University Center TRIAD— Susan Gray From Dinner 4 for Excellence— 5 STAT Test Kit 8 School— 10 to Discovery Behavior Analysis Available All That a Clinic Playground Can Do

Obesity, Diabetes, Transition in VKC Leadership and Brain Function By Craig Boerner and Jan Rosemergy Transition in VKC Leadership By Jan Rosemergy Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Director Pat Levitt, Ph.D., stepped down after 6 years to pursue other ne of the most significant opportunities, effective November 1. Associate O health risks shared by Director Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., is serving as VKC children and adults with interim director while a nationwide search is developmental disabilities conducted for Levitt’s successor. and by the general U.S. Levitt, the Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair, has population is obesity. accepted a position at the University of Southern According to the national California as Director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic

Centers for Disease Control Institute and Chair of the Department of Cell and GERLINDE PHOTOGRAPHY, MICHAEL HOPKINS Pat Levitt, Ph.D. and Prevention (CDC), Neurobiology at the Keck School of Medicine and roughly two-thirds of U.S. ©LES SCHOLZ. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM Provost Professor of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Pharmacy. adults aged 20 and over are The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) has expanded greatly under Levitt’s overweight or obese, and the prevalence has increased sharply for both adults direction, more than doubling its extramural research portfolio, experiencing a and children since the mid-1970s. Obesity rates remain high, at 31.9%, among fortyfold increase in philanthropy, being designated a University Center for children and adolescents ages 2-19 years. Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and assuming oversight of the Little is known about the national or state prevalence of obesity among LEND/MIND Training Program. Autism research and treatment programs also persons with disabilities, because it is not routinely measured or reported. One have seen dramatic growth through the Treatment and Research Institute for study (Rubin et al., 1998) found that in a sample of 290 persons with Down Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), the Marino Autism Research Institute, syndrome, 45% of men and 56% of women were overweight using the criteria and related activities. established in the Healthy People 2000 report, a finding that suggests that the “In my view, many of the programs now require leadership in clinical prevalence of obesity is likely to be even higher in persons with developmental research, clinical and translational services, and training areas, which are not my disabilities than in the general population. strengths,” said Levitt, a professor of pharmacology. “I know that the Center will benefit from fresh leadership. The Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes administration has been very Obesity increases the risk for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, supportive, and I am not stepping hypertension, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, certain cancers, and down because of any problems.” lowered life expectancy. Among obesity-related diseases, national attention is “Pat has provided extraordinary being devoted to the increase in type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, from leadership,” said Dykens, also co- 1980 through 2005, the number of adults aged 18-79 with newly diagnosed director of the VKC University Center diabetes almost tripled from 493,000 in 1980 to 1.4 million in 2005 in the U.S. for Excellence in Developmental “Obesity and diabetes not only are major health problems in and of Disabilities. “He gave priority to family themselves,” said Kevin Niswender, M.D., Ph.D., “but they also have and community needs. Pat and his implications for mental health, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even substance abuse.” colleague BethAnn McLaughlin built a Niswender, assistant professor of medicine and molecular physiology & relationship with the Dan Marino

biophysics, is a physician-scientist who conducts innovative research on diabetes KYLIE BECK Foundation, which is now supporting the Marino Autism Research Institute and obesity. He has teamed with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center investigator Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. Aurelio Galli, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular physiology & biophysics, at Vanderbilt and the University of who studies the mechanisms for how neurotransmitter imbalance leads to Miami. Working with deans and department chairs, he helped recruit 20 new neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and addiction to scientists to Vanderbilt. Pat also built relationships with donors that have led to substances of abuse. important programs for families like the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Families “What Dr. Galli and other cutting-edge investigators have hit on is that First Workshops for parents of young children with autism. In short, Pat has addiction biology is involved to some degree in human Continued on page 2 been an awesome leader.” Continued on page 3

Number 23 Winter 2009 Vanderbilt University Winter 2009 Discovery

clinical relevance such as Ritalin (used for treatment “but in humans, where food intake usually occurs in Obesity, Diabetes from page 1 of ADHD), act upon these transporters to alter the a discrete meal, there are many nonhomeostatic concentration of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. mechanisms as well. Eating foods that are high in fat feeding behavior and potentially in the obesity and “The focus of my laboratory,” Galli said, “is to try and simple carbohydrates tickle the same parts of diabetes epidemics,” Niswender said. “What is really to understand the mechanisms of action of these the brain that substances of abuse activate and that phenomenal is that his work brings the process full drugs with the intent to improve the mediate addiction. The work of Dr. Galli and others circle. The brain controls appetite, shows that dopamine is one of the feeding, and ultimately insulin key neurotransmitters involved in production. What we’re beginning addiction and now, we think, in to understand is what happens feeding biology as well.” downstream; insulin itself actually Insulin’s role typically is feeds back to the brain and regulates associated with blood sugar control many of the processes involved in and diabetes. “The whole idea that feeding and potentially addiction, insulin does anything in the brain cognition, and other aspects of is beginning to receive increasing neurological function that were attention,” Niswender said. previously not thought to be The brain requires glucose, and ‘metabolically’ regulated.” the body requires insulin in order to use glucose effectively, he Brain Dopamine and Obesity explained, but the brain does not Food intake is regulated by several require insulin for glucose neurotransmitters, including metabolism. In fact, insulin in the dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, brain reflects what the energy stores © CELSO PUPO. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM and serotonin, as well as by peptides in the body are, so that the brain and amino acids. Dopamine is of special interest pharmacological treatment of specific neurological can generate adaptive responses. If one fasts and the because it seems to regulate food intake by disorders and substance abuse—and now perhaps glucose level drops, insulin levels drop, and that modulating the “reward” circuitry of the brain. also obesity and type 2 diabetes.” reduction in insulin levels signals, in a homeostatic Drugs that block certain dopamine receptors This latter goal is the result of a major finding by way, that one needs to eat. increase appetite and lead to significant weight gain, the Galli laboratory that insulin itself is a potent “We think now that when one overeats, insulin while drugs that increase brain dopamine levels regulator of DAT function. By controlling DAT has a different function,” Niswender said. “Insulin dampen appetite and lead to weight loss. The function, insulin fine-tunes dopamine levels in the acts on those areas of the brain where dopamine involvement of dopamine in pathological eating and brain and therefore reward. Most recently, Galli’s normally functions to decrease the reward aspect obesity is not yet well understood, but it is an area of research has moved to focus more broadly on reward of food intake, thereby helping to limit food intense interest. processes in the brain. intake. It is likely that this novel function of Galli indicated that they insulin is compromised in obese