Number 29 | Summer 2010 | Vanderbilt University

Advancing Down Syndrome Research BY JAN ROSEMERGY Dyslexia Linked to Differences in Brain Circuitry esearch that ultimately affects the lives of persons with Down syndrome or other Rdevelopmental disabilities could not take place without the participation of children BY MELANIE MORAN and adults with disabilities and their families. In turn, families and a wide array of hildren with dyslexia often struggle with professionals, from health care Creading, writing, and spelling, despite getting professionals to educators, benefit from an appropriate education and demonstrating the knowledge generated through intellectual ability in other areas. New neurological research. This crucial relationship research from Vanderbilt University has found that between families and researchers was these children’s difficulties with written language apparent on a March evening when may be linked to structural differences within an family members and VKC researchers important information highway in the brain known gathered for a Community Forum to to play a role in oral language. The findings were answer the question, “What’s on the published in the June 2010 issue of Cortex . Forefront of Down Syndrome Research?” VKC researchers Sheryl Rimrodt and Laurie The impetus for the Forum came from Cutting and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University VKC Leadership Council members and the Kennedy Krieger Institute used an emerging Melissa Beasley, Anne Nesbitt, Margaret MRI technique, called diffusion tensor imaging Spickard, and others who are the parents (DTI), to discover evidence linking dyslexia to or grandparents of children with Down structural differences in an important bundle of syndrome. white matter in the left-hemisphere language “I am the mom of a very lively 3-year- network. White matter is made up of fibers that can old with Down syndrome,” said Melissa be thought of as the wiring that allows Beasley, “and, as Ethan’s mom, I’m very communication between brain cells. The left-

N grateful for the research that’s happened hemisphere language network is made up of bundles I P U A

M over the last several decades—research of these fibers and contains branches that extend Y N O

T that has increased awareness, increased from the back of the brain (including vision cells) to life expectancy, enhanced speech and the front parts that are responsible for articulation Ethan Beasley, whose family supports research on Down syndrome through the Beasley Family language treatment techniques, and and speech. Discovery Grant improved overall quality of life for Continued on page 3 persons with Down syndrome.” On behalf of the crowded room and the many families who could not be present, she expressed gratitude for having, in Nashville, a Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center. Four VKC researchers reported on their efforts to advance understanding of Down syndrome and speed development of new interventions. Continued on page 2

Director’s Message On the Roadmap he announcement of the National Institutes of Health T(NIH) Roadmap for Research on Down Syndrome in 2008 was a milestone for families and researchers alike. The Roadmap set forth short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals to achieve by 2018 in five research areas. At a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Community Forum in June 2008, VKC researchers summarized the Plan and committed ourselves to contributing to achieving these national research goals.

On an evening in March 2010, we again gathered with S E G D I R

families, advocates, and colleagues to share innovative work B E I

Elisabeth Dykens N A

taking place here. In preparation, wanting to provide a L E national context for this Center’s work, I checked the NIH website to search for and to M read abstracts related to Down syndrome. Nadezhna Kabiling is among the students who have Searching for grants relating to Down syndrome within the last year, I found only five benefitted from the VKC Reading Clinic, which provides national projects on questions related to children with Down syndrome—and two of tutoring for children with dyslexia or other causes of reading difficulty. The VKC integrates reading-related Continued on page 3 research, training, and services.

TABS Conference Helps Siblings Network...... 4 highlights Advance in Autism Genetics...... 5 Empowering Families with Young Children in Transition...... 8 Dollar General—“Saving Lives” by Promoting Literacy...... 10 DOWN SYNDROME RESEARCH from page 1

Developing a Research Repository adults with Down syndrome Vanderbilt’s clinical services are poised to play an are prone to premature increasingly important role in supporting research aging. The study includes on Down syndrome, said Tracy McGregor, M.D., adolescents, ages 16-20 director of the Down Syndrome Clinic in Vanderbilt years, and adults, 35-40 Pediatrics Division of Developmental Medicine. years. The Vanderbilt Down Syndrome Clinic provides Memory loss is among comprehensive care and professional services to the earliest markers of children and adults with Down syndrome. A aging, but memory is not a multidisciplinary team of expert medical providers strength in Down syndrome from different specialties are available in a single throughout the lifespan. visit. Children’s services are provided through Aging can also be associated Pediatrics Division of Developmental Medicine, and with changes in emotional adult services through Internal Medicine. states, such as increased McGregor is working with VKC colleagues to depression, but individuals develop a research infrastructure within the Down with Down syndrome may F F A T

Syndrome Clinic. These efforts include development S lack expressive language to P E T of a research registry of children and adults with S describe inner states. T X E N

Down syndrome, so that families can be contacted F “By using brain waves O Y S

for future research. The Clinic also will facilitate a E instead of behavioral T R U O

repository of medical, behavioral, demographic, C responses, we are able to social, and other data, which will be collected work around the intellectual Edward Nesbitt, a Next Step student who was an intern at the Jr. League annually and can be collected by phone. The Family Resource Center (in photo) and in Development and Alumni Relations disability,” Key said. repository has been approved by Vanderbilt’s as part of his educational goals in Next Step at Vanderbilt Participants with Down Institutional Review Board, which safeguards the syndrome view several slide rights of research participants, and data collection is Down syndrome data repository, which is one shows while a net of soft sensors records their brain beginning. of the goals of the National Institutes of Health activity. Because the brain responds differently to “Our goal is to be unselfish with the Roadmap for Research on Down Syndrome novel versus familiar stimuli, and is more sensitive to information,” McGregor said, “sharing data with (see Director’s Message). information that matches an internal emotional investigators who propose studies on Down state, few behavioral response demands are placed on syndrome.” Reducing Parental Stress participants. The repository is being planned in a way that As a clinical psychologist, Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., This noninvasive approach using EEG has yet would allow it to be integrated into a national has conducted studies that describe high levels of to be widely used in Down syndrome research and stress experienced by parents of children and adults should provide new clues about who is at risk for with developmental disabilities, compared to parents early aging among persons with Down syndrome Announcing whose offspring are typically developing. and how to track age-related changes. “I wanted to do something about the stress,” Health Issues in Down Syndrome said Dykens, who is VKC director and professor of Generating Stem Cells Psychology and Psychiatry. Aaron Bowman, Ph.D., assistant professor of International Review of Research in With ARRA funding, she is leading a study that Neurology, explained the use of mouse models Mental Retardation Volume 39 This special issue, edited by Richard Urbano, compares two methods of stress reduction, a Positive and a new approach for Down syndrome research Ph.D., research professor of Pediatrics and VKC Parenting curriculum and Mindfulness-Based Stress involving the creation of stem cell lines from skin member, addresses a wide range of topics relating Reduction. The project is staffed by four parents, samples of adults with Down syndrome. to health in children and adults with Down two of whom have children with Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome have an syndrome (DS). Data is being collected on parental health, positive extra, or third, copy of chromosome 21. Each and negative psychological states, and biomarker chromosome contains genes that are the basic Contents include: indices of stress during and following the group building blocks of the body’s functions. Mouse • Overview of health issues interventions. models are useful in understanding Down syndrome • Health outcomes of infants because mice share large segments of the genes on and toddlers Examining Early Aging chromosome 21. At the same time, mice are limited • Literature review: Outcomes Dykens indicated that research on Down syndrome as models because even many copies of a given gene for school-age children has tended to focus primarily on early childhood do not have the same behavioral effect as in humans. • Health conditions associated and late adulthood, the latter in large part due to Bowman is optimistic that the recent discovery with aging and end of life interest in dementia in aging. that stem cells can be grown from a very small • Cancer “We don’t know much about the healthy aging sample of adult skin will provide a new research • Cardiovascular disorders or older adolescents and young adults,” she said. strategy in Down syndrome. Stem cells can become • Hearing loss Dykens is beginning research to examine the any other type of cell. Bowman has been developing • Socioeconomic characteristics of families and maturation process in this age group. the technology in his lab to make it possible to economic impact of child disability Sasha Key, Ph.D., assistant professor of Hearing produce stem cells from the skin cells of adults • Health research & Speech Sciences, is using electrophysiological with Down syndrome. Stem cells can then be • Afterword by Madeline Will measures to investigate early markers of aging, since Continued on page 3 Available September 2010 Order: www.elsevierdirect.com

