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 |
 | In 1969, our family moved to Nashville with our son who has an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has been a source of vision, information, and support for our family. Belinda and Ron Butler - Parents See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | The VKC has become a home to my family in the few short years since my daughter’s birth. We’ve benefited in countless ways from its research, professional training (I was a LEND Family Trainee), workshops, and other community programs. I also have the opportunity to learn and give back to the Center as part of the Community Advisory Council and the Public Policy Committee. The VKC has been an incredible resource to me as a parent but has also been critical in my development as a professional, helping me to become a voice for other families through special education advocacy. From both perspectives, I cannot overstate the importance of the Center’s role in creating more meaningful and productive lives for people like my daughter, and I am proud to be part of an organization that continues to lead this charge both locally and nationally. Christine Sartain - Parent, LEND Trainee, and Disability Advocate See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
 | In my role, I assist families who have children with autism spectrum disorder. I have the opportunity each day to hear directly from families about their struggles and triumphs. Even the simplest of daily routines can be difficult for families who have children with autism. I feel lucky that families choose to share their stories with me. I also feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center where many talented researchers are trying to determine the best interventions and treatments for the families I speak with. Daily, I listen to families, validate their concerns and feelings, and hopefully offer them a service or resources to address their needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a true asset to these families as well as to the University, the greater Nashville community, and others who are much farther away. Nina Harris - VKC Disability Professional 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... |
Submit your reflection here