autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

March 19, 2015

Multi-sensory processing model explores autism, schizophrenia

There is growing evidence that disorders such as autism and schizophrenia involve deficits in what is called “multi-sensory processing,” the ability of the brain to properly integrate information coming in through the eyes, ears and other senses.

By Bill Snyder
February 26, 2015

Photo: Autism team effort

The Clinical Neuroscience Scholars program, supported by the Marino Foundation and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, pairs students with both a basic science mentor to support their dissertation research and a clinical mentor to shadow.

By VUMC News and Communications
February 19, 2015

Autism Partnership founder to speak Feb. 23

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will welcome Autism Partnership founder and co-director John McEachin, Ph.D., on Monday, Feb. 23, at 4:10 p.m. as he presents a lecture titled “Helping Children with ASD Become More Responsive Learners.” A reception will be held following the lecture.

By VUMC News and Communications
February 5, 2015

VUMC lands grant to join CDC autism surveillance network

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has received a $1.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to join the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.

By VUMC News and Communications
puzzel pieces, autism
January 29, 2015

Altered dopamine signaling may offer a clue to autism

Newly discovered genetic variations linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disrupt the function of the dopamine transporter, suggesting that altered dopamine signaling contributes to this common developmental condition, according to a Vanderbilt University-led research team.

By Bill Snyder
Scanning of a human brain by X-rays
January 26, 2015

Brain study sheds light on how children with autism process social play

By VUMC News and Communications
December 18, 2014

Autism Speaks lauds Camarata’s contributions, years of support

Stephen Camarata, Ph.D., professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences, has been honored by Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy and research organization, for dedicated service.
By Matt Batcheldor
October 30, 2014

Mindfulness training for parents of children with ASD studied

Amy Weitlauf, Ph.D., assistant professor of Pediatrics, will be leading a study among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness training as part of early interventions for children with ASD.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 23, 2014

‘Darting’ mice may hold clues to ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder

The transgenic mouse, into which was inserted a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter, could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of these all-too-common brain disorders.
By Bill Snyder
September 4, 2014

Foundation grants bolster autism, dystonia research

Vanderbilt University researchers have received multi-year grants from two private foundations to investigate key signaling proteins that could lead to novel treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dystonia, a movement disorder.
By Bill Snyder
August 28, 2014

VKC debuts interdisciplinary research lecture series Sept. 3

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is launching is a new educational series that will focus on the complexities of conducting interdisciplinary research and clinical trials that involve behavioral, environmental and pharmaceutical interventions.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 15, 2014

Vanderbilt enrolling children with autism in medication-related weight gain study

Vanderbilt University is one of four sites in the United States and Canada to enroll children with autism in a study to examine weight gain commonly experienced while taking antipsychotic medication.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 31, 2014

Sanders named TRIAD’s new medical director

Kevin Sanders, M.D., assistant professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, has been named medical director for the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD).
By VUMC News and Communications