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• Transparent Deep Learning to Identify Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in EHR Using Clinical Notes

  • When
    16 Dec 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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  Presenter: Justin Gardner, Psy.D

  1 CE Available

  Article Link

  If you have trouble accessing the article, please email us at aapdnoffice@gmail.com.

  Abstract:

  Early and equitable identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains one of the most pressing challenges in pediatric neuropsychology. Traditional diagnostic pathways are time-intensive, costly, and often inaccessible for families from underrepresented or rural backgrounds. Recent advances in natural language processing (NLP)—a form of artificial intelligence that “reads” and interprets text—offer promising new tools to assist clinicians in rapidly screening large volumes of qualitative information already present in medical and educational records. This Journal Club will review and discuss Leroy et al. (2024), “Transparent Deep Learning to Identify Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in EHR Using Clinical Notes,” published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA). The study demonstrates how NLP can identify DSM-5 criteria for ASD directly from narrative clinical notes, offering a transparent, auditable, and clinically interpretable approach to AI-assisted diagnosis.

  While the research methods are highly technical, no programming or AI expertise is required to participate. Discussion will focus on how these tools might enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations without sacrificing clinical judgment or the nuanced understanding that only human examiners can provide. Participants will consider how embracing transparent AI systems could reduce evaluation costs, improve early access to care, and increase equity and diversity in diagnostic pathways. Attendees will also explore broader ethical and practical implications of integrating machine learning into neuropsychological assessment, including issues of transparency, accountability, and the preservation of clinician autonomy.

  Level of Activity: Introductory

  Objectives:

  Objective #1: Participants will describe how natural language processing (NLP) and transparent deep learning models can be applied to narrative clinical data (e.g., clinical notes, behavioral observations, and teacher/parent reports) to assist in the identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

  Objective #2: Participants will evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of integrating AI-assisted screening tools into pediatric neuropsychological practice, with particular focus on transparency, diagnostic accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

  Objective #3: Participants will discuss strategies for incorporating emerging technological tools to enhance efficiency and equity in ASD diagnosis while preserving clinician judgment and ethical standards of neuropsychological practice.

  Speaker Bio:

  Justin Gardner, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in the state of Arizona. He runs a small private practice in Gilbert, Arizona named The Modern Psychologist. Dr. Gardner specializes in providing pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, psychological evaluations, and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of clinical presentations. Dr. Gardner provides consultation services to psychologists looking to integrate modern approaches to the practice of clinical psychology.

  Dr. Gardner completed his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. He completed his doctoral internship at The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in concert with the Rochester General Hospital Center for Clinical Systems Biology, where he conducted research in developing computational models for diagnosing and predicting maximal treatment outcomes for patients with a variety of neuropsychological and psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Gardner completed his postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology under the supervision of Paul Beljan, PsyD at Beljan Psychological Services in Scottsdale, Arizona.

  Dr. Gardner currently serves on the board of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) as the co-chair of the Technology and Marketing Committee. He is also a member of the Continuing Education Committee and Conference Committee. Dr. Gardner is the moderator for AAPdN virtual events.

  
  

  
  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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