developmental disabilities Archive — Page 1 of 3

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Director Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD; Administration on Disabilities Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD; VKC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Co-Directors Pablo Juárez, MEd, BCBA, LBA; and Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD; and AoD Director Ophelia McLain, DHA, MPH, during a recent visit to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. (photo by Donn Jones)
September 10, 2026

Administration on Disabilities top leaders visit Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

The visit demonstrated the impact of the UCEDD model and the importance of strong, connected developmental disabilities networks.

By Danny Bonvissuto
Stylized map of the United States with state names labeled across the contiguous states, Alaska, and Hawaii.
June 25, 2026

Earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy signals progress in early detection efforts 

Multistate study led in part by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center shows cerebral palsy in children is being identified sooner, opening doors for earlier intervention.  

By Danny Bonvissuto
Colorful illustration of overlapping human profiles, each containing symbols representing different skills and interests, including numbers, music, puzzles, chemistry, circuitry, gears, and network connections.
January 29, 2025

VKC produces new tool kit on informed consent process for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Individuals with IDD are often excluded from health-related research. Exclusion from research leads to reduced quality of health care and unknown treatment effectiveness.

By Elizabeth Turner
A clinician holds a small electronic device and adjusts large headphones on a child during a hearing test.
August 23, 2024

Children with developmental disabilities less likely to receive gold-standard hearing assessment

More than 30% of children with permanent hearing loss have additional disabilities. A timely diagnosis of reduced hearing and access to appropriate interventions can maximize developmental outcomes.

By Danny Bonvissuto
Black silhouettes of five people dancing in front of a colorful retro geometric patterned background.
August 21, 2024

Study tests wearable technology to detect problem behavior before it happens

The goal of the wearable technology is to improve behavioral assessment of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by predicting the precursors of problem behaviors and using that information to adjust therapeutic approaches.

By Nancy Humphrey
Portrait of Beth Malow wearing a bright pink top and black beaded necklace against a softly lit brown background.
January 23, 2024

Beth Malow receives grant to mount sleep program for children with autism

Vanderbilt neurologist Beth Malow, MD, has received a grant from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to mount a community-based educational program for improving sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder.

By Paul Govern