NEW YORK NEUROPSYCHOLOGY GROUP (NYNG)
BILINGUAL TASK FORCE EVENT
The Warm Handoff: Cross-Language Collaboration in Neuropsychological Assessment
Presenter: Franchesca Arias, PhD
October 20th @ 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST
*Members: Free attendance & Free 1 CE credit
*Non-members: $15 attendance & $15 CE credit
Abstract: This presentation examines how language proficiency, cultural factors, and normative fit influence neuropsychological assessment outcomes and clinical decision-making. Attendees will review evidence-informed pre-referral strategies that language-discordant neuropsychologists can use to facilitate a warm handoff and promote equitable access to care. The session will also explore collaborative models between language-concordant and language-discordant clinicians, highlighting the clinical, ethical, and practical considerations associated with each approach. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the complementary expertise of collaborating providers, advocating for patients throughout the referral process, and fostering culturally and linguistically responsive care. Through application to a bilingual Spanish-English presurgical epilepsy case, participants will integrate current research and best-practice principles to support effective collaboration and improve neuropsychological service delivery for linguistically diverse populations.
Dr. Franchesca Arias is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida, where she leads a research program at the intersection of cognitive science, social and structural factors that impact health, and community‑engaged scholarship. As a community scientist with expertise in brain and cognitive health, she investigates how structural, social, and environmental factors shape cognitive outcomes across diverse populations, whether in under‑resourced neighborhoods, outpatient clinics, or perioperative medical settings. Her work focuses on identifying the barriers and drivers that influence cognitive vulnerability, resilience, and access to care. Across her projects, Dr. Arias maintains a commitment to translating cognitive science into actionable, context‑responsive solutions. Through this integrated approach, she aims to advance cognitive resilience and expand access to neuropsychological knowledge and services for populations historically excluded from brain‑health research and care. Dr. Arias is originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fordham University (2017) and an APA-accredited internship (2019), as well as post-doctoral training (2021) in Neuropsychology at the University of Florida.
Learning Objectives: This talk will help you:
1. Identify evidence-informed pre-referral steps language-discordant neuropsychologists can take to support a warm handoff.
2. Describe collaboration models and the clinical and practical considerations for each.
3. List ways language-concordant and language-discordant neuropsychologists can contribute to collaboration, advocate for patients, and recognize the value of each other's expertise.
4. Apply research and best-practice principles to a bilingual (Spanish-English) presurgical epilepsy case.
References:
Baxendale, S., Wilson, S. J., Baker, G. A., Barr, W., Helmstaedter, C., Hermann, B. P., ... & Smith, M. L. (2019). Indications and expectations for neuropsychological assessment in epilepsy surgery in children and adults: Report of the ILAE Neuropsychology Task Force Diagnostic Methods Commission: 2017-2021 Neuropsychological assessment in epilepsy surgery. Epileptic Disorders, 21(3), 221-234.
Vakharia, V. N., Duncan, J. S., Witt, J. A., Elger, C. E., Staba, R., & Engel Jr, J. (2018). Getting the best outcomes from epilepsy surgery. Annals of neurology, 83(4), 676-690.
Stasenko, A., Modiano, Y., Woolnough, O., Kaestner, E., Rodriguez, J., Cho, R., ... & McDonald, C. R. (2026). Assessing naming and verbal memory in bilingual epilepsy: Challenges and insights for surgical planning. Epilepsia, 67(1), 357-370.
Bartha-Doering, L., & Bonelli, S. (2019). Epilepsy and bilingualism. A systematic review. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 1235.
Berrios-Siervo, G. M., Salinas, C. M., Bender, H. A., MacAllister, W. S., Vega, C., Boada, R., ... & MacDonald, B. (2023). Culturally informed neuropsychological evaluations in Pediatric epilepsy: Evidence-based practice considerations. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 38(3), 395-407.
Financial Disclosure: None
*New York Neuropsychology Group is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0107
*New York Neuropsychology Group is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NYNG maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Refund Policy: Full refund will be provided if cancellation occurs up to 24 hours prior to the event. Cancellation requests made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
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