Dr. Joseph D. Ackerson, Ph.D.

Areas of expertise and specialization

Faculty Titles & Positions

• Adjunct Clinical Professor University of Alabama at Birmingham 1998 - Present

Articles and Publications

• Ackerson, J & Block, C (2021). Professional licensure and credentialing chapter for Block, C (Ed.) The Neuropsychologists roadmap, pp 73- 82. APA Press. Washington DC Vinogradov AH, Weise KK, Swanson MW, Ackerson JD, Davis RD, Swanson-Kimani E, Ferrill LS, Hale MH. (2020). Functional Visual Symptoms in Children with Prolonged Concussion Recovery.Br J Sports Med; submitted for publication December 2020. Payne JM , Hearps SJC, Walsh KS, Paltin I, Barton B, Ullrich NJ, Haebich KM, Coghill D, Gioia GA, Cantor A, Cutter G, Tonsgard JH, Viskochil D, Rey-Casserly C, Schorry EK, Ackerson JD, Klesse L, Fisher MJ, Gutmann DH , Rosser T, Packer RJ, Korf B, Acosta MT, & North KN for the NF Clinical Trials Consortium (2019). Reproducibility of cognitive endpoints in clinical trials: lessons from neurofibromatosis type 1, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 1-11. DOI 10.1002/acn3.50952.Ackerson, JD & Barnes, MJ (2018). Myelination and Connectivity chapter for Braaten, E. (Ed.) (2018). The SAGE encyclopedia of intellectual and developmental disorders (Vols. 1-4). Thousand Oaks,, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483392271.n334Ackerson, JD & Murdaugh, ML (2018), Neural Plasticity chapter for Braaten, E. (Ed.) (2018). The SAGE encyclopedia of intellectual and developmental disorders (Vols. 1-4). Thousand Oaks,, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483392271.n339Cochrane, GD, Owen, M, Ackerson, JD, Hale, MH & Gould, S (2017) Exploration of US mens professional sport organization concussion policies, The Physician and Sports medicine, 45:2, 178-183, DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2017.1305875 Payne JM, Barton B, Ullrich NJ, Cantor A, Hearps, SJC, Cutter G, Rosser T, Walsh KS, Gioia GA, Wolters PL, Tonsgard J, Schorry E, Viskochil D, Klesse L, Fisher M, Gutmann DH, Silva AJ, Hunter SJ, Rey-Casserly C, Cantor NL, Byars AW, Stavinoha PL, Ackerson JD, Armstrong CL, Isenberg J, ONeil SH, Packer RJ, Korf B, Acosta MT, North KN (2016). Randomized placebo-controlled study of lovastatin in children with neurofibromatosis type 1, Neurology, 87:1-10.ONeill, J.A, Ackerson, J.D., Johnston, J.M., Wilkins, S.A., Brown, S.T., Novack, T.A., & Schwebel, D. C. (2015). The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-2nd Edition and its Relationship with Attention and Verbal Learning in a Pediatric Population, The Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology, DOI 10.1007/s40817-015-0003-7. Julian, L., Serafin, D., Charvet, L., Ackerson, J., Benedict, R., Braaten, E., Brown, T., ODonnell, E., Parrish, J., Preston, T., Zaccariello, M., Belman, A., Chitnis, T., Gorman, M., Ness, J., Patterson, M., Rodriguez, M., Waubant, E., Weinstock-Guttman, B., Yeh, A., & Krupp, L. (2013). Cognitive Impairment Occurs in Children and Adolescents With Multiple Sclerosis: Results From a United States Network. J Child Neurology; 28(1): 102107.Ross, K.A., Rinker II, J., Schwebel, D., Ness, J., & Ackerson, J. (2010). Neurocognitive sequelae in African American and Caucasian pediatric multiple sclerosis patients. Neurology, 75(23), 2097-102Ackerson, JD, Rubin, SE, Bashir, K, Ghosh, P, Dowdy, SM, Rinker II, J, & Ness, J (2009). Depression in Pediatric MS Patients Correlates with Increased Disease Severity and Selective Neuropsychological Deficits. Neurology, 72(11):A371-A372 17Rubin S, Ackerson JD, Bashir K, Rinker JR, Dowdy SM, Harris Y, Ghuge PP, Ness J (2008). Mental health comorbidities in pediatric multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis 14:S261Ackerson, J., Middleton, S., Bashir, K., & Ness, J. (2007). Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis patients exhibit impaired processing speed and efficiency. Multiple Sclerosis, 13 ( 9), 1205-1244.Rubin, S, Ackerson, JD, Bashir, K, Rinker, J, Dowdy, SM, Harris, Y, Ghuge, PP, Ness, J (2008). Mental health co-morbidities in pediatric multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis, 14, S261-S261Snead, K., Ackerson, J., Bailey, K., Schmitt, M.M., Madan-Swain, A., & Martin, R. (2004). Taking charge of epilepsy: the development of a structured psychoeducational group intervention for adolescents with epilepsy and their parents. Epilepsy and Behavior, 5, pp. 547-556.Ackerson, J.D. (2003). Pediatric traumatic brain injury and epilepsy: What the pediatrician needs to know. Invited web article for the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Fourth article in series. http://www.alchapaap.org/AdolescentProject.htmAckerson, J.D., Bodin, D., & Mendenhall, M. (2003). Learning disorders and academic failure. Invited web article for the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Third article in series. http://www.alchapaap.org/AdolescentProject.htmAckerson, J.D. & Bodin, D. (2003). Impulse control and disruptive behavior disorders. Invited web article for the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.alchapaap.org/AdolescentProject.htmAckerson, J.D. & Dure, L.S. (2003). Childhood depression and anxiety. Invited web article for the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.alchapaap.org/AdolescentProject.htmSnead, K, Ackerson J, Bailey, K, Schmitt MM, Madan-Swain A, Martin RC. (2004) Taking Charge of Epilepsy: the development of a structured psychoeducational group intervention for adolescent with epilepsy and their parents. Epilepsy and Behavior. 5(4):547-556.Ackerson, J.D., Snead, K., Bailey, K., Schmitt, P., & Martin, R. (2002). "Taking Charge of Epilepsy": The development of a structured group intervention for adolescents with epilepsy and their parents. Epilepsia, (supplement 7); 43:225.Schmitt, M., Snead, K., Ackerson, J., Bailey, K., Martin, R. (2002). Impact of a group intervention on the quality of life of adolescents with epilepsy. Epilepsia, (supplement 7); 43:229.Ackerson, J.D. (2002). Neuropsychological aspects of pediatric traumatic brain injury: promoting positive outcomes. Part of an MCH funded CD-ROM training program (BRAIN 1: Brain Injury Resource and Information Network) for educational and rehabilitation professionals. Published by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.Ackerson, J.D. (2002). A review of Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Adolescents: Assessment and Intervention by Margaret Semrud-Clikeman (2000). Child Neuropsychology, 7 (4), 286.Ackerson, J. D., Scogin, F., McKendra-Smith, N., & Lyman, R.D. (1998). Cognitive bibliotherapy for mild and moderate adolescent depression. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 66, (4), 685-690.Scogin, F., Floyd, M., Jamison, C., Ackerson, J., Landreulle, P., & Bissounette, L. (1996). Negative outcomes: What is the evidence on self-administered treatments? Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 64, 1086-1089.Smith, K.E., Ackerson, J.D., Blotcky, A.D., & Berkow, R. (1990). Preferred coping styles of pediatric cancer patients during invasive medical procedures. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 8, 92-93.Ackerson, J.D. & Roberts, M.C. (1989). A review of Preventing maladjustment from infancy through adolescence by Annette Rickel and La Rue Allen (1987). Journal of Clinical Child Psychology.Smith, K.E., Ackerson, J.D., Blotcky, A.D., Berkow, R. (1991). Preferred coping styles of pediatric cancer patients during invasive medical procedures. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, (8) 4:59-70.Smith, K.E., Ackerson, J.D., & Blotcky, A.D. (1988). Reducing distress during invasive medical procedures: Relating behavioral interventions to preferred coping style in pediatric cancer patients. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 14, 405-419.

