Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

08/15/2025

Have you registered yet for our 60th anniversary virtual celebration on Sept. 9? Click here for the Zoom link: https://vkc.vumc.org/events/7094

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development was founded on May 29, 1965. In the 60 years since its convocation, the the way we think about and speak about intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has changed exponentially. As such, we have also adapted our methods of research, training, clinical services, and intervention to grow with the times. What insights have we learned about disabilities since the establishment of the VKC, what are our current goals and challenges, and what do we hope the next generation of researchers will accomplish in the years ahead?

Join us for a lively discussion with VKC friends and colleagues past and present as they discuss their experiences at the Center, how the VKC has impacted their careers, and why programs such as IDDRC, UCEDD, and LEND are vital to the advancement of IDD research.

LEARN MORE HERE: https://vkc.vumc.org/events/7094

08/14/2025

From the latest issue of VKC Notables: What if we could create a virtual learning community where clinicians and educators could share best practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Well, it’s been happening here! Members of the VKC have been involved in several Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) programs over the past few years and have found the ECHO model to be an effective way to share knowledge and build capacity.

Not subscribed to Notables yet? Visit https://vkc.vumc.org/subscribe/ to sign up!

ARTICLE LINK: https://notables.vkcsites.org/2025/07/vkc-researchers-find-benefits-in-using-project-echo-model/

What if we could create a virtual learning community where clinicians and educators could share best practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Well, it’s been happening here! Members of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center have...Read more

08/13/2025

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

TN-SOARING 2025 Speaker Series: "35 Years and Counting: Lessons Learned in a NICU Developmental Follow-Up Clinic"
Friday, August 22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT
REGISTER HERE: https://vkc.vumc.org/events/6962

CME/AMA credits will be provided in partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Presented by Michelle Macias, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Medical University of South Carolina

Lakshmi D Katikaneni, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics
Neonatologist, Director of the MUSC NICU Developmental Follow-Up Clinic
Medical University of South Carolina

Amy L. Ruddy-Humphries, B.A.
Program Coordinator, MUSC NICU Developmental Follow-Up Clinic
Medical University of South Carolina

08/12/2025

From the latest issue of VKC Notables: VKC researchers welcomed 27 new and returning campers for its 2025 ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp, June 17-24. Music Camp is an annual event during which adults with Williams syndrome come together from around the world to spend time with old and new friends and explore the country music scene with some up-and-coming singing and songwriting talent.

Not subscribed to Notables yet? Visit https://vkc.vumc.org/subscribe/ to sign up!

ARTICLE LINK: https://notables.vkcsites.org/2025/07/vkc-acm-lifting-lives-collaborate-on-2025-acm-lifting-lives-music-camp/

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers welcomed 27 new and returning campers for its 2025 ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp, June 17-24. Music Camp is an annual event during which adults with Williams syndrome come together from around...Read more

08/11/2025

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!

Would you like to help us learn more about language therapy for younger siblings of autistic children?

Researchers would love to talk to you if...
• You are the parent of a child diagnosed with autism.
• Your child has a younger sibling who is 5 to 9 months old.
• You would like your infant child to receive early intervention services for communication / language

Participating families come to the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for a series of appointments between 5-9 months old to receive an early communication/language intervention, to complete developmental assessments and other experimental tasks. They return 3 months after the intervention ends at around 15 months. There may be opportunities to participate in further developmental monitoring.

Your infant will receive developmental and language testing throughout the study and psychological testing for autism when your infant is about 15 months old. You will receive developmental information about your child, including results, recommendations, and referrals if appropriate, all at no cost.

Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, call (615) 669-7678, email s.madison.clark@vumc.org, or complete the interest survey Link below, shown as a QR code on the attached flyer:

LINK:https://redcap.link/Project.SPIS

08/08/2025

Now that school has started, some parents and teachers are thinking about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for their students with special needs.

Realizing the challenges many parents face in advocating for their children with disabilities, the VOLUNTEER ADVOCACY PROJECT (VAP) training program was developed to train individuals to become special education advocates so they can provide effective support to families of children with disabilities in their communities.

The Fall 2025 virtual VAP training cohort (Aug. 21-Nov. 13, 5:00-8:00 p.m. CT) is currently accepting applications through Aug. 20! Learn more here: https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/services/project/volunteer-advocacy/

08/07/2025

From the latest issue of VKC Notables: A new study explores how elementary school-aged peers can be taught to support classmates with autism who are minimally speaking. The research was conducted by VKC member Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., and demonstrates that peers can learn and apply responsive interaction strategies to foster play and communication using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Not subscribed to Notables yet? Visit https://vkc.vumc.org/subscribe/ to sign up!

ARTICLE LINK: https://notables.vkcsites.org/2025/07/teaching-peers-to-support-communication-new-research-on-aac-and-responsive-interaction-strategies/

A new study published in Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools explores how elementary school-aged peers can be taught to support classmates with autism who are minimally speaking. The research was conducted by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center member...Read more

08/06/2025

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab will host its fourth annual open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at its “lab house” at 1408 17th Ave. S., located along Music Row!

RSVP here: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=M9JMYWPDMXTH74XT

The Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab will host its fourth annual open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28

08/05/2025

It's the first day of school for Metro Nashville Public Schools! We hope all MNPS students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators have an AMAZING 2025-2026 school year!

08/04/2025

IN TWO WEEKS! Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) will host its next Families First webinar "Pre-School Readiness" on Monday, Aug. 18, from 12-1 p.m. CT. Families First is a monthly workshop series for parents of young children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Register for the webinar HERE: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=9CTTCTCA3NKDXHWL

08/01/2025

Trisomy 18 is normally fatal within weeks of birth. But some parents are getting more time — with surgeries, luck and an incredible amount of effort.

07/31/2025

FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES!

Check out this training opportunity designed to equip patrol officers and leadership with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to individuals on the autism spectrum.

This training blends practical scenarios, expert insights, and collaborative discussions to strengthen your department’s ability to recognize, communicate with, and safely de-escalate encounters involving autistic community members.

This course is funded by the OCJP Violent Crime Intervention Fund and is available for a limited time AT NO COST to Tennessee law enforcement agencies.

REGISTER ONLINE at kate.tennessee.edu/leic