2 Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY DOWN SYNDROME RESEARCH from page 2 DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE from page 1

differentiated into neuronal precursors and then those are VKC studies. There were nine projects on celebrate that a high level funding is being devoted neurons, the brain cells central to cognition. adults with Down syndrome and aging in which to autism and other developmental disabilities— “By being able to grow in the lab neurons Down syndrome is being used as a comparison to it’s important, it’s needed. But more funding for derived from adults with and without Down increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and research on Down syndrome also is important and syndrome, it will be possible to investigate dementia in the general population. Ten projects needed. differences in basic neurobiological processes,” involved Down syndrome as a comparison group in This national context makes the amount and Bowman said. studies aimed at better understandings of other quality of research being done at the Vanderbilt Dykens thanked the Beasley and Greenfield conditions, such as fragile X syndrome, Williams Kennedy Center all the more precious. Researchers families and other Nicholas Hobbs Society syndrome, or autism spectrum disorders. Thirteen at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center are particularly donors whose contributions support VKC projects focus on the genetics of Down syndrome, fortunate that Nicholas Hobbs Discovery Grants, Discovery Grants. Much of this innovative pilot many of which use animal or mouse models. funded by generous gifts from individuals and research on Down syndrome, including the work All of these studies are valuable. At the same families, are making innovative pilot studies possible. of McGregor, Key, and Bowman, has been time, if we are to achieve the research goals of the These small projects allow our investigators to gather funded by Discovery Grants. Data generated NIH Roadmap, more research needs to be funded data that are critical to being successful in obtaining help investigators compete successfully for NIH that directly involves children and adults with NIH grants. funding of larger projects. Down syndrome. As researchers, we join our voices with those of The NIH Roadmap on Down syndrome families to call for a national commitment to the Note: To view the Forum video, visit the VKC declared, in essence, that this is a national priority. NIH Roadmap for Research on Down Syndrome. website—News & Events—Podcasts & Video. Funding is one reflection of priorities. Looking at For a 4-page summary VKC Down Syndrome NIH funding over the last year, roughly $138 NIH Research Plan for Down Syndrome— Research , visit Links—Printable Resources and million was devoted to research on autism spectrum see www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/upload/ Materials—VKC General Information. disorders and $18 million on Down syndrome. We NIH_Downsyndrome_plan.pdf

DYSLEXIA from page 1 Learning Assessment Clinic Rimrodt and Cutting used the DTI Announcing New VKC Service technique to map the course of an important white matter bundle in this network and very child has unique patterns of cognitive discovered that it ran through a frontal brain Estrengths and weaknesses that affect school region known to be less well-organized in the performance. Strategies to overcome learning brains of persons with dyslexia. They also found problems need to be modified to fit individual that fibers in that frontal part of the tract were needs. oriented differently in dyslexia. The goal of this new clinic is to help “Finding a convergence of MRI evidence that families sort out their child’s unique pattern goes beyond identifying a region of the brain of abilities across an array of skills, including that differs in dyslexia to linking that to an motor coordination, handwriting, reading, identifiable structure and beginning to explore listening, verbal and visual learning, planning, physical characteristics of the region is very use of strategies, and working memory. exciting,” Rimrodt said. “It brings us a little bit The Clinic faculty director is Sheryl closer to understanding how dyslexia happens.” Rimrodt, M.D., assistant professor of Rimrodt is assistant professor of Pediatrics, Pediatrics. B A Division of Developmental Medicine, and L The 1-day evaluation is conducted by a G N I T faculty director of the new VKC Learning T developmental pediatrician, a reading and U C F Assessment Clinic. Cutting is Patricia and Rodes O language specialist, and a psychologist Y S E T

Hart Chair at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College and R experienced in academic assessment. Parents U O faculty director of the VKC Reading Clinic. The C return in 2 weeks for a 1-hour wrap-up researchers completed the work at the Kennedy In this composite image of brain activity, the green discussion with the evaluation team. Parents Krieger Institute with their colleagues there area represents a region in the frontal lobe that receive a written report that includes inter- before moving to Vanderbilt. showed a less organized structure in children with pretation and recommendations, which can The research was funded by the Johns dyslexia (red lines) compared to skilled readers be shared with educators, therapists, tutors, (blue lines). Note that more blue lines end in the Hopkins School of Medicine General Clinical green area and that most red lines do not end at the or health professionals. Research Center, the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s same place in the frontal lobe as most of the blue Fee is paid by family in advance of Learning Disability Research Center, the F. M. lines. This suggests that there are differences in the assessment. Documentation is provided so Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain underlying structure of this major information highway that parents may submit a claim to health Imaging, the National Institute for in children with dyslexia. insurer. Neurological Disorders, and the Eunice For information, contact (615) 936-5118, Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child [email protected]. Health and Human Development.

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 3 TABS Conference Helps Siblings Network BY AMY POTTIER

iblings share a lifetime with their brothers and Siblings shared common stresses experienced TABS, a project of the VKC UCEDD, Ssisters with disabilities, and they often provide by their families, as well as challenges unique to provides opportunities for adult siblings to long-term supports beyond what parents are able particular families. network and to share invaluable support and to offer—which presents one with “a lot to understanding. learn real quick,” as one sibling put it. One attendee described her Siblings learning from and supporting feelings of isolation and marveled, other siblings was the spirit that fueled the “It seems so strange to meet other Second Annual Tennessee Adult Brothers people like us!” and Sisters (TABS) Conference. Another commented, “I’ve looked The conference, held April 16-17, and looked for a support group, and opened with a keynote address about for people who just understand…. health care needs for people with When I learned about this group, I intellectual and developmental disabilities. was so happy.” Still another expressed Breakout sessions focused on the “sandwich relief tinged with anxiety: “Nobody generation,” special needs trusts, aging and can really relate to my situation– disability, and having difficult I hope someone here can understand conversations about long-term care for and provide help.” family members with disabilities. To learn more about TABS or Attendees also participated in a silent to register as a member, visit S R E

auction and a book club, during which B kc.vanderbilt.edu/TABS or contact M A H TABS members recommended helpful C Ashley Coulter, Siblings Program Y D N I books written by and for siblings of C coordinator at ashley.coulter@ individuals with disabilities. Siblings of adults with disabilities networked at the TABS Conference. vanderbilt.edu, (615) 343-0545 .

