Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Archive — Page 1 of 10

During the TELE-ASD-PEDS-Preschool, or TAP-P, a clinician coaches the parent and child through a set of play and social activities that allow the clinician to observe the child’s social interactions, communication and play. (photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center)
October 8, 2026

New TRIAD project to evaluate telehealth assessments for autism in preschool-age children

The project will evaluate the use of the TELE-ASD-PEDS-Preschool, or TAP-P, a tele-assessment tool designed to evaluate children ages 3 to 6.

September 23, 2026

Social Mode: Activated

Avatars help autistic adults connect with
each other — and to the world

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.

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.  

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.