Spring Conference

Spring 2026

Shadden Symposium: Executive Function and Dysfunction

Presenters: Kimberly Highfill, Ph.D, CCC-SLP and
Tamara Henschell, M.S. CCC-SLP

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 4 CEUs

Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Science — 1371 W. Altheimer Drive, Fayetteville

Fee $75 (includes lunch) — Online Registration (registration has ended) — Registration Is Non-transferable

Tentative Schedule

9-9:30 a.m. Opening remarks and introductions
9:30-10:30 Breakout session: Introduction to Executive Function
9:30-10:30 Breakout session: Relationship Between Language and Executive Function
9:30-10:30 Breakout session: Grice’s Maxims and Executive Function
10:30-11:30 Use of Play to Facilitate Executive Function
11:30-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30-1:30 Creating Assessment and Treatment Plans
1:30-2:30 Breakout session: Adults and Executive Function
1:30-2:30 Breakout session: Executive Function in High School Settings
1:30-2:30 Breakout session: Executive Function and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
2:30-3 Wrap up: Review key takeaways and feedback session

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key components of executive functioning, including working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control
  • Describe how executive dysfunction manifests across developmental stages and clinical populations
  • Recognize behavioral and cognitive indicators of executive functioning challenges in educational and therapeutic settings
  • Explain the neurological basis of executive functioning and its relationship to brain development
  • Differentiate between executive functioning deficits and other cognitive or behavioral disorders
  • Analyze case examples to determine how executive dysfunction impacts daily functioning and learning
  • Explore evidence-based strategies and interventions used to support individuals with executive functioning difficulties
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of various assessment tools for identifying executive dysfunction
  • Apply executive functioning frameworks to clinical decision-making and individualized treatment planning
    • Discuss the role of executive functioning in academic achievement, social behavior and emotional regulation

For More Information

0.4 ASHA CEUs, intermediate level, University of Arkansas approved provider

Satisfactory Completion of Course

This is an Intermediate Level course, offered for 0.4 ASHA CEUs. If you are seeking continuing-education units from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assocation, you must complete the self-assessment/session evaluation form for each session you attend. This form will be emailed to all participants along with specific instructions for completion. Participants seeking ASHA CEUs must sign in and out for each session attended.

Refunds and Cancellation Policy

All registration payments are considered final. There will be no refunds administered for this event.

Dissatisfied with the event? Our goal is to provide the best continuing education experiences possible for our participants. Individuals who are dissatisfied with the continuing education provided, including advertising, are encouraged to email csdi@uark.edu to attempt to resolve any issues.

No Show

If a registration has been made and fees paid, registration fees will not be refunded or credited toward a future event.

Inclement Weather and Event Cancellation

Should inclement weather prevent an event from occurring on the scheduled date or circumstances require cancellation of the event, we will attempt to reschedule it. If the registrant still chooses to participate on the event's new date, all fees as well as cancellation policies will apply to the rescheduled event. Due to expenses incurred to host the symposium, if we cannot reschedule the symposium, a refund minus a processing fee of $30 will be given to the registrant.

Disclosures

Financial: Kimberly Highfill is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas and will not be compensated for her presentation. Tarmara Henschell is not an employee of the University of Arkansas and will be compensated for her presentation time.

Content: This course will teach executive function and dysfunction and no products will be sold.

Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.