Reflections
As part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's 50th anniversary celebration, families, researchers, staff, trainees, and others shared their reflections. View a sample below, and select "more" to view additional comments.
| A reflection from a family |
 | My family has been connected to the work of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for over 15 years, since my younger brother Evan, now 18, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 3. Evan has participated in countless educational programs, clinical services, research studies, and activities over the years. The Kennedy Center staff and programs have provided wonderful support to my parents. Especially important to me is the valuable supports that if has offered to young and adult siblings like myself of brothers and sisters with disabilities. Emma Shouse - Sibling See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | Sleep is an integral part of health and influences daytime behavior in a variety of neurological disorders. After 10 years of studying the effects of sleep disorders on epilepsy, I decided to apply this model to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A major influence on me was my 6-year-old son, who is on the spectrum and, thankfully, is an excellent sleeper. I became immersed in understanding ASD. I realized that identifying and treating disordered sleep in autism could make a huge difference in the lives of affected children and their families. The VKC has provided me with many resources to carry out my work. The most important resource is the network of collaborators within the Center who have assisted in developing ideas for sleep research projects and allowed me to integrate behavioral, genetic, and circadian measures into my research. Beth Malow, M.D., M.S. - Neurology and Pediatrics See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
| I am the proud parent of four young children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Besides benefiting from their vast array of supports and services, I am currently receiving valuable research experience as a doctoral student in special education and receiving specialized disability-specific training through the VKC. Thomas Boehm - Parent, Doctoral Student in Special Education, and VKC UCEDD Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
Submit your reflection here