Vanderbilt Kennedy Center News Saturday, December 3, 2022

Engaging infants with a song provides a readymade means for supporting social development and interaction, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Study finds sensitivity to musical rhythm supports social development in infants

Last Updated: 11/11/2022 8:49:03 AM

Centering Autistic Perspectives in Applied Behavior Analysis

Centering Autistic Perspectives in Applied Behavior Analysis

Last Updated: 11/4/2022 2:01:25 PM

A little over 10 years ago, a group of motivated and caring people formed what they chose to call TennesseeWorks, and this group had one goal in mind: to increase the number of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are employed in Tennessee.

A Lot Has Happened in 10 Years of TennesseeWorks

Last Updated: 11/3/2022 8:35:59 AM

President Joe Biden has appointed Vanderbilt Peabody College research professor Douglas Fuchs to serve on the 15-member National Board for Education Sciences. The appointment was announced Oct. 27.

Vanderbilt special education researcher receives White House appointment

Last Updated: 11/3/2022 8:34:56 AM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center held its 13th annual VKC Science Day on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Vanderbilt University’s Student Life Center. It was the first time since January 2019 that Science Day participants were able to meet in-person to celebrate collaboration and innovation among VKC-affiliated research labs.

2022 VKC Science Day Poster Competition winners announced

Last Updated: 11/2/2022 11:16:06 AM

TRIAD’s response to ABAI’s Draft Report/Recommendations on CESS

TRIAD’s response to ABAI’s Draft Report/Recommendations on CESS

Last Updated: 10/19/2022 7:44:41 AM

The first large-scale genomic study of musicality — recently featured on the cover of Nature Human Behaviour — identified 69 genetic variants associated with beat synchronization, meaning the ability to move in synchrony with the beat of music.

Research shows genetic link to moving to the beat of music

Last Updated: 10/18/2022 9:31:31 AM

Three Vanderbilt University faculty members have been elected this year to membership in the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), a prestigious, non-governmental organization that advises the nation and the world on important aspects of medical science, health care and public health.

Vanderbilt’s Carpenter, Monteggia and Rathmell elected to National Academy of Medicine

Last Updated: 10/18/2022 9:29:35 AM

down the road [Art Exhibit]

down the road [Art Exhibit]

Last Updated: 10/13/2022 2:09:07 PM

Educate to Advocate Virtual Public Policy Workshop

Educate to Advocate Virtual Public Policy Workshop

Last Updated: 10/5/2022 2:04:22 PM

VKC Special Lecture: "Designing Multi-User Collaboration and Learning Technology for Neurodiverse Groups"

Designing Multi-User Collaboration and Learning Technology for Neurodiverse Groups

Last Updated: 9/22/2022 10:00:59 AM

Millions of children worldwide are under legal guardianship of the state, often due to abuse, neglect, parental death or other circumstances—leaving governments to determine how best to care for them. The Bucharest Early Intervention Project has shed light on ways to improve the quality of caregiving for children. Initiated in 2000, the BEIP is a randomized controlled trial of foster care as an alternative to institutional care for children who experienced severe psychosocial deprivation.

Foster family placement leads to sustained cognitive gains after severe early deprivation, Humphreys’ study finds

Last Updated: 9/13/2022 3:12:26 PM

Process must be customized to meet needs of individuals who have trouble naming and sharing emotions.

Suicide Safety Plans Customized for Autistic Youth

Last Updated: 8/26/2022 1:36:33 PM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders announces the hiring of Holly Gover, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, as a TRIAD Behavior Analyst and Researcher.

VKC TRIAD welcomes Holly Gover as Behavior Analyst and Researcher

Last Updated: 8/24/2022 11:00:33 AM

Special Lecture: "A New Concept: Neurodevelopmental Etiology of Huntington’s Disease"

A New Concept: Neurodevelopmental Etiology of Huntington’s Disease

Last Updated: 8/24/2022 9:53:43 AM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) is pleased to announce that Pablo Juárez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, has been named Director of Behavior Analysis within the VKC and the Division of Developmental Medicine (DDM) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Juárez is a senior associate in Pediatrics, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Special Education, and serves as co-director of the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD).

