Migraine in Pediatrics
Dr. Rastogi presented strategies for early recognition and management.
Reena G. Rastogi, MD, Director of the Concussion and Pediatric Headache Clinics

Lunch and Learn Presentation

The symposium's lunch session featured a special presentation by Katie E. Klas, CPNP-AC/PC, an Acute and Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in pediatric neuroscience care.

Her presentation, Working Together: Neuroscience Multidisciplinary Clinics, explored the value and structure of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to neuroscience care delivery. Drawing on her extensive clinical experience, Katie offered attendees a practical and insightful look at how integrated team-based models enhance patient outcomes and strengthen care coordination across specialties.

SAVE THE DATE

We look forward to welcoming attendees back for the 29th Annual Children’s Neuroscience Symposium for the Primary Care Provider on April 16, 2027.