A clinical research project is definitely NOT a doctoral dissertation.
But then again, a big chunk of the general population doesn't know the difference between a clinical project and a dissertation, or the difference between a research doctorate (PhD) and a CLINICAL doctorate (PsyD).
The only scholarly publication with Dina's name (under either Romano or Shacknai) that could be located is one where she is 4th author in a group project.
http://www.questia.com/library/1G1-155235288/the-efficacy-of-social-skills-treatment-for-children
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/efficacy-treatment-children-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/B000LKANZQ"]The efficacy of social skills treatment for children with Asperger Syndrome.: An article from: Education & Treatment of Children: Lisa M. Elder, Linda C. Caterino, Janet Chao, Dina Shacknai, Gina De Simone: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]
*It's for sale on amazon for $9.95!
This is very likely her clinical research project. (Students are not typically required to be the primary investigator on clinical research projects, although many are.)
Lisa Elder Outhier (the PI in the article above)
is the WIFE of Craig Outhier, the independent journalist who wrote the "Boy Interrupted" article for Phoenix Magazine, incidentally. A little "networking" going on in that whole relationship, dontcha think?!
She does, indeed, embellish and INFLATE all things that have to do with herself. There is not a thing wrong with her degree. There is nothing at all wrong with this scholarly article. It just is NOT what she is portraying it to be.
And she has been called out publicly on her embellishments and exaggerations, and it upsets her. That just says a lot about a person, imo.