Vulnerability, Religious Education, and Inclusion BY COURTNEY TAYLOR

n a 2009 VKC survey on inclusion in faith The lecture and visit with local clergy, educators, Disabilities, Religion and Spirituality to view a Icommunities, current and future religious leaders and families were co-sponsored by the Carpenter PDF file of the PowerPoint presentation. and educators reported that they had received little Program in Religion, Gender, and Sexuality at to no training on disabilities in their formal or Vanderbilt Divinity School (VDS) and Faith for Congregational Inclusion Conference continuing education. One aim of the VKC ALL. The First Annual Congregational Inclusion Disabilities, Religion, and Spirituality Program is Addressing a standing-room-only crowd at Conference will be held on October 5 at to provide training. Training highlights to date in VDS, Reynolds argued that well-meaning efforts the Holiday Inn Express in Nashville. 2010 were a visit by a theologian on disability to include people with disabilities can, in actuality, Co-sponsored by Faith for ALL, the conference inclusion and a training session on autism for be exclusionary if they uphold societal constructs aims to empower congregational leadership, religious educators. A conference on of what is and is not normal. He urged a critique individuals with disabilities and their families, congregational inclusion will be held October 5 in of the definition of “normal” in order to uncover and disability service providers as all work to Nashville. aspects of our shared vulnerability, which he encourage full inclusion of persons with proposes as the starting point of true hospitality in disabilities in communities of faith. Keynote Theological Lecture on Vulnerability faith communities. speakers will include Becca Hornstein, “As religious leaders, we need to be comfortable To view a video, visit the VKC website — Executive Director of the Council for Jews with our own vulnerability,” said Thomas News & Events —Podcasts & Video. With Special Needs, and Mark Crenshaw, Reynolds, Ph.D., associate professor of Theology Executive Director of Interfaith Disability at Emmanuel College, Victoria University. “We Training Religious Educators Connection. Registration will open in August need to know who we are so that we can welcome The VKC and the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. on the VKC website—Event Calendar and one another. This place of vulnerability is the Families First Program held a training session for Registration. starting point for discovering what we share and Sunday School teachers and religious educators at where we find solidarity. It is the beginning of the Woodmont Christian Church in April during The Vanderbilt Kennedy Disabilities, Religion, and shift away from thinking about disability as a body Autism Awareness Month. Autism educators Spirituality Program provides disability-related gone wrong, as a problem that needs to be fixed provided information on disability etiquette, training to current and future religious and spiritual and included, and as a move toward discarding the person-first language, and general definitions and leaders and educators, and supports individuals with socially constructed view of what is ‘normal.’” characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. The disabilities and their families as they give expression Reynolds visited the VKC in March to speak session also included strategies for managing to their religion or spirituality. For information, on “Beyond Inclusion: Rethinking Normalcy, challenging behaviors and ways to modify contact Courtney Taylor, M.Div., coordinator, at Identity, and Disability in Theological Terms.” curricula. Visit the VKC website—Services— [email protected], (615) 322-5658.

4 Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY New Leadership BY JAN ROSEMERGY

achary Warren, Ph.D., has been named as the In addition to leading Vanderbilt autism creating a functional regional database that works Znew director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy evaluation and diagnostic clinics, Warren also will as a partnership between families and researchers.” Treatment and Research Institute for Autism provide oversight of TRIAD Outreach and Training to increase the number of health Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) and director of Training, in coordination with Nicolette Brigham, professionals and psychologists prepared to serve Autism Clinical Services for Vanderbilt Pediatrics Ph.D., TRIAD Outreach and Training director. families affected by ASD is another high priority. Division of Developmental Medicine. “TRIAD is a focal point for providing services For the past several years, Warren has been Warren joined TRIAD 4 years ago to develop and training and conducting research on autism,” involved in statewide initiatives to enhance clinical and research Warren said. “Our mission is to screening and diagnostic services for young structures to better serve simultaneously advance services children with ASD within community pediatric individuals with autism for individuals with autism and practices. His work in this area has received spectrum disorders their families, while advancing substantial attention on a national level, with (ASD) and their families. our fundamental knowledge of many states attempting to replicate training S N I K

“Zack has P the disorder, including the most initiatives that TRIAD has advanced in Tennessee. O H L

demonstrated time and E effective treatments. While Warren will work closely with Tyler A H C I M

again how deeply he’s , I’m very proud to have the Reimschisel, M.D., director of the Division of Y H P A

committed to helping R responsibility of leading TRIAD, Developmental Medicine. G O T

children with autism and O I’m also acutely aware of how “Dr. Warren is an excellent psychologist who is H P E

their families,” said D much needs to be done for the dedicated to the care of children with autism N I L R E

Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., G children, families, schools, and spectrum disorders and their families,” Reimschisel director and Annette communities we serve. I look said. “I look forward to working with him to Zachary Warren, TRIAD director, Schaffer Eskind Professor demonstrates testing for children who may forward to working with my improve the clinical services, research opportunities, for the Vanderbilt be at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. Vanderbilt colleagues, existing and outreach supports that we provide to individuals Kennedy Center community partners, and with autism spectrum disorders.” Research on Human Development, who hopefully new scientific and clinical partners to Warren is assistant professor of Pediatrics and announced the appointment. “Zack has been an advance our mission.” Psychiatry at Vanderbilt. He completed a integral part of TRIAD’s rapid growth and Research will be a continued emphasis. doctorate in clinical psychology at the University development over the last several years. This “Vanderbilt is a local, national, and international of Miami, a clinical internship at Children’s appointment will provide for a smooth transition leader in autism research,” Warren said, “so one of Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School, and in leadership and will facilitate TRIAD’s rapid my priorities will be enhanced collaboration with postdoctoral training in the Division of Genetics development into new areas of service, training, Vanderbilt colleagues to streamline recruitment for and Developmental Pediatrics at Medical and research.” research participation and to move forward with University of South Carolina.

Advance in Autism Genetics BY BILL SNYDER

n international consortium of autism beginning to make progress, and this will open the evidence that suggests ASD is caused in part by Aresearchers, including two from Vanderbilt door for further research in understanding the many rare variants impacting numerous biological University Medical Center, has reported a genetic underpinnings of autism,” added Jonathan pathways. Some of these variants may affect genes significant advance in unraveling the genetics of Haines, Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt Center for involved in transmitting signals among nerve cells in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Human Genetics Research, who also participated in the brain, while others have previously been Reporting in the June 10 issue of the journal the research. implicated in intellectual disabilities. Nature , the researchers compared the DNA obtained Both are VKC investigators. Identification of these rare variants and the from nearly 1,000 people with ASD to nearly 1,300 Autism is a spectrum of developmental biological pathways they may affect was made matched controls (people without ASD). They disorders characterized by possible by the Autism found that people with ASD tended to have more impairments in communication Genome Project rare copy number variations (CNVs), deletions, or and social interaction, and (www.autismgenome.org), duplications of specific sections of DNA that patterns of repetitive, restricted, which recruited a large potentially may affect gene expression. and stereotyped behaviors. It number of research “Our work has identified numerous genes with occurs in up to one in every participants throughout variants that cause or contribute substantial risk to 150 children in the United the world. carriers, but the CNVs identified were very rare,” States, and is more common in The project is opening said James Sutcliffe, Ph.D., associate professor of males. up new areas of research Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and of Most studies to date have and new targets for genetic

Psychiatry at Vanderbilt. “The number of different focused on common genetic N testing, the researchers O S L I genes affected is large, and this further underscores variation, which causes only W concluded. Potentially Y R R A the genetic complexity of ASD.” slight increases in risk. The L these studies could lead to “The genetics of autism has been very difficult findings reported in this study the development of new Jonathan Haines, Ph.D., and James to understand. It is heartening that we are now add to a growing body of Sutcliffe, Ph.D. treatments for ASD.

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 5 Discovery in Stroke Biology Leading the Vanguard of Discovery

