Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) Member Beth Malow, M.D., M.S., was recently awarded the Pat Edmiston Leadership in Advocacy Award by the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder in recognition of her outstanding advocacy and contributions to improving the lives of individuals with autism in Tennessee.
In addition to her VKC membership, Malow serves as Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development, professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, and director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Disorders Division. Her work as a neurologist, researcher, educator, and advocate has had a profound impact on families, health care providers, and policymakers. Her efforts have led to tangible improvements in the quality of life for countless individuals on the autism spectrum.
Malow is a nationally recognized expert in sleep disorders and their intersection with autism. As the Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development and director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Disorders Division, she has dedicated her career to helping children and adults on the autism spectrum overcome significant sleep challenges. Recognizing that sleep difficulties can severely impact daily functioning and family well-being, Malow has developed evidence-based educational materials and practical programs to help families establish better sleep habits. Her work has provided relief to parents who have struggled for years to help their children sleep through the night, allowing for better overall health and daily functioning.
Beyond her clinical work, Malow has championed systemic change through her involvement in Project ECHO (Extending Community Healthcare Outcomes), an innovative model that trains healthcare providers across Tennessee and the nation to better serve individuals with autism. As a key leader in ECHO Autism, she has played a pivotal role in connecting specialists, family members, and autistic individuals in a collaborative effort to expand access to high-quality care. This initiative has significantly enhanced healthcare professionals’ understanding and ability to support autistic patients, particularly in underserved areas where expertise in autism care is limited.
Beth Malow's advocacy extends beyond healthcare into policy and legislative impact. She was instrumental in the formation of the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, serving as its first vice chair. Her leadership in the Autism Summit Team helped lay the foundation for this council, ensuring that individuals with autism and their families have a voice in shaping statewide policies. Her contributions have helped secure resources, improve service coordination, and influence legislation that benefits the autism community.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Malow brings a personal perspective to her advocacy as the parent of two young adults on the autism spectrum. She understands firsthand the challenges families face and uses her expertise to bridge the gap between research, policy, and real-world needs.
Malow is also a leader in science communication, making complex medical and policy issues accessible to the public. Through her work with organizations like Braver Angels and her TEDx talk on “The Art of Communicating Science,” she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to engage diverse audiences in meaningful dialogue about autism, health care, and science policy. Two products she has worked on through her work with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center highlight her passion for encouraging advocacy in others: a toolkit to help adolescents and young adults on the spectrum plan how to be become more self-determined and learn to advocate for themselves, and a toolkit for researchers on how to consent adults with IDD for research so that they may fully participate in improving health outcomes are primary examples of her commitment to translating research to practice to education to advocacy.
"Her unwavering commitment, tireless advocacy, and compassionate approach have made a mark on Tennessee’s autism community. Whether through direct patient care, training healthcare providers, influencing policy, or empowering families with knowledge and resources, Beth Malow has been at the forefront of improving systems," said her colleagues at the VKC in their nomination letter. "For these reasons, we proudly nominate Dr. Beth Malow for the Pat Edmiston Leadership in Advocacy Award, recognizing her as a transformative leader who has dedicated her career and life to improving the lives of individuals with autism.”
Last Updated: 5/6/2025 1:02:29 PM
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