Patterns of brain-wide associations reflect socioeconomics (21 Jul 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Stephanie Nelson, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN

1 CE Available

Abstract:

This journal club will focus on Marek et al.’s recent Science article, “Patterns of Brain-Wide Associations Reflect Socioeconomics,” which examines how socioeconomic conditions are reflected in children’s brain structure and function. Using large-scale data from nearly 12,000 children, the authors find that family and neighborhood socioeconomic factors are among the strongest correlates of brain-wide developmental patterns, with sleep and chronic stress emerging as important potential pathways.

We will discuss why these findings matter for pediatric neuropsychologists, particularly in relation to clinical interpretation, diagnosis, feedback, and recommendations. The article invites us to think carefully about how structural inequities shape development, how easily environmental burden can be misread as child-level deficit, and how neuropsychologists can integrate brain-behavior science with a stronger commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Level of Activity: Intermediate

Objectives:

1) Summarize the central findings of Marek et al. (2026) regarding socioeconomic correlates of children’s brain structure and function.

2) Describe how socioeconomic conditions, including family and neighborhood resources, may shape pediatric neurodevelopment through pathways such as chronic stress, sleep disruption, environmental exposure, and access to opportunity.

3) Discuss how pediatric neuropsychologists can integrate socioeconomic and sociocultural context into brain-behavior interpretation, diagnostic formulation, feedback, and recommendations.

4) Identify diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice implications of interpreting neurodevelopmental differences without adequate attention to structural inequity, racism, and environmental burden.

About Stephanie Nelson, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN:

Dr. Stephanie Nelson is a pediatric neuropsychologist who specializes in complex differential diagnosis. She is board certified in both clinical neuropsychology (ABPP-CN) and pediatric neuropsychology (ABPdN).

Dr. Nelson earned her undergraduate degree at Williams College and her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Vermont. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Dr. Nelson has a private practice in Seattle, WA. She also has a consultation practice, The Peer Consult, through which she provides consultation to psychologists and neuropsychologists who specialize in pediatric assessment.

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.

AAPdN upcoming events

Patterns of brain-wide associations reflect socioeconomics (21 Jul 2026)