study spearheaded by BethAnn AMcLaughlin, Ph.D., identified a critical new Mark Wallace, Ph.D. molecular trigger that allows cells to “ramp up” their defenses before a major stroke. Professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences, McLaughlin investigates the powerful ability Psychiatry, and Psychology of the brain to induce protective pathways that Director of Vanderbilt Brain Institute her team hopes to exploit in the development of Associate Director of Vanderbilt Conte Center novel stroke therapies. McLaughlin is assistant for Neuroscience Research professor of Neurology and Pharmacology and a VKC investigator. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Investigator This study, published in the Journal of Joined Vanderbilt Kennedy Center 2005 Neuroscience (April 14), revolves around a phenomenon known as preconditioning, in which investigators can push cells to evoke their own endogenous protective pathways against Research Interests Royal, D. W., Krueger, J., Fister M. C., & insults that would normally kill them. Neural bases of multisensory processes; develop- Wallace, M. T. (2010). Adult plasticity of The research team found that a protein called ment and plasticity in sensory and multisensory spatiotemporal receptive fields of multisensory p66 shc acts as an essential gatekeeper molecule systems; developmental disabilities superior colliculus neurons following early visual that determines how much oxidative and deprivation. Restorative Neurology and energetic stress a brain cell can endure. Principal Investigator Neuroscience, 28 , 259-270. “The study shows that p66 shc is really a triple • Development of Multisensory Cortex: Role of threat, by altering energy, free radicals, and Experience, National Institute of Mental Health Wallace, M. T. (2009). Dyslexia: Bridging the gap increasing protection. It also brings us one step and ARRA Supplement between hearing and reading. Current Biology, closer to our goal, which is to design therapies • Multisensory Processing in Autism Spectrum 19 , R260-R262. around how a cell would protect itself. We know Disorders, Marino Autism Research Institute that therapeutically the closer we stay to • Evaluation of Sensory Integration Treatment in Krueger, J., Royal, D. W., Fister, M. C., & mimicking what the body would do to fight a Autism Spectrum Disorders, National Institute Wallace, M. T. (2009). Spatial receptive field stroke, the better tolerated these kinds of of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders organization of multisensory neurons and its treatments are.” • Multisensory Processing Alterations in impact on multisensory interactions. Hearing Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Schizophrenia, NARSAD Research, 258 , 47-54. the U.S. and a rampant problem in the • Training in Fundamental Neuroscience, Southeast. National Institute of Mental Health Education McLaughlin credits the success of this work • Research Alliance for Training in Neuroscience, B.A., 1985, Biology, Temple University to the diverse and committed team members in National Institute of Neurological Disorders and M.A., 1987, Biology, Temple University Neurology, Pharmacology, and Medicine who Stroke Ph.D., 1990, Neurobiology, Temple University conducted the studies. Authors were J. E. Brown, S. L. H. Zeiger, J. C. Hettinger, J. D. Brooks, B. Honors and Awards Attraction to Developmental Disabilities Holt, J. D. Morrow, E. S. Musiek, G. Milne, and • James P. Carnell Award for Outstanding Research B. McLaughlin. Graduate Teaching, Temple University, 1989 My research interests have always been grounded in • National Research Service Award, 1990-1993 questions of development, specifically as they relate • Fellow, Winter Conference on Brain Research, to the development of sensory and multisensory 1995-1997 systems. As a natural extension of these interests, • Fellow, European Brain Research Organization, I have a deep desire to better understand what 1997 happens under circumstances where development B A L N

I • Outstanding Young Investigator in the Basic goes awry. Hence, my research program has L H G U

A Sciences, Wake Forest University, 1997 gravitated more and more toward studies of how L C M

F • Faculty Excellence Award, Wake Forest sensory function is altered in children and adults O Y S

E University, 2003 with developmental disabilities. T R U O C My work is predicated on a rather simple Mitochondria in brain cell cultures Selected Publications Foss-Feig, J. H., Kwakye, L. D., Cascio, C. J., concept—that one of the major jobs of the brain Burnette, C. P., Kadivar, H., Stone, W. L., & is to properly combine information from our Wallace, M. T. (2010). An extended different senses in order to drive appropriate multisensory temporal binding window in behaviors and to build coherent perceptions. autism spectrum disorders. Experimental Brain When this “multisensory” synthesis is altered, B A L N I Research, 203 , 381-389. our perceptions and behaviors are changed in L H G U

A important and often maladaptive ways—ways L C M

F Powers, A. R., Hillock, A. R., & Wallace, M. T. that my laboratory seeks to better understand. O Y S E

T (2009). Perceptual training induced narrowing With a greater understanding of these changes, R U O

C of the multisensory temporal binding window. we believe that we will not only have a better Journal of Neuroscience, 29 , 12265-12274. Continued on page 7 Stephanie Zeiger, Ginger Milne, BethAnn McLaughlin, and Jacquelynn Brown

6 Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY Accolades BY AMY POTTIER

Camilla Benbow , Ed.D., Patricia and Rodes Hart and Currey Ingram Chair in Special Education, Tyler Reimschisel , M.D., assistant professor of Dean of Education and Human Development, were selected as AERA (American Educational Pediatrics and Neurology, director of the Division was selected to receive the American Association Research Association) Fellows “in recognition of Developmental Medicine, and associate director of Colleges for Teacher Education’s 2010 David of their exceptional scientific or scholarly of the MIND (LEND) Training Program, has G. Imig Award for Distinguished Achievement contributions to education research or significant been elected to the Academy of Excellence in in Teacher Education . Benbow also testified contributions to the field through the Teaching . before Congress April 15 on the role that schools development of research opportunities and of education play in ensuring that all students have settings.” Jessica Solomon , an great teachers and great school leaders. She undergraduate student in delivered her testimony in a roundtable session to Elisabeth Dykens , Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Special Education at members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor Eskind Professor for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Peabody College, received and Pensions Committee. for Research on Human Development and the Founder’s Medal at professor of Psychology, received the CABLE Vanderbilt’s graduation Leonard Bickman , Ph.D., Power of Inclusion Award “in recognition of ceremony . The Founder's Betts Professor of exceptional leadership to promote diversity and Medal is given to one Psychology and Human inclusion in the community.” CABLE is student from each of the Development and director Tennessee’s largest and most established network colleges at Vanderbilt. Jessica Solomon of the Center for Evaluation of diverse professionals committed to connecting Selection is based on academic achievement, and Program Improvement, women and opportunity. service work, and future plans. Solomon has was awarded a Fulbright performed service work for individuals with Senior Scholarship to study David Dickinson, Ed.D. Lynn Fuchs , Ph.D., and disabilities through the Vanderbilt Best Buddies in Australia from Doug Fuchs , Ph.D., chapter and the VKC UCEDD. September 2010 to January professors and Nicholas 2011. Hobbs Chairs in Special The Interagency Autism Coordinating Education and Human Committee (IACC) and Office of Autism David Dickinson , Ed.D., Development, were Research Coordination announced the 2009 professor of Education and included in Fortune IACC Summary of Advances in Autism acting chair of the Magazine ’s list Spectrum Disorder Research . The IACC Department of Teaching of Revolutionary Summary of Advances is a collection of brief and Learning, and Karen Educators —“14 visionaries Doug Fuchs, Ph.D., and summaries of the 20 research articles that the Lynn Fuchs, Ph.D. Harris , Ed.D., professor Karen Harris, Ed.D. who are shaking up how we IACC regarded as the most significant educate our most disadvantaged kids.” contributions to autism biomedical and services research in 2009. James Sutcliffe , Ph.D., associate Stephen Graham , Ed.D., professor and Currey professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Ingram Chair in Special Education, is a panel Sarika Peters , Ph.D., assistant professor of member (through 2012) on the National Pediatrics; and Jonathan Haines , Ph.D., T. H. VANGUARD – MARK WALLACE from page 6 Advisory Panel for the National Writing Morgan Professor of Human Genetics and director view into the brain bases of neurodevelop- Project’s Early History Project . of the Center for Human Genetics Research, were mental disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, and co-authors on one or more articles. schizophrenia, but that we will be better able to Megan Hart , education and tailor remediation strategies and treatment training services coordinator Terri Urbano , Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., professor of regimens to improve the quality of life of for Tennessee Disability Clinical Pediatrics, director of VKC UCEDD individuals living with these disabilities. Pathfinder, has been Training and the MIND (LEND) Training appointed to the Programs, will serve on a grant review for the Reasons for VKC Membership Tennessee Technology LEND Planning Grants, to be submitted to states Simply stated, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Access Program’s preparing for a LEND is an extraordinary place with extraordinary Statewide Advisory competition. people. When contemplating a move to Council . Megan Hart Vanderbilt, the presence of a center with such Jeremy Veenstra- dedicated and passionate people, state-of-the- Robert Macdonald , Ph.D., VanderWeele , M.D., art resources, and deep-seated community M.D., professor and chair of Neurology, has been assistant professor of support “sealed the deal.” To be able to work in elected president of the American Neurological Psychiatry, has been selected such an environment, driven by the singular Association . for the International mission to help those living with Association of Child and developmental disabilities, is at the same time Ralph Ohde , Ph.D., professor of Hearing and Adolescent Psychiatry and Jeremy Veenstra- humbling and inspiring. I don’t know of Speech Sciences, is Vanderbilt School of Allied Professions VanderWeele, M.D. another place where my research program Medicine’s 2010 recipient of the Robert D. (IACAPAP) Donald J. could be better supported, but more Collins for Excellence in Teaching Award . Cohen Fellowship , which will provide support to importantly, where I feel that my work can be The award recognizes professors in medical fields attend and present research results at the annual translated in such a way as to make a who demonstrate passion for medical education, IACAPAP International Congress in Beijing, meaningful difference in so many lives. teaching, and mentoring. China.

