AAPdN - Journal Club

Journal Club Events

The Future of DSM: A Report From the Structure and Dimensions Subcommittee

When
18 Aug 2026

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location
Remote

Register

Presenter: Amy Meidinger, Ph.D., LP, ABN, AAPdN

1 CE Available

Article Link

Abstract:

The current categorical structure of the DSM is increasingly criticized for its failure to capture the fluid, complex, and context-dependent nature of psychiatric disorders. This presentation explores the proposal by the APA’s Structure and Dimensions Subcommittee to fundamentally redesign the DSM diagnostic framework. We will examine the subcommittee’s proposed transition from a symptom-based, "discrete disorder" model to a novel, multidimensional construction. We will evaluate the proposed structural changes to the DSM and discuss the potential for this model to improve the clinical utility and validity of psychiatric diagnoses while explicitly addressing how a context-informed framework can serve as a tool for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within pediatric neuropsychology and the broader psychiatric field.

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Objectives:

1) Review the historical evolution of DSM structure and limitations of the current categorical/symptom-based approach.

2) Introduce the proposed four-domain diagnostic model.

3) Discuss how this model addresses systemic bias and promotes culturally safe, equitable care.

4) Discuss the "continuous improvement" vision for future editions.

About Amy Meidinger, Ph.D., LP, ABN, AAPdN:

Dr. Amy Meidinger is a licensed psychologist and board-certified clinical neuropsychologist at Sanford Health in Fargo. Since 2007, she has specialized in the neuropsychological evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults, with experience spanning both private practice and hospital systems.

Dr. Meidinger provides comprehensive assessments for a wide range of complex conditions. Her clinical focus includes the long-term effects of prematurity and other maternal-fetal complications, neural tube defects, brain tumors and other oncologic conditions, critical heart defects, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, and chromosomal disorders. She also conducts diagnostic assessments for ADHD, learning disorders, and various cognitive, intellectual, and general developmental delays.

Beyond her current clinical role, Dr. Meidinger brings a unique perspective from prior administrative leadership and direct-care positions within community mental health and supported living programs for individuals with cognitive and physical diagnoses.

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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Past Journal Clubs

21 Jul 2026	Patterns of brain-wide associations reflect socioeconomics
16 Jun 2026	ANKRD11 variants: KBG syndrome and beyond
19 May 2026	Interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessment: Clinical considerations and recommendations from the European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN)
17 Mar 2026	Contextual Considerations for the Neuropsychological Assessment of Pediatric mTBI
20 Jan 2026	Dr. Temple Grandin: Neuropsychological Assessment and a Multimodal Neuroimaging Case Study of a Distinguished Scientist, Educator, and Person With Autism
16 Dec 2025	Transparent Deep Learning to Identify Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in EHR Using Clinical Notes
18 Nov 2025	The Progression of Memory Loss Secondary To TBI-Induced White Matter Attenuation: A Review of The Literature And Case Exemplar
21 Oct 2025	Functional Connectivity Differences in Posterior Fossa Tumor Survivors and Healthy Controls: An Exploratory Study
16 Sep 2025	Atypical Social Behavior is Predicted by Overconnectivity Between Salience and Default Mode Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder
19 Aug 2025	Journal Club: Educational Pain Points for Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: Review of Risks and Remedies
15 Jul 2025	Journal Club: Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months
20 May 2025	Functional Neuroanatomy of Tics

Interested in leading a journal club?

Please submit your proposal here

As this is an interactive workshop, please plan on 10-15 minutes of the article review to leave ample time for group discussion.

This will NOT be recorded and/or available for home study CEs.

Since this is an CE activity, we require your:

Topic
Title
Abstract
Objectives
3 Current Citations
A Link to the Article You Will Be Reviewing
CV and Bio

For a tutorial on Journal Clubs, please see the NIH's "5 Tips for Journal Club First-Timers."

Looking for a topic?

Suggested topics:

Assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders;
Neuropsychological outcomes of injury and illnesses;
Evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation approaches to learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disorders;
Issues pertaining to diversity issues in pediatric neuropsychological assessment practice;
Pediatric performance validity and symptom validity assessment;
General practice issues:
Ethical issues in pediatric neuropsychology.

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.

CE certificates will be awarded electronically after successful completion of CE activities. CE credit will be awarded on the basis of one credit per one hour of instructional time. The AAPdN is committed to providing high-quality educational programs. Participants who are dissatisfied with a specific workshop, speaker, or the CE activity in general are encouraged to seek an appropriate resolution as outlined in our grievance policy, which can be obtained by contacting our Continuing Education Chair at homestudy@theaapdn.org.