An Introduction to the NIH Baby Toolbox

Key Takeaways: This presentation provides an overview of the NIH Infant and Toddler Toolbox, or “Baby Toolbox,” a new neuropsychological, cognitive, motor, and social assessment battery for ages 1-42 months. Descriptions and video examples of the new Baby Toolbox direct and observational tasks will be shown, including novel gaze-tracking technology that enables assessment of the youngest infants. Information on norming and validation activities will be described. The presentation will also review Baby Toolbox administration in ECHO, including how the Baby Toolbox fits into the broader suite of NIH Toolbox instruments for lifespan coherent assessment.

Courtney K. Blackwell, PhD, EdM

Associate Professor

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine

Speaker Biography:

Courtney K. Blackwell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Blackwell has expertise in the development, validation, and implementation of developmentally sensitive, lifespan coherent person-reported outcomes (PROs) and performance-based assessments.

Richard Gershon, PhD

Professor and Division Chief of Outcome and Measurement Science

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine

Speaker Biography:

Richard Gershon, PhD, is Professor and Division Chief of Outcome and Measurement Science in the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. His career has focused on developing modern assessment tools and delivering assessment results to clinicians.

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