autism

Females with autism reach puberty earlier: study

Blythe Corbett, PhD, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and investigator with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, recently led a study which found that on average, females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experienced the onset of puberty 9.5 months earlier than their peers.

Autism theory 25 years in the making

A unifying explanation of the cause of autism and the reason for its rising prevalence has eluded scientists for decades, but a theoretical model published in the journal Medical Hypotheses describes the cause as a combination of socially valued traits, common in autism, and any number of co-occurring disabilities.

Janet Shouse and Beth Malow, MD, MS, are among a team of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers seeking to improve access to care for adults with autism. (photo by Steve Green)

Telementoring project aims to improve access for adults with autism

A team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is launching a program to improve access to primary care for adults with autism.

ACM gift aims to improve lives of children with autism spectrum disorder

ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, has made a generous gift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for programs and research demonstrating the healing power of music to improve the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Clinical trial to test possible new therapy for autism deficits

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is participating in a multisite clinical trial to test a potential new medication for treating core deficits of autism spectrum disorders in children ages 2-4.

Improving social competence in adults with autism is the goal of an upcoming study using the SENSE Theatre program. (photo taken before social distancing.)

Study seeks to improve social competence in adults with autism

Researchers from VUMC are investigating whether participation in a specially designed theatre program can improve social competence in adults with autism.

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