Pablo Juárez named Director of Behavior Analysis

Last Updated: 8/23/2022 11:17:43 AM

New SPARK study identifies a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect, shows links to other behavioral conditions

Last Updated: 8/16/2022 2:52:27 PM

Promising cures for Huntington’s Disease have resulted in more genetic testing at Vanderbilt’s clinic, which serves a multi-state region. The rare neurological disease is often viewed as a death sentence, which scares people from even wanting to know.

With Huntington’s Disease, renewed hope for a cure draws more interest in testing at Vanderbilt

Last Updated: 8/15/2022 12:15:43 PM

VKC introduces new toolkits promoting neurodiversity, self-determination in early childhood services

Last Updated: 7/29/2022 9:56:07 AM

Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development Kathryn Humphreys, BS’05, has been recognized with the 2023 Boyd McCandless Award by the American Psychological Association’s Division 7 (Developmental Psychology). The award “recognizes a young scientist who has made a distinguished theoretical contribution to developmental psychology, has conducted programmatic research of distinction, or has made a distinguished contribution to the dissemination of developmental science.”

Humphreys wins 2023 Boyd McCandless Award from American Psychological Association

Last Updated: 7/25/2022 7:56:34 PM

The Academy for Excellence in Education was established in November 2006. The founding membership was comprised of 44 distinguished medical educators. The Academy provides a forum to foster higher levels of participation and promote excellence and scholarship in the delivery of education to health professionals.

Vanderbilt Academy for Excellence in Education elects 26 new members

Last Updated: 7/6/2022 10:42:06 AM

The Today Show’s Maria Shriver spotlighted a landmark, years-long study into the connection between heart health and Alzheimer’s disease, and the urgency to boost study enrollment—particularly among people of color who are disproportionally impacted yet historically underrepresented in research.

Today Show: Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center makes national push for clinical study enrollment. You can help.

Last Updated: 6/30/2022 12:11:34 PM

Moving in time to musical rhythm is so automatic that people are often not conscious of the exquisite coordination that it demands of our brains, minds and bodies.

Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and 23andMe find genetic link to people’s ability to move to a musical beat

Last Updated: 6/21/2022 12:25:35 PM

Arie Nettles, PhD, NCSP, HSP, professor of Clinical Pediatrics and director of the Office of Inclusion and Health Equity (OIHE), was presented with a State Resolution from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) passed in honor of her work as chair of the Statewide Planning and Policy Council (SPPC).

Nettles presented with State Resolution from Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Last Updated: 6/9/2022 2:49:06 PM

In the 2010 film, “The King’s Speech,” a speech therapist helps the king of England overcome a significant stutter so that he can address the nation at the outbreak of World War II. If only it were that straightforward.

When Words Fail

Last Updated: 6/7/2022 10:52:44 AM

This month, Vanderbilt University Graduate School named three faculty members as recipients of their first Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Awards.

Three Graduate School faculty honored with first-ever mentor awards

Last Updated: 6/7/2022 10:43:00 AM

I am Determined! Photographs of Strengths, Commitment, and Passion [Art Exhibit]

I am Determined! Photographs of Strengths, Commitment, and Passion [Art Exhibit]

Last Updated: 5/24/2022 3:23:41 PM

Studying the Connection Between Reading Comprehension and Math Word-Problem Solving [Webinar]

Studying the Connection Between Reading Comprehension and Math Word-Problem Solving [Webinar]

Last Updated: 5/18/2022 1:26:03 PM

For the first time, graduates from the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program for students with developmental disabilities will walk in the full campus Commencement ceremony.

Next Steps at Vanderbilt graduates to join their peers at Commencement

Last Updated: 5/9/2022 1:14:12 PM

They say motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever love. That’s true for this group of Vanderbilt researchers, who’ve built successful careers around researching various aspects of parenthood while raising their own children.