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 7 SUSAN GRAY SCHOOL

Empowering Families With Young Children in Transition BY COURTNEY TAYLOR

hen children with disabilities leave early The content of the W intervention services at 3 years of age and training series was enter public school special education services, it gathered from a can be a major transition for which families may parent survey and is not be prepared. They may not know what will divided into six happen, why things will happen, who does what, modules. The and what their roles will be. modules focus on To resolve some of the mystery, the Susan what to expect in Gray School (SGS) now offers the training series transition meetings, in “Knowledge Is Power: Keys to Successful evaluation processes, Education for Children with Disabilities.” The and in IEP series educates families on this early transition (Individualized period. It is made possible by a Morris Family Education Program) Foundation grant. meetings. Modules The series is facilitated by Wendy Tucker, J.D., also cover education an attorney well-versed in special education law, beyond preschool, and the parent of a child with a disability who has educational rights already made the transition from SGS into the under the law, and school system. Tucker had been working with SGS long-term planning families who had legal questions for some time issues. when she was approached to lead the series. While there is an “I was honored to be asked to be a part of such informational lecture- a useful and important project,” Tucker said. “I like portion of the think parents of children with disabilities need to training, parents have know that they have a lot of power when it comes been especially excited to their children’s education. When you know about Tucker’s your rights, you walk into transition and IEP incorporation of role meetings feeling empowered. These relationships playing scenarios, do not have to be adversarial. There can be good which were drawn communication, and it starts with knowing what from her background your rights are. It benefits everyone if parents in theater. Y

know what their rights are, what the law says, “The best thing for L I M A F

and how the system is supposed to work. ” me is learning through D L E I F

the scenarios,” said R E T T A

Heather Satterfield, a S F O Y

parent participant. S E T R U

Response to May Floods “We are thrust into a O C situation that might ollowing the May floods in Middle actually happen, and we Heather, Allen, and Lillian Satterfield. The Satterfields have taken part in the “Knowledge Is Power” series. FTennessee, the VKC UCEDD and learn about what we Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compiled might say in return. “I hope that parents become empowered and posted flood recovery information for You can give us a from participation in these exercises,” said individuals with disabilities and their families. booklet and a Tucker. “I think that active participation is The Pathfinder webpage quickly became a PowerPoint, but I am where you learn. In this case, it is where you hub of information collection and sharing given so much of that learn that your child has a right to a free used by disability agencies across Tennessee. stuff that it all starts and appropriate public education. ” L O

See www.familypathfinder.org. to run together. The O Heather Satterfield certainly feels a large H C S

The VKC held a Community Forum on scenarios allow us to Y sense of empowerment from the training. A R G N

May 26 to help individuals with disabilities practice demanding A “I like the title of the series, ‘Knowledge is S U S

and their families cope with the aftermath of our rights.” F Power,’ because I want power. That is my O Y S E

the floods. Family members shared their Tucker says T right. I’m the mother. That is my kid. I don’t R U O experience of coping with the loss of their the role-playing C have another child who has gone through home during tornado. A panel of health care gives parents an the school system, so going through this professionals presented resources and tips for opportunity to be in the “hot seat.” It helps them training is a chance for me to get a step ahead coping with stress. The event was co-sponsored to be better prepared. Parents have so much to of the system. This is a way for me to go in by the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s learn about when they find out their child has a and say this is how it’s going to be. This is Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Down disability. Then they are dealing with medical who Lillian is, and this is where Lillian is going Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. issues, early intervention, their emotions, and to go. It gives me control of an out-of-control To view a video or to download free resources, explaining things to their families, so to walk into situation.” see the VKC website (www.kc.vanderbilt.edu) this transition from early intervention feeling like For information about future scheduling of the –News and Events. they don’t have any power is unfortunate. series, contact (615) 322-8200.

8 Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY Self-Determination Through Art and Music BY COURTNEY TAYLOR

n addition to taking classes, developing peer collage focuses on the future. The students explore December 17), and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Irelationships, and working in employment-focused their hopes and dreams for careers, families, and (January 10-April 1). internships, the first group of Next Step students at living situations. Vanderbilt had opportunities to express their The project was made possible by Sarratt Art Next Step Words and Music creativity. Collaborative projects with Sarratt Art Studios and a gift from Mary Jane Swaney, said Participation in the Country Music Hall of Fame® Studios and with the Country Music Hall of Fame® Elise McMillan, Next Step faculty director. and Museum Words & Music Program gave Next and Museum Words & Music Program encouraged “It was amazing to see the evolution of the Step students a chance to explore themselves as students to ask questions about themselves and to students throughout the process of creating these burgeoning songwriters. They participated in a 6- tell stories that, in effect, proved to be powerful collages,” said Tammy Day, Next Step program week course in songwriting basics led by seasoned self-determination tools. Self-determination involves director. “During the first session, there was such an songwriters Tammy Vice and Trent Jeffcoat. At the knowing one’s own strengths and challenges, as well attitude of ‘Am I doing this right?’ I would watch end of the process, Jeffcoat and Vice put the as having the knowledge and skills needed for adult them looking around at everybody to measure their students’ words to music, and the course concluded living. choices. By the time they were creating their last with a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and an opportunity Reflections in Collage, to hear their songs Reflections in College performed live. Next Step students worked “The students are so with Elizabeth Garlington, proud,” said Day. “They Sarratt Art Studios artist, should be! Both the F F

to each create three F songs and the collages F A A T T S S P collages over three P are wonderful E E T T S S T T X sessions. Garlington chose X expressions of who they E E N N F F O collage as a means of self- O are. The projects gave Y Y S S E E T T R expression because she has R them such amazing U U O O C found it to be a fail-proof C opportunities to value genre in which nonartists The collage by Next Step student Andrew Van Cleave Songwriters Tammy Vice and Trent Jeffcoat with the themselves as capable can comfortably create. reflects his vocational interests in sports and sports Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Words people. So many people The pieces were then reporting. & Music Program lead Next Step students in writing with disabilities don’t get combined to create a original songs. enough chances to do holistic picture of the journeys the students collage, everyone was so much more certain about that—to see that they can produce things of quality embarked upon during their first semester at college. what they wanted on the collage, where they that people will respond to and enjoy. It is wonderful The collages explore the question “Who am I?” wanted items to be placed, and what looked good. to watch these students noticing themselves. They The first in the series displays fragments representing They were making choices with certainty, and that are noticing what choices they are making, noticing the students’ lives prior to college. Pictures of was the goal of the project—self-exploration and the competence that they have, and noticing what themselves and their families, past events, hobbies, self-determination. We saw that.” future planning they are thinking about as they are and events that brought the students to Vanderbilt The travelling exhibit, Reflections in Collage, growing into themselves on campus. Art can be a adorn the canvas. The second collage explores the Reflections in College , will be shown at the Sarratt wonderful tool to aid in this process of noticing. If students’ lives at college. Course schedules and Student Center (May 24-July 30), the University people take the time to listen to their songs and to descriptions, stubs from basketball games, and ice School of Nashville (August 16-October 10), the look at the collages, I mean really look, they will get cream receipts are sprinkled throughout. The third Vanderbilt Student Life Center (November 1- to know a lot about these students.”