Teaching and speaking

• Ackerson, JD (2022). Managing Concussions in Rural Pediatric Settings. Presented as part of Childrens of Alabama Pediatric Access to Telemental Health Services (PATHS) physician and nurse training in response to trauma. Birmingham, ALNiemeier, JP, Herrold, A., Ackerson, JD (2022, November). Tracking Biomarker Moderators of Long-Covid Vulnerability and Treatment Response: Long-Covid Case Series. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine (ACRM). Chicago, ILAckerson, J. & Seghatol-Eslami, V. (2022, August). Concussion management in a pediatric rural setting. Workshop presented as part of the Pediatric Access to Telemedicine Health Services (PATHS) inaugural conference. Birmingham, AL.Hunter. S., Ackerson, J., Kois, L.E. (2021, August) Evaluations for sentencing based on Miller v. Alabama: Clinical forensic practice considerations. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association (virtual). Vinogradov AH, Weise KK, Swanson MW, Ackerson JD, Davis RD, Swanson-Kimani E, Ferrill LS, Hale MH. (2020). Functional Visual Symptoms in Children with Prolonged Concussion Recovery. Podium Presentation, American Academy of Optometry.Ackerson, J.D. (2019). Neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues in autism spectrum disorder. Invited presentation at Unlocking the Mystery of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Conference sponsored by the Autism Society of Alabama and Birmingham City School System. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2019). Understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury, medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders on academic functioning. Invited presentation to the Alabama Association of School Psychologist Annual Meeting. Birmingham, ALAckerson, J.D. (2019). Anger, Aggression, and ADHD. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Tuscaloosa, ALAckerson, J. & Haley, B. (2018). Understanding the SCOTUS Miller ruling and its impact on your practice. Invited presentation to Alabama Psychological Association annual conference. Gulf Shores, AL.Austin, H. & Ackerson, J.D. (2018). ADHD and Dyslexia. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Tuscaloosa, ALAckerson, J.D. (2017). The Juvenile Justice Initiative: TBI in the juvenile populations. Workshop training modules developed and presented to staff at each Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) facilities as part of the United States HRSA TBI grant program.Ackerson, J.D. (2017). Concussions and return to learn protocols: managing post-concussive symptoms in the school setting. Invited address to the Mountain Brook School System. Mountain Brook, ALAckerson, J.D. (2017). Using neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Tuscaloosa, ALAckerson, J.D. (2017). Raising successful children with ADHD/ODD. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Tuscaloosa, ALAckerson, J.D. (2017). The Juvenile Justice Initiative: TBI in the juvenile population. Workshop training modules developed and presented to judges and JPOs of the Alabama Juvenile Justice system as part of the United States HRSA TBI grant program.Ackeron, JD (2016). Return to Play/Return to Life. Invited presentation at Annual Alabama Concussion Summit, Birmingham, AL.Ackeron, JD, Hale MH, Swanson E (2016). First Line of Defense Evaluating and Managing Concussions in the Primary Care Setting. Invited presentation at Annual Alabama Concussion Summit, Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2016). Keynote address Neuropsychology of ADHD: a developmental model of executive dysfunction. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Orange Beach, ALAckerson, J.D. (2016). ADHD in high school and college athletes. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Orange Beach, ALONeill, J., Ackerson, J., Johnston, J., Novack, T., & Schwebel, D. (2015, May). Predicting time to cognitive clearance in concussed children: Contributions of attention, memory, and the SCAT-2. Poster presented at the 2015 Sports Neuropsychology Society Concussion Symposium, Atlanta, GA.Nieman, J., Ackerson, J., Johnston, J., Wilkins, S., Brown, S., Schwebel, D., & Novack, T. (2014, April). The predictive utility of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for neuropsychological functioning in children. Poster presented at the 2014 Sports Neuropsychology Society Concussion Symposium, Dallas, TX.Ackerson, J.D. (2015).ADHD, Concussions, and Treatment Planning. Invited presentation as part of the Alabama Psychological Association Annual Conference. Orange Beach, ALAckerson, J.D. (2015).ADHD and Concussions. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Orange Beach, ALAckerson, J.D. (2015). Interpreting Cognitive Test Scores for Treatment Planning. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. Orange Beach, ALONeill, J, Ackerson, J., Johnston, J., Novack, T., & Schwebel, D. (2015). Predicting time to cognitive clearance in concussed children: Contributions of attention, memory, and the SCAT-2. