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 |
 | Fifty years ago my husband and I had the privilege of hearing President John F. Kennedy speak to the community at the football stadium at Vanderbilt University. It was a great day. We were proud of the University. We are both graduates and my retired husband was part of the Medical faculty for 45 years. Although we were very familiar with the University and the Medical Center, we were not as connected to the Kennedy Center until the birth of our grandson William, who has Down syndrome. He is now 17. William and his parents have received innumerable services from the Center, including hands-on intervention participating in research projects and receiving support at every step of the journey. Susan M. Spickard - Grandmother See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | I am interested in developmental disabilities research for two reasons. First, I am interested in the developmental profile of serious mental illness, especially schizophrenia. There is compelling evidence that schizophrenia is characterized by subtle changes in connectivity and cellular organization that predate the onset of the psychosis by many years. Second, as a psychiatrist and chair of a department, I am aware of the great burden of mental illness in children and adolescents. Early diagnosis of mental illness is essential for proper treatment and, ultimately, prevention and cure. The VKC has brought together a diverse group of researchers and clinicians. Even more importantly, it has connected them with the community--the many patients with developmental disabilities and their families. Stephan Heckers, M.D. - Psychiatry See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| [The VKC] is an absolutely amazing place to work, but more importantly, people here truly help to change lives for the better. I’ve worked here in some capacity since I graduated from the Master’s of Special Education program in 2007, and I cannot think of a better place to refer families who have a loved one with a disability. In my own work, we are helping high school students with autism and their families prepare for the transition from high school, and we are also helping faith communities as they support people with disabilities to find and hold employment. Jenny Gustafson - Special Education Alumna and VKC Disability Professional See More... |
Submit your reflection here