Stanwood Honored for

Volunteer Efforts BY AMY POTTIER

ennessee is known as “The Volunteer State”— Tand the VKC has an exceptional volunteer in Gregg Stanwood, Ph.D. He was recently honored for his hours of volunteer work for the flood relief coordinated by Hands On Nashville. Mayor Karl Dean's Office of Recovery selected Stanwood and two other "regular citizens having done extraordinary things" for flood recovery. On June 10, the Mayor unveiled a sculpture honoring N I L

Nashville's grassroots efforts during the recovery H G U A L

and the volunteers who made exceptional C M N N

contributions. Stanwood is assistant professor of A H T E Pharmacology and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center B investigator. Gregg Stanwood, Mayor Karl Dean, and Hands On Nashville Coordinator Jared McGowan

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 9 Dollar General— Spotlight: “A Big Fan” Pat Wallace BY COURTNEY TAYLOR “Saving Lives” by Supporting Literacy he playful nature of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center “It was the Decade of the Brain,” said Wallace. TLeadership Council member Pat Wallace is “Researchers who specialized in neuroscience and BY JAN ROSEMERGY contagious. One feels energized just being around brain research were flocking to the Vanderbilt her. Though she says that no one would ever suspect Kennedy Center. Brain research would become a she held a lead role in a high school production of very important topic for our family.” The Pirates of Penzance , it is not at all difficult to Wallace’s granddaughter developed a rare believe it. Her personality sparkles and commands autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s attention. She is vivacious, dynamic, and engaging. encephalopathy. The disorder involves neurological She has eight grandchildren! inflammation and seizures, but has been well Wallace moved to Nashville in 1962 as a new managed due to the remarkable care of doctors from bride. She met her husband, the late Jodie Wallace, Vanderbilt Medical Center and the Monroe Carell at Duke University, where she studied American Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Wallace history and psychology. In Nashville, she taught identifies the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s N I P U

A history at both the dedication to brain research M Y N

O elementary and the high as the reason she joined the T school levels. She and Jodie Leadership Council and as McKenzie Broyles and Dominique Miller would go on to have three the motivation for being an ominique Miller is a proud mom—proud of children—Barbara, Paul, and ambassador for the Center. Dher daughter McKenzie, a bright, social, fun Tim—in only 3 years. Wallace also raises child who has worked so hard to learn to read. “We all grew up awareness for at-risk youth Miller, who shared her story at a VKC Lunch together,” remembered through her work with and Learn, was aware early on of McKenzie ’s Wallace. “I’m serious. Our Youth Villages, and she is an difficulties and worked intensively with her family grew up at the same advocate for persons who are Y L I M

daughter at home and with her daughter’s time. People would always A homeless through the F E C A

teachers. “Still, she could not read ,” Miller said. ask my husband how he got L organization Matthew: 25. L A W

Then Miller heard about the Reading Clinic. to be so helpful around the F She is on the Board of the O Y S E

McKenzie, now 10, began at the Reading Clinic children, and he would tell T Osher Lifelong Learning R U O

when she was 8—and that Christmas asked her them that once the third one C Institute at Vanderbilt. mom to buy her a book. She’s now become a had come along, I had run Wallace serves on her reader. out of arms so he had to pitch in.” church’s social outreach committee. She is a member Miller summarized their experience: “This In the 1970s, Wallace volunteered for the of two book clubs, is in an investment club, takes Reading Clinic is a life saver. Thank you, thank Regional Intervention Program (RIP), which was bridge lessons, and stays active by walking, doing you, thank you.” then housed on the ground floor of the Vanderbilt water aerobics, and playing golf. Miller’s thank you is not only to the Clinic’s Kennedy Center/MRL Building where the Susan It is evident that retirement has not slowed director and the Peabody students who have Gray School is today. RIP teaches behavior Wallace down at all. She regularly attends tutored her daughter. This thank you is for the management strategies to parents through hands-on Leadership Council “Lunch and Learn” meetings donors who provide scholarship support for experience with their own children and the children and has served on the Council’s Community McKenzie and so many other students. of other families. Wallace served on the Board for Outreach and Music Committees. She says she is a many years after the program moved off-campus and “big fan” of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Dollar General Gift Helps Many began its statewide expansion. that she is particularly drawn to its mission to move Dollar General Corporation generously has In 1990, Wallace served as director of Alumni from the lab into the community. She also says she awarded a $50,000 grant from the Dollar and Development for Peabody College, which then believes in the good hearts and intentions behind General Literacy Foundation to provide included the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Wallace the work of the people at the Center. scholarships for the Reading Clinic so that no remembers feeling drawn to the people and to the The same can be said of her. Pat Wallace: We family is turned away because of financial mission of the Center. are a big fan of you. limitations. Based in Tennessee, Dollar General is the nation’s largest small-box discount retailer. They build and operate convenient-sized stores to deliver everyday low prices on products that their Nicholas Hobbs Society Members As of June 1, 2010 ($1,000 and above) customers use daily. Mr. and Mrs. Howell E. Adams, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Campbell III Mrs. Genevieve Baird Farris Dr. Robert M. Hodapp and The Honorable and Mrs. Lamar Mrs. Monroe Carell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William R. Frist Dr. Elisabeth M. Dykens Literacy is such a high priority for Dollar Alexander Ms. Mary L. Carlson Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert John Hoff General that they founded the Dollar General Ms. Candice Ashburn Mr. James H. Cheek III Drs. Doug and Lynn Fuchs Mr. and Mrs. David B. Ingram Literacy Foundation, recognizing that “Literacy Mr. and Mrs. J. Barry Banker Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Claverie, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Funk Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jacobs is the foundation for improving the quality of life Mr. and Mrs. E. Warner Bass Dr. and Mrs. Joe Ed Conn Dr. William M. Gavigan Mrs. Mary Loventhal Jones Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Beasley Dr. Michael K. Cooper and Mr. and Mrs. Joel C. Gordon Professor Ann Kaiser for many Americans.” Mrs. Ann Bernard Ms. Bethany Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Gordon Dr. Craig Kennedy and “We are enormously appreciative of Dollar Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Binkley Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dreifuss Prof. and Mrs. John C. Gore Ms. Tiina Hyvonen General for the difference that this grant is Ms. Beth Boord Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Eaden Dr. H. Carl Haywood Mrs. Heloise Werthan Kuhn Mr. and Mrs. Jack O. Bovender Mr. and Mrs. John Elam Drs. Christine Kondradi and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Landreth making in the lives of the many students served Mrs. Linda D. Brooks Dr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Emeson Stephan Heckers Mr. Jere Lee and Dr. Evon Batey Lee by our Reading Clinic —and their parents share Dr. Elbert D. Brooks Mrs. Annette Eskind Dr. Lynnette M. Henderson and Mr. and Mrs. Irving Levy this deep gratitude,” said Laurie Cutting, Ph.D., Mr. and Mrs. Martin S. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Eskind Mr. David Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lovett faculty director of the Reading Clinic. Mr. and Mrs. Martin S. Brown, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Eskind Mrs. Carol Henderson Mr. and Mrs. John Lytle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Eskind

10 Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY Lunch and Learn Highlights BY JAN ROSEMERGY Brooks Host Reception Honoring Dykens for her daughter at the Reading Clinic. Families whose young children are on the autism spectrum are finding help through the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Families First Workshops. Lisa Wallace, M.S., CCC-SLP, described how these free Saturday and evening workshops address the practical issues that families face. N I P R U E A

Vanderbilt Ambassadore Rosie Landrau K M A T Y I N H O interviewed Edward Nesbitt, Next Step at Vanderbilt W T K R A

Class of 2011, about his first semester in this M Alyne Massey and Dominique Miller innovative program for students with intellectual Linda Brooks, Elisabeth Dykens, Vice Chancellor disabilities. Edward’s work as an intern in the offices Jeffrey Balser “Lunch and Learn” event in May gave of Development and Alumni Relations was Acommunity members an opportunity to hear appreciated by his co-workers. inda Brooks, a dedicated VKC Leadership first-hand about services, training, and research Gregg Stanwood, Ph.D., assistant professor of LCouncil member, hosted a reception at her activities at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center that are Pharmacology, explained how the VKC helps form Nashville home in May to honor VKC improving the lives of individuals with disabilities networks and collaborations between basic and Director Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. Members and their families. clinical scientists. He described how basic scientists of the Leadership Council and other guests Attendees were invited by members of the VKC studying the brain need to work at multiple levels of attended. Leadership Council. Leadership Council members complexity, and how the VKC helps researchers are community champions on behalf of the translate their findings into new treatments. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and help connect the For information on attending a Lunch and Seeding Hope Center to community needs and concerns. Learn, contact (615) 343-4176, Dominique Miller shared how she found help [email protected]. VKC thanks Nicholas Hobbs Donor Society

he commitment of families and friends T whose lives are touched by disabilities was Team William Scholarship Endowment Still Growing recognized at an April reception honoring members of the Nicholas Hobbs Donor Society. ndrea McDermott, Vanderbilt special The event was a celebration of the many ways Aeducation alumna and VKC Leadership that their philanthropy is seeding hope for Council member, recently ran in her sixth Country families through the work of the Vanderbilt Music Marathon to raise funds for the Team Kennedy Center. William Scholarship. Andrea's efforts have raised Donna Eskind, chair of the Center’s more than $150,000 since 2004, providing support Leadership Council, welcomed Hobbs Society for students with Down syndrome attending the members. Shirley Speyer, chair of the Nicholas T T

