Fielding Faculty Dr. Nina Newman Will Present at CAAEYC 2025

Fielding faculty Dr. Nina Newman, Ph.D., in the Infant and Early Childhood Development program will be presenting at the California Association for the Education of Young Children conference, the California branch of NAEYC. 

Dr. Newman will be presenting her talk titled “Disruptive Behaviors and Diagnosis in Early Childhood: Roles of Culture and Training -the Good, the Bad, and the Future.” While disruptive behaviors and social emotional difficulties were on the rise in early childhood prior to the pandemic, there has been an exponential escalation, with record numbers of children being expelled from early childhood programs. In part, this is due to behavioral challenges in young children and confusion over what underlies them. This is reflected in what we are seeing in terms of diagnoses. In some populations there is an exponential rise of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD diagnoses, many of which may be misdiagnoses.

In other populations, especially those of color, we are seeing delayed diagnoses and underdiagnoses, in addition to misdiagnoses. Misunderstanding of the child and diagnostic errors present significant difficulties for child and family mental health as well as the wellbeing of providers. As we know behavior is information and alone it does not tell us what underlies it. However, there are ways to shift our perceptions and responses so we can better support our children, classrooms, and educators. This workshop will explore the challenges and how providers can build reflective foundations and tools to understand themselves, families, and the complexities of child behavior for better outcomes for children, parents, and professionals.

About Dr. Nina Newman

Nina Newman, Ph.D.

Nina Newman, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist with an extensive background and expertise in social emotional development, reflective practice, relationship-based interventions, and neuropsychology.  She is an experienced inter-disciplinary mental health educator, consultant, and trainer, and works with professionals engaged with infants, children, parents, and families, In addition, she has initiated and co-developed a training program for pediatric residents focused on social emotional development, mental health and addressing disparities in healthcare.  She has also co-developed a perinatal mental health training program. In addition, she works with parents and families, with an emphasis on neurodiversity, conducts parent education workshops, and consults with schools. She was also involved with a pediatric traumatic brain injury research program at a major research university for over a decade, focusing on psychiatric disorders after injury as well as on long-term cognitive outcomes. She has published several articles and books chapters and given several nationally workshops. 

About CAAEYC

The 2025 California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC) Annual Conference & Expo is scheduled for April 11-13, 2025, at the Marriott Santa Clara in Santa Clara, California. This premier event brings together early childhood education professionals for a comprehensive program of workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. Attendees can explore a diverse range of topics, including curriculum development, child development, advocacy, and leadership. The conference also features an expansive Expo Hall showcasing the latest educational products and services. For more details on registration rates, workshop tracks, and accommodations, visit the CAAEYC conference website.​