This workshop will provide participants with an overview of eating disorders (ED), including eating disorder definitions, medical complications associated with ED, eating disorder statistics and prevalence, athletes and eating disorders, causes according to the biopsychosocial model, signs/symptoms/red flags that school workers need to be aware of, communicating with students and their families about a suspected ED, and an overview of treatment that works (Family Based Treatment). The workshop will also emphasize the schools’ involvement in ED treatment and crucial points to keep in mind when developing education plans for students in ED treatment.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to explain:
1. the difference between Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder, including warning signs
2. each element of the Biopsychosocial model that is used to understand EDs
3. how to communicate with students and their families about a suspected ED
4. a variety of school accommodations to consider when a student returns from ED treatment
Wendy Price, PsyD, NCSP
Dr. Price completed her doctorate in School Psychology at William James College, following a year-long clinical internship at Walden Behavioral Care (a residential eating disorders clinic). For the past 20 years, Dr. Price has worked as a school psychologist at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, in Whitman, MA. In her role, Dr. Price is involved in a number of activities, including assessment, counseling, consultation, supervision of school psychology interns, and mentoring of staff. She is also a Crisis Team and Student/Teacher Assistance Team member. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at UMASS Boston.
Dr. Price has traveled around the country, presenting to associations and school districts on positive psychology, eating disorders, and self-injurious behaviors. Dr. Price has been involved in leadership at both the state and national level, and was the NASP President in 2020-2021.
