Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

January 12, 2026

Pablo Juárez named president-elect of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Juárez’s election to this role reflects his long-standing commitment to innovation in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

April 15, 2025

VUMC researchers report the number of children with autism in Tennessee has doubled in the past decade

CDC releases new autism data highlighting early identification trends, prevalence and differences across the U.S.

By Danny Bonvissuto
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
October 29, 2024

SENSE Theatre production of ‘The Backstage Zoo’ to be at Langford Auditorium Nov. 8 & 9

October 25, 2024

VKC TRIAD celebrates 25 years of autism research, assessment, treatment and support with a special virtual event on Tuesday, Oct. 29

The special virtual event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will feature TRIAD leaders past and present.

By Danny Bonvissuto
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
January 9, 2024

VUMC receives $13 million grant to coordinate multisite clinical trial for Rett syndrome treatment

Vanderbilt University Medical Center received a $13 million Department of Defense grant to lead a multisite clinical trial that will evaluate repurposed FDA-approved drugs as treatment options for patients with Rett syndrome.
By Danny Bonvissuto
November 3, 2023

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center receives DOD grant to study telehealth deployment across rural areas of Tennessee

By Danny Bonvissuto
October 3, 2023

Directorships honor leaders, philanthropic partners

Nineteen leaders have been named as holders of directorships at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
By Doug Campbell
September 29, 2023

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to begin estimating prevalence of cerebral palsy in Middle Tennessee

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders has received funding to monitor and estimate prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Middle Tennessee.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 7, 2023

Study shows autism profiles can be identified early via tele-assessment with a tool created at VUMC

A study new study by Vanderbilt researchers offers compelling data that many autism profiles can be identified early via tele-assessment.
By Danny Bonvissuto
July 13, 2023

SENSE Theatre study finds play participation increases social skills in autistic youth

Together with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and ACM Lifting Lives, SENSE Theatre recently presented a two-night performance of the play Circus del Sé, written by Blythe Corbett, PhD, James G. Blakemore Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
By Danny Bonvissuto
July 5, 2023

Julie Lounds Taylor and Pablo Juárez appointed new co-directors of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) has announced new leadership for its University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD, and Pablo Juárez, MEd, BCBA, LBA, have succeeded Elise McMillan, JD, who retired June 30.
By VUMC News and Communications