Moms who research moms: Spotlighting VU research on motherhood

Last Updated: 5/9/2022 1:12:26 PM

Depression among adults in the United States is on the rise — partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic — with some estimates putting the rate of depression at one in every three people. Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at higher risk for depression than the general population, and research into risk factors for depression in autism is ongoing.

ASD study explores link between repetitive motion, depression

Last Updated: 5/5/2022 1:19:26 PM

Two Vanderbilt professors were awarded Pathfinder seed funding for a project that could benefit soldiers by optimizing their neurological performance through suggested behavior protocol and by improving aircraft design and equipment to reduce the effects of in-flight vibration and percussion.

Army Futures Command awards Pathfinder seed funding to Tonia Rex, Doug Adams

Last Updated: 5/5/2022 1:17:45 PM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders announces the hiring of Adithyan Rajaraman, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, as Director of Behavior Analysis Research. As an assistant professor in Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a VKC investigator, Dr. Rajaraman will lead the research and dissemination of TRIAD’s innovative behavior analytic services and the growing portfolio of related projects.

VKC TRIAD welcomes Adithyan Rajaraman as Director of Behavior Analysis Research

Last Updated: 4/19/2022 10:09:29 AM

Velma McBride Murry, University Professor of Human and Organizational Development and University Professor of Health Policy, will be an expert panelist discussing the impact of pandemic-era policies on children and families at a high-level government conference. McBride Murry will join panelists April 25–26 at the virtual event sponsored by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation in the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

McBride Murry to speak at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services panel on impact of pandemic-era policies

Last Updated: 4/15/2022 3:22:39 PM

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience in the Era of Big Data"

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience in the Era of Big Data"

Last Updated: 4/11/2022 9:50:08 AM

April marks Autism Awareness Month. In 2022, neurodiversity in the workplace is an issue capturing attention, as conversations on how to create more inclusive spaces for all continue among business leaders.

Q&A: Vanderbilt expert discusses inclusive workplaces for people on the autism spectrum

Last Updated: 4/7/2022 11:23:16 AM

VKC introduces toolkits to mitigate stress caused by needlesticks in patients with IDD

Last Updated: 3/30/2022 11:08:27 AM

Lifting Lives® has supported the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center since 2012. Learn about the programs and research it helps fund to improve lives through the power of music.

Music Mends

Last Updated: 3/29/2022 1:39:59 PM

Associate Professor of Pharmacology Colleen Niswender, who also is director of molecular pharmacology for the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD), was awarded the ASPET Scientific Achievement Award in Drug Discovery and Development and three separate grants for her Rett syndrome research.

Colleen Niswender lands national award, several grants for Rett syndrome research

Last Updated: 3/29/2022 8:39:52 AM

Research Ethics Grand Rounds Panel Discussion: "Ethical Applied Behavior Analysis in Practice"

Research Ethics Grand Rounds Panel Discussion: "Ethical Applied Behavior Analysis in Practice"

Last Updated: 2/28/2022 5:01:25 PM

The Vanderbilt Center for Tourette Syndrome and Other Tic Disorders has been designated a Tourette Association of America (TAA) Center of Excellence.

VUMC designated a Tourette syndrome center of excellence

Last Updated: 2/25/2022 2:45:12 PM

The brain is constantly firing and controlling purposeful action potentials—electronic messages used by neurons to communicate with each other and allow the brain to function. Conversely, the way spontaneous neural communication happens in the brain has been found to make use of a different process. Ege Kavalali, William Stokes Chair in Experimental Therapeutics and chair of pharmacology, and postdoctoral researcher Baris Alten worked with Heidi Hamm, Aileen M. Lange and Annie Mary Lyle Chair of Cardiovascular Research and professor of pharmacology, to discover the mechanism of one of the modulation pathways involved in spontaneous signaling, which has therapeutic potential for several neurological diseases.

Research Snapshot: Vanderbilt researchers discover new spontaneous signaling pathway in the brain

Last Updated: 2/23/2022 10:05:21 AM

Stressful experiences can lead to adaptive or detrimental behaviors. Understanding how stress can affect our brains can help understand basic brain function and is also essential to discerning causes and treatments for some diseases. A group of researchers led by Jeffrey Conn, professor of pharmacology at Vanderbilt, explored how specific types of neurons within the prefrontal cortex, the brain area involved in decision-making, mood and motivation, responded to acute stress in models.

