Pediatric Neuropscychology Projects

UAB Pediatric Neuropsychology

Programs and Projects

The Civitan-Sparks Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic is involved with a number of programs and projects. Presently listed on this site is information about two of our ongoing programs.

1. "MORE" is an enrichment program for children grades 3-12. Read below to learn about this exciting opportunity.

2. "Taking Charge of Epilepsy" is a Group Intervention Study working with individuals and their families. Click here for more information.

The "MORE" Tutoring Program

The Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic developed the MORE program to provide students with individualized reading enrichment and study skills intervention. The MORE program (Mental Strategies, Organization, and Reading Enrichment) is a structured after-school enrichment program for children in grades 3-12 who need additional support in order to gain valuable tools for academic success. This program has been developed under the leadership Dr. Joseph Ackerson, director of the Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic. MORE provides ongoing enrichment opportunities with open enrollment throughout the year.

MORE offers:

An ongoing direct instruction program in reading decoding and comprehension
A two-month, small group study skills intervention program, and/or
Ongoing study skills instruction within the context of homework tutoring

Cognitive therapy is offered in both individualized and small group settings. All instruction is supplemented with study skills strategies in order to promote long-term success in school. Students who are struggling in reading are exposed to direct instruction with the SRA Corrective Reading program. SRA is a research-based enrichment program used by many special educators all over the United States. Corrective Reading focuses on phonics, fluency, and comprehension skills, based on the individual child’s needs.

MORE takes place at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics. There is an initial $150.00 fee for a two hour standardized assessment of both reading and processing skills. This fee is waived for any child who has already had a neuropsychological evaluation at Sparks Clinics. There is an additional one-time fee for a textbook and workbook, which will not exceed $50.00. There is a $75.00 fee for each weekly, 90-minute session. All instructors have a Master’s degree in the field of education or are currently involved in a graduate program in special education instruction and intervention.

If you are interested in the program, please print out and complete a MORE application and return it to:

Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic
UAB Sparks Clinics
Birmingham, Alabama 35294

or FAX: (205) 975-2380

If you have any further questions, please contact Laurie Lou Smith at (205) 934-4683.

Taking Charge of Epilepsy:
A Group Intervention Study

The Department of Pediatric Neuropsychology is involved in an ongoing youth epilepsy education study, entitled Taking Charge of Epilepsy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded a research grant to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for specific research involving adolescents and young adults with epilepsy. The current study is designed as a six-week program (two sessions per month) targeting individuals, aged 16-24, and their family members.

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of a structured behavioral group intervention on health-related quality of life. The group sessions support families by providing information on the medical aspects of epilepsy, coping skills, and stress management. Group participants are able to engage in discussions about their own experiences, gain an increased knowledge about how to deal with epilepsy, and learn about transitioning into adulthood. A multidisciplinary research team including Roy Martin, PhD, Joseph Ackerson, PhD, and Daniel Marullo, PhD, will be leading this two-year study. For more information about the study, contact Melissa Mackey (205) 934-3963.