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Concussion Summit, Birmingham, AL.Nieman, J, Ackerson, J,. Johnston, J., Wilkins, S., Brown, S., Schwebel, D., & Novack, T. (2014). The Predictive Utility of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for Neuropsychological Functioning in Children. Presented at the 1st annual Sports Neuropsychology Society Concussion Symposium, Dallas, Tx.Ackerson, J.D. (2014). Neuropsychology of Autism. Invited presentation at 2nd annual Autism: Unlocking the Mystery conference sponsored by the Autism Society of Alabama and Birmingham City School System. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, JD, Thompson, M (2014) Neuropsychological Evaluation of Concussion and RTT (return-to-think). Invited presentation at Annual Alabama Concussion Summit, Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, JD (2014). Sports Related Concussions. Invited presentation for the UAB Injury Research Control Center (ICRC). Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2013). Sports Concussion. Invited presentation as part of Samford University Annual Lecture series. Birmingham, AL. Ackerson, J.D. (2013). Sports Concussion. Invited presentation as part of Birmingham Catholic Diocese Annual School and Athletic Training workshop. Birmingham, AL. Ackerson, J.D. (2013). In-depth Neuropsychological Assessment of ADHD. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2013). Early Identification and Treatment of Autism. Invited presentation by United Cerebral Palsy of Alabama. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2013). Autism: Unlocking the Mystery Conference. Invited presentation at 1st annual conference sponsored by the Autism Society of Alabama and Birmingham City School System. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2012). Neuropsychology of ADHD. Invited presentation as part of the Southeast Regional ADHD Conference. University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2012). Neuropsychological Aspects of NF1. Presentation as part of UAB Department of Genetics annual NF1 conference. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2011). Neuropsychological aspects of Sports-related Concussions. Invited presentation to UAB Child Psychiatry Department. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2011). Sports Law: Sports Related Concussions. Invited presentation as part of the University of Alabama Law Schools Continuing Education program on Sports Law. Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2011). Assessing and Managing Sports-related Concussions. Invited presentation to the Alabama Psychological Association Annual Meeting, Orange Beach, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2011). Sports Related Concussions. Invited presentation for the UAB Injury Research Control Center (ICRC). Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2011). Shaken Baby Syndrome/Non-accidental Brain Trauma. Invited presentation as part of Alabama Statewide Shane Baby Syndrome Conference sponsored by Family Sunshine Center and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitative Services. Montgomery, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2010). Executive Dysfunction. Invited presentation to the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) training workshop. Birmingham, AL Ackerson, J.D. (2009). Sports-related Concussion: Psychological and Neuropsychological Aspects. Invited presentation to the Alabama Psychological Association Annual Meeting, Fort Walton, FL.Ackerson, J.D. (2008). Neuropsychological Aspects of NF1. Presented at the first annual UAB Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Consortium meeting, Birmingham, AL. Ackerson, J.D. (2007). Executive Dysfunction in Youth: Lessons from Childhood Bipolar and Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Invited presentation to the Alabama Association of School Psychologist Annual Meeting.Ackerson, J.D. (2007). The Adolescent Brain: What the Clinician Needs to Know. Invited presentation to the Alabama Association of Clinical Social Workers Annual Meeting. Ackerson, J., Middleton, S., Bashir, K., & Ness, J. (2007). Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis patients exhibit impaired processing speed and efficiency. Poster presentation, ACTRIMS Annual Conference. Washington, D.C.Ackerson, J.D. (2007). Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Using Neuropsychological evaluations to promote positive outcomes. Invited presentation/workshop at Mountain View Hospital. Gadsden, Alabama. Ackerson, J.D. (2007). Understanding Neuropsychological Assessments. Invited presentation to 1st Annual Alabama Traumatic Brain State of the State conference. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2006). Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Update. Invited presentation to Alabama Department of Childrens Rehabilitation Services Traumatic Brain Injury Care Coordinator program.Ackerson, J.D. (2005). Neuropsychological issues in the School Setting: Invited presentation to the Alabama Association of School Psychologist Annual Meeting.Ackerson, J.D. (2004). Medical aspects of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Impact of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury on the Child and Family; and Behavioral Issues in early childhood: understanding and managing problem behaviors. Three separate lectures (invited address) as part of Alabama's Early Intervention training workshop for professionals. Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2004). Pediatric Psychology/Neuropsychology Update. Invited presentation at the Alabama Psychological Association annual convention. Fort Walton, FL.Ackerson, J.D. (2003). Neuropsychological aspects of childhood epilepsy. Invited address as part of the Epilepsy Foundation North and Central Alabama annual workshop. Birmingham, AL Ackerson, J.D. (2003). Behavioral issues in Early Intervention. Invited address as part of Alabama's Early Intervention training workshop for professionals. Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2003). Neuropsychological issues in the Primary Care setting; recognition and initial management. Invited presentation to the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.Ackerson, J.D. (2002). Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinical Update. Invited presentation at the Alabama Psychological Association annual convention. Fort Walton, FL.Ackerson, J.D. (2002). Utilization of Neuropsychological evaluations in promoting positive outcomes in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Invited presentation as part of Alabama Department of Special Education Superconference. Montgomery, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2002). Neuropsychological aspects of pediatric brain tumor; what the educator needs to know to promote positive outcomes. Invited presentation to Homewood City School System, Hall-Kent School. Homewood, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2001). Utilization of Neuropsychological evaluations in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Invited presentation as part of Maternal Child Health (MCH) training grant. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2001). Pediatric traumatic brain injury versus other behavior. Invited presentation as part of Maternal Child Health (MCH) training grant. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (2000). Psychological aspects of pediatric traumatic brain injury. Invited presentation to the Alabama Childrens Rehabilitation Services annual conference. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D., and Morlier, R. (1999). Assessing and treating mild traumatic brain injury in children. Invited address to the Jefferson County Pediatric Society. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (1999). Behavioral, family, and systems interventions for children with traumatic brain injury. Workshop for mental health workers sponsored by Hillcrest Behavioral Health.Ackerson, J.D. (1999). Neuropsychological aspects of childhood epilepsy. Invited address as part of the UAB Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers community outreach program.Ackerson, J.D. (1999). The effects of pediatric traumatic brain injury on childhood development. Invited presentation as part of MCH grant for the development of systems of care for children with traumatic brain injury. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (1999). Managing behavioral and social concerns in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Invited presentation as part of MCH grant for the development of systems of care for children with traumatic brain injury. Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (1997). Pediatric Neuropsychological consultation. Invited presentation to Southeast Regional Consortium of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Workshop, Birmingham, AL.Ackerson, J.D., Fischer, R.S., & Rosenbaum, J. (1995). Measuring awareness in unilateral right hemisphere stroke. Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society 23rd Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA.Ackerson, J.D., Rosenbaum, J., & Fischer, R.S (1994). Measuring awareness in unilateral right hemisphere stroke. Presented at the Massachusetts Neuropsychological Society 3rd Annual Scientific Symposium, Boston, MA.Leavell, C.A., Ackerson, J.D., & Fischer, R.S. (1995). Procedural learning difficulties in children with attention deficits and/or overactivity: Is it motor skill or motor acquisition? Presented at the International Neuropsychology Society 23rd Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA.Ackerson, J.D. (1995). Pediatric neuropsychology: Practical and clinical considerations in the assessment of children with neuropsychological deficits. Invited presentation sponsored by the University of Alabama Brewer-Porch Childrens Center and the Tuscaloosa Area Psychological Association, Tuscaloosa, AL.Ackerson, J.D. (1994). Neurobehavioral interventions and parenting strategies for special needs children. Invited presentation to VIP, Greater Boston Area Preschool Services, Dorchester, MA.

Dr. Joseph D. Ackerson, Ph.D.'s Practice location