2026 Children's Neuroscience Symposium
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 the continuity of care for pediatric patients as they navigate the transition into adulthood, a topic of growing importance as survival rates improve and long-term care planning becomes increasingly central to pediatric neuroscience practice.
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 spoke on reviewing current surgical strategies and updated clinical standards. Peter A. Chiarelli, MD, Attending Surgeon and Associate Professor in the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Suicide Prevention in Primary Care: Practical Strategies for Managing Risk
Dr. Allen presented on providing frontline clinicians with actionable risk management tools. Carla Counts Allan, PhD, Hagenah Family Endowed Chair in the Division of Psychology
Beyond Testing: The Evolving Role of Pediatric Neuropsychology in Clinical Care
Dr. Whitaker highlighted the expanding contributions of neuropsychology beyond traditional assessment.Ashley M. Whitaker, PhD, Division Chief of Neuropsychology
Assessing and Treating Complex ADHD
Dr. Levine offered guidance for navigating the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of complex presentations. Todd Peter Levine, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
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Tics Uncovered: From Diagnosis to Management in Everyday Practice
Dr, Bhatia presented on practical clinical framework for evaluating and managing tic disorders. Poonam Bhatia, MD, Child Neurologist
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Medical Management of Epilepsy
Dr. Morris covered topics on pharmacological strategies and current best practices in seizure management.
Gary E. Morris, MD, Child Neurologist
Epilepsy Surgery in Children
Dr. Hauptman presented on surgical candidacy, outcomes, and the evolving role of surgery in pediatric epilepsy care.
Jason S. Hauptman, MD, PhD, Division Chief of Neurosurgery and Caroline Hoeye Endowed Chair inhttps://phoenixchildrens.org/find-a-doctor/jason-s-hauptman-md-phd Neurosurgery
FNDmentals: Discussion of Functional Neurological Disorders
Dr. Kahlon spoke on the diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorders in the pediatric population. Simran Kahlon, MD, Child NeurologistFirst Contact: Migraine in Pediatrics
Dr. Rastogi presented on early recognition and management strategies for pediatric migraine.
Reena G. Rastogi, MD, Director of the Concussion Clinic, Clinical Director of the Pediatric Headache Clinic, and Director of the Headache Medicine Fellowship
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, speakers, and vendors back for the 29th Annual Children’s Neuroscience Symposium for the Primary Care Provider scheduled to take place April 16, 2027.