O VKC Reading Clinic. In 2009, Anna Spickard, Hobbs Committee, thanked members whose M R E

D William's older sister, organized the Team William gifts make possible annual Hobbs Discovery C M A E

R 5k, an additional fundraising event. The 2010 Grants. D N A

F Team William 5k raised more than $6,000. To Cathy Brown, Annette Eskind, and Barbara O Y S E

T learn more about Team William or to make a gift Gregg Phillips, past chairs of the Leadership R U O

C to support the Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic, Council, were all present, expressing their please visit www.teamwilliam.org or appreciation for community support of the Andrea McDermott and William Spickard, who inspired the Team William Scholarship Endowment www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/ReadingClinic. Center’s research, services, and training. Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., VKC director, closed the celebration by expressing gratitude to Hobbs Society members whose gifts are giving hope through science to families affected by disabilities. Dr. Mark Magnuson and Drs. Zeljka Korade and Mr. and Mrs. Brent Rowan Mrs. Patricia W. Wallace Ms. Lucile Houseworth Karoly Mirnics Mrs. Joan Blum Shayne Ms. Glenda Washam Dr. Beth Malow and Mr. and Mrs. John M. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Small Mr. Stephen Pert Mr. Paul T. Motheral Mr. and Mrs. Lester D. Speyer Through their gifts, Hobbs Society Mr. and Mrs. Dan Marino Dr. and Mrs. Louis J. Muglia Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Speyer members advance groundbreaking Mrs. Alyne Massey Dr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Nesbitt, Jr. Ms. Anna Spickard research in human development. Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. McCall Mr. and Mrs. Aneel M. Pandey Dr. and Mrs. William Anderson For information about joining the Mr. and Mrs. James M. McCarten Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Patten Spickard, Jr. Hobbs Society or making Honor Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. McCarty Ms. Laura E. Pevahouse Dr. and Mrs. William Anderson or Memorial gifts, contact Ms. Andrea McDermott Col. and Mrs. Robert A. Phillips, Jr. Spickard III (615) 343-4176. Mr. and Mrs. G. Bruce McDermott Mr. and Mrs. James F. Pilkerton III Mr. and Mrs. Timothy L. Stafford Mr. Tim McGraw and Ms. Faith Hill Dr. Aurea Fugazzola Pimenta Ms. Elise L. Steiner We strive to ensure that all donor N O Dr. BethAnn McLaughlin and Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Prim Mrs. Mary Jane Swaney information is correct. If an error S W A L

Dr. Gregg Stanwood Mr. and Mrs. James E. Richards III Drs. Richard and Mary Theresa has been made, we apologize and Y M M

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. McMillan The Rev. and Mrs. S. Daniel Urbano ask that you call (615) 343-4176. O T Rosemergy Ms. Joyce A. Vise Cathy Stewart Brown, Shirley Speyer, Donna Eskind, and Annette Eskind

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 11 Leadership Council of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center VKC Represented at Discovery is a quarterly publication of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Mrs. Donna G. Eskind, Chair designed to educate our friends and the community, from Nashville to Mrs. Cathy S. Brown, Past Chair 2010 Audi Best Buddies the nation. The Center is committed to improving the quality of life of Mrs. Annette Eskind, Past Chair persons with disabilities of thinking, learning, perception, communica - Mrs. Barbara Gregg Phillips, Past Chair Challenge in Hyannis Port tion, mood and emotion caused by disruption of typical development. The Center is a university-wide research, training, diagnosis, and treatment institute. It is a Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Mrs. Honey Alexander Mrs. Lorie Hoppers Lytle BY AMY POTTIER Ms. Sissy Allen Mrs. Jack C. Massey Developmental Disabilities Research Center funded by the Eunice Mrs. Melinda Balser Ms. Andrea Blake McDermott Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Mrs. Jean Ann Banker Dr. BethAnn McLaughlin On June 5, celebrities, athletes, individuals Development, and a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Mrs. Madge Bass Ms. Pat McNellis with intellectual disabilities, and others came Disabilities (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Developmental Mrs. Melissa Beasley Mrs. Thomas E. Nesbitt, Jr. together on bike and on foot to make a dif - Disabilities. Discovery is supported in part by Grant No. HD 15052 Mrs. Ann Bernard Mrs. Pat Patten from EKS NICHD, Administration on Developmental Disabilities Mrs. Barbara T. Bovender The Honorable Andrew ference and change lives. The event featured Grant #90DD0595, and LEND Training Grant No. T73MC00050 Mrs. Linda Brooks Shookhoff cycling, running, walking, a lobster bake, a MCHB/HRSA. Ms. Mary L. Carlson Mrs. Shirley F. Speyer kc.vanderbilt.edu (615) 322-8240 (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852] Mrs. Elizabeth Ginsberg Dreifuss Mrs. Sue Spickard private concert, and a beachside celebration. Mrs. Ann Eaden Mrs. Julie Carell Stadler Participants raised funds for Best Buddies, Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., Kennedy Center Director Mr. Glenn Funk Dr. Karen L. Summar which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Louis Muglia, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director Mrs. Charlotte Gavigan Mrs. Patricia W. Wallace Tim Stafford, Director of Operations Mrs. Bernice Gordon individuals with intellectual disabilities by Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D., Director of Communications Mrs. Carol Henderson Ex-Officio Members providing opportunities for one-on-one UCEDD Mr. Robert W. Henderson II Dr. Elisabeth Dykens friendships and integrated employment. Alice Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., Co-Director Ms. Lucile Houseworth Mrs. Elise McMillan Elise McMillan, J.D., Co-Director; Services Ms. Bethany Jackson Dr. Louis J. Muglia Kim, Next Step program coordinator, and Terri Urbano, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Training Mrs. Gail Gordon Jacobs Ms. Laura Pevahouse Josh Putnam represented the VKC and the Robert Hodapp, Ph.D., Research Mr. Chris and Mrs. Rebecca Link Mr. Tim Stafford Vanderbilt Chapter of Best Buddies. Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D., Dissemination Mrs. Michael F. Lovett LEND Terri Urbano, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Director Tyler Reimschisel, M.D., Associate Director Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders Find Us on Facebook Zachary Warren, Ph.D., Director Discovery Editor/Writer: Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is reaching out

S Writers: Amy Pottier, M.A., Courtney Taylor, M.Div. E I D

to our communities on Facebook. Find us on D Graphic Designer: Kylie Beck U B

Facebook for frequent updates and discussions T S Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of Equal Opportunity E B

on news, events, and research going on at the F and Affirmative Action. ©2010 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, O Y S

Center. E Vanderbilt University T R U O http://tinyurl.com/vkcfacebook C Josh Putnam, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Alice

Kim, and Katie Meade

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r e t n e C y d e n n e K t l i b r e d n a V . G R O T I F O R P - N O N