Research Snapshot: Understanding the molecules and brain circuits recruited by stressful experience

Last Updated: 2/23/2022 10:03:13 AM

Three faculty members of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have been elected this year to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), an elite honor society of physician-scientists from the upper ranks of academic medicine and industry.

Halasa, Jordan, Wilkins elected members of ASCI

Last Updated: 2/23/2022 9:53:29 AM

Richard Sando awarded 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship in neuroscience

Richard Sando awarded 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship in neuroscience

Last Updated: 2/16/2022 9:51:32 AM

Educate to Advocate 2022 Public Policy Workshop

Educate to Advocate 2022 Public Policy Workshop

Last Updated: 2/14/2022 1:12:37 PM

Ege T. Kavalali, William Stokes Professor of Experimental Therapeutics, has been named chair of the Department of Pharmacology in Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences. National leaders in pharmacology, members of the pharmacology department at Vanderbilt and Lawrence J. Marnett, dean of the?School of Medicine Basic Sciences, all provided input in his selection.

Ege Kavalali to lead pharmacology department in School of Medicine Basic Sciences

Last Updated: 2/7/2022 11:38:08 AM

ou can now find Tennessee Disability Pathfinder on the State of Tennessee mobile app MyTN.

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder now on MyTN moble app

Last Updated: 2/4/2022 1:28:01 PM

A new comprehensive data set featuring neural images from children ages 5, 7 and 9 has been made available for cross-disciplinary research purposes. Led by James Booth, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Educational Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt, the brain imaging initiative includes structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, as well as extensive psychoeducational assessments and in-depth parental questionnaires.

Vanderbilt researchers make extensive brain imaging data set available for cross-disciplinary study

Last Updated: 1/24/2022 2:47:53 PM

Government agencies, employers large and small and various nonprofits have all been churning out messages that address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. But most of these public service announcements left Vanderbilt University Medical Center neurologist Beth Ann Malow, M.D., singularly unimpressed. She was determined to create something better.

Facts on vaccine decision examined by people with IDD and their families

Last Updated: 1/18/2022 9:10:19 AM

Grants will go towards creating new inclusive higher education programs and expanding opportunities at current programs for students with intellectual disabilities.

DIDD awards Tennessee Believes Grant to Next Steps at Vanderbilt, three additional higher ed institutions

Last Updated: 1/14/2022 9:16:03 AM

Threads of Identity [Art Exhibit]

Threads of Identity [Art Exhibit]

Last Updated: 1/13/2022 12:47:02 PM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities has produced three brief videos to build COVID-19 vaccine confidence in the disability community. These videos feature an adult with an intellectual disability and a parent and her daughter with autism, who share their personal experiences, hesitancy and decision-making related to getting themselves or their child vaccinated.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center produces videos on COVID-19 vaccine and individuals with intellectual disability

Last Updated: 12/29/2021 3:07:40 PM

Vaccine Confidence Videos

Vaccine Confidence Videos

Last Updated: 12/16/2021 10:16:03 AM

VKC IDDRC Data Sciences Core (Core E) Webinar: "A Reproducible and Automated EEG Data Processing Pipeline"

VKC IDDRC Data Sciences Core (Core E) Webinar:
"A Reproducible and Automated EEG Data Processing Pipeline"

Last Updated: 12/14/2021 4:22:41 PM

A potential first-of-its-kind drug to treat the symptoms of Rett syndrome received positive top-line results from a phase 3 trial sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. and led by investigators from Vanderbilt University Medical Center to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Potential Rett syndrome drug shows promising results in phase 3 trial

Last Updated: 12/8/2021 11:44:02 AM

Researchers across four health care systems, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, have found that increased depression polygenic scores are associated with increased white blood cell count, highlighting the importance of the immune system in the etiology of depression.

Study links depression scores, white blood cell count

Last Updated: 12/8/2021 11:40:42 AM