SUMMARY
Adam R. Cassidy, Ph.D., L.P., is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist whose research focuses on improving neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes for individuals with congenital heart disease and for children exposed in utero to HIV and antiretroviral therapy. He uses longitudinal study designs, neuropsychological assessment and advanced neuroimaging methods to examine cognitive, emotional and behavioral development. His work identifies risk factors and informs interventions that support optimal health and well-being.
Dr. Cassidy contributes to consensus guidelines for neurodevelopmental care in congenital heart disease and participates in multisite research collaborations aimed at advancing understanding in this area. He also studies the effects of antiretroviral exposure on brain development in resource-limited settings.
Focus areas
Congenital heart disease outcomes. Dr. Cassidy investigates neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan with an emphasis on executive function, memory and psychosocial adjustment in individuals with critical congenital heart disease. His work includes developing best practices for neurodevelopmental follow-up and intervention, contributing to American Heart Association scientific statements, and leading collaborative research initiatives focused on congenital heart disease.
Global health and HIV exposure. Dr. Cassidy is a multiprincipal investigator for a National Institutes of Health-funded study in Botswana that examines neurodevelopmental and social-emotional outcomes among children exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy. He also serves as co‑investigator and project lead on several other federally funded studies in sub-Saharan Africa. These projects integrate behavioral assessments with low-field magnetic resonance imaging to better understand brain development and to inform care strategies for children who are HIV exposed but uninfected in resource-limited settings.
Neurodevelopmental support and intervention strategies. Through consensus-building efforts, Dr. Cassidy identifies priorities for care and interventions that support cognitive and psychosocial health in individuals with congenital heart disease across the lifespan. His work includes co-directing professional conferences and publishing recommendations that promote multidisciplinary approaches to improving long-term outcomes.
Executive function and psychosocial adjustment. Dr. Cassidy's earlier research examined the structure of executive function in typically developing children and its relationship to emotional and behavioral concerns. These findings inform his current work on cognitive self-regulation in populations with medical complexities.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Cassidy's research helps healthcare professionals and families understand how serious medical conditions — such as congenital heart disease or HIV exposure — affect a child's thinking, learning and emotions. By finding ways to support brain development early, this work leads to better school performance, emotional health and overall quality of life. It also guides care teams in creating personalized plans so children grow and thrive despite medical challenges.
Professional highlights
- Consulting editor, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 2024-present.
- Consulting editor, The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2021-present.
- Consulting editor, Child Neuropsychology, 2019-present.
- Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative:
- Co-vice chair, Research Committee, 2025.
- Immediate past chair, 2023-2025.
- Co-chair, 2020-2023.
- Best Abstract Award, 9th Annual Scientific Sessions, 2020.
- Top Poster Award, Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Symposium, 2015.
- American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology:
- Chair, Practice Sample Editorial Committee, 2022-2025.
- Member, Board of Directors, 2018-2023.
- Co-director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease/Neuro 2024 Conference, 2024.
- Co-guest editor, Special Issue "Congenital Heart Disease through a Neuropsychological Lens of Analysis," Child Neuropsychology, 2023.
- Member, Executive Committee, Cardiac Networks United, 2020-2023.