Y T I S R E V I N U T L I B R E D N A V CALENDAR OF EVENTS | AUGUST-OCTOBER 2010

ANN AND MONROE SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 20 CARELL JR. FAMILIES FIRST Neuroscience Graduate Program Neuroscience Graduate Program WORKSHOPS Seminar Series Seminar Series Serving parents of children, ages 2-5, Synaptic and Circuitry Mechanisms Optimizing Behavior in Variable and diagnosed with an autism spectrum of Compulsive/Repetitive Behavior Competitive Environments disorder. Fall Schedule to be Guoping Feng, Ph.D., Associate Alla Y. Karpova, Ph.D., Janelia Farm announced. Register at Professor of Neurobiology, Research Campus Group Leader, kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration Duke University Howard Hughes Medical Institute Information (615) 322-6027 Co-sponsor Vanderbilt Brain Institute Co-sponsor Vanderbilt Brain Institute [email protected] Wednesday, 4:10 p.m. Room 1220 Wednesday, 4:10 p.m. Free monthly Saturday workshops, MRB III Lecture Hall Room 1220 MRB III Lecture Hall 8:15 a.m.-12 p.m. • AUGUST 14* SEPTEMBER 23* OCTOBER 21* Lectures on Development and Lectures on Development and Families First participant Toilet Training: An Introduction to The Rapid Method Developmental Disabilities Developmental Disabilities Developmental Factors Underlying Insights From Motor Control in AUGUST 19* the Risk to Develop Anxiety and Autism: Neurologic Basis and TN DISABILITY PATHFINDER Depression Therapeutic Intervention Ned H. Kalin, M.D., Hedberg Stewart H. Mostofsky, M.D., Unless otherwise noted, COMMUNITY EDUCATION Professor and Chair of Psychiatry, Associate Professor of Neurology and events are free and open to SERIES Advocacy Services University of Wisconsin-Madison Psychiatry, Director of Laboratory for the public. Events are subject For service providers and family Thursday 4:10 p.m. Neurocognitive and Imaging to change. Please check the members. Presentations by Research, Medical Director of the website calendar at representatives of six community Center for Autism and Related kc.vanderbilt.edu or contact OCTOBER 5 advocacy organizations. First Annual Congregational Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, (615) 322-8240 or toll-free Register at Inclusion Conference Johns Hopkins University School of (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852] . kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration Holiday Inn Express Medicine Information (615) 875-5082 921 Broadway, Nashville Thursday 4:10 p.m. Please keep this calendar [email protected] Register at and check the Event Thursday 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration Calendar on the VKC TRIAD SCHOOL-AGE Tuesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (tentative) website for updates. If you SERVICES With the Tennessee Department of wish to receive event SEPTEMBER 8* Education, TRIAD offers free autism- announcements by email, DEVELOPMENTAL OCTOBER 6* Developmental Disabilities specific workshops for parents, send your email address to DISABILITIES GRAND Grand Rounds school personnel, and the community [email protected] . ROUNDS Reading Disabilities: Cognitive Large-Scale, Administrative in locations across the state. and Neurobiological Linkages Databases: What They Can Tell Us Information and registration, contact For disability-related training Laurie Cutting, Ph.D., Patricia and About Health in Down Syndrome [email protected], (615) 741-7790 and other events statewide Rodes Hart Associate Professor of Robert Hodapp, Ph.D., Professor of See also www.state.tn.us/education/ and nationally , see the Special Education; Associate Special Education; UCEDD Director speced/announcements.shtml Pathfinder Disability Calendar Professor of Psychology, Radiology, of Research • AUGUST 25-26, SEPTEMBER www.familypathfinder.org . and Pediatrics; Faculty Director, Richard Urbano, Ph.D., Research 8-9, SEPTEMBER 15-16 Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic Professor of Pediatrics; UCEDD Para-Educator Workshop Wednesday 8 a.m. Director of Evaluation; Developmental (Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson) Epidemiology and Faculty Database • SEPTEMBER 8-9, *Event will be held in Room Analyst, Participant Recruitment and SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1, 241 Vanderbilt Kennedy SEPTEMBER 10* Community Advisory Council Assessment Core OCTOBER 26-27 Center/MRL Building . Meeting Wednesday 8 a.m. Administrator Academy For details contact (615) 936-8852 (Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson) Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

DISCOVERY | Summer 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | AUGUST-OCTOBER 2010

ARTS AND DISABILITIES* • AUGUST 21, OCTOBER 16* Print Resources DSAMT EVENTS Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Exhibits SibSaturdays www.familypathfinder.org Down Syndrome Association of Monday-Friday Ages 5-7 and 8-13 years English (615) 322-8529 Middle Tennessee 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Lobby Games, friends, conversation Español (615) 479-9568 www.dsamt.org Information contact (615) 343-7046 $10/child or $20/family Toll-free (1-800) 640-INFO [4636] DSAMT event information • APRIL 5-AUGUST 30, 2010 Financial assistance available [email protected] (615) 386-9002 GuitArt by 2009 VKC Advance registration required Project of VKC UCEDD and • AUGUST 19, SEPTEMBER 16, Music Campers Tennessee Council on Developmental OCTOBER 21 NOTE: Exhibit closed pending VOLUNTEER ADVOCACY Disabilities DADS completion of building renovation PROJECT Monthly gathering for fathers • SEPTEMBER 6, 2010- Training program for persons willing COMMUNITY EVENTS 6:30-8 p.m. JANUARY 7, 2011 to become special education • AUGUST 7 • AUGUST 28 Creative Expressions XVI advocates working with families 2010 Walk Now for Autism Speaks Sip and Savor at the Kitchen Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Contact (615) 585-1420 Tennessee Kickoff 6:30-9:30 p.m. People with Disabilities reception [email protected] Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Sound Kitchen, Franklin in October. Details TBA • SEPTEMBER 11 & 18, Embassy Suites Nashville South - • OCTOBER 6 OCTOBER 2, 16, & 30, Cool Springs, 820 Crescent Centre Caleb Thompson Memorial Golf BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS NOVEMBER 13 Drive, Franklin Tournament CLINIC Fall 2010 Training • SEPTEMBER 11 8 a.m.-1 p.m. For families of children, 3-18, with At Vanderbilt University and by Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin developmental disabilities video conference in Johnson City, Tennessee • OCTOBER 23 Contact (615) 322-9007 Martin, Chattanooga, Memphis, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Nashville Buddy Walk [email protected] and Knoxville Park, Nashville Centennial Park www.walknowforautismspeaks.org BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TAKE PART IN RESEARCH AND INTELLECTUAL Vanderbilt Kennedy Center ASMT EVENTS DISABILITIES CLINIC Research Studies Autism Society of Middle Tennessee For individuals with intellectual For children and adults, with and www.tnautism.org disabilities, ages 17 and up, with without disabilities ASMT event information behavioral and mental health Lynnette Henderson (615) 936-0448 (615) 385-2077 challenges Toll-free (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852] Registration is requested for all events

Contact (615) 343-9710 • Research Family Partners ASMT members free; nonmembers “DOLL’S TEA PARTY” BY ANNE AMBROSE [email protected] kc.vanderbilt.edu/rfp $5/family Register and be notified of • AUGUST 26, SEPTEMBER 23, MARCH 2-4, 2011 44th Annual Gatlinburg READING CLINIC research studies OCTOBER 28* Conference on Research Assessment and tutoring for students • StudyFinder Autism Education Workshops and Theory in Intellectual through middle school kc.vanderbilt.edu/studyfinder Child care available with advance and Developmental Contact (615) 936-5118 View lists of studies, criteria, and request Disabilities [email protected] contact information Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. • See also VUMC Clinical Trials • SEPTEMBER 16* Adolescence and SIBLING SUPPORTS www.vanderbilthealth.com/ Autism Orientation Developmental Disabilities: For children, teens, and adults who clinicaltrials An informational session on From Neurobiology have a sibling with a disability, chronic autism and other pervasive to Interventions health care issue, or mental health TENNESSEE DISABILITY developmental disorders Hotel Contessa concern PATHFINDER Child care available with advance San Antonio, Texas Contact (615) 343-0545 Helpline, Web-Searchable Database request Check website [email protected] with Calendar and Resource Library, Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. kc.vanderbilt.edu/Gatlinburg frequently for updates, including Call for Papers

Summer 2010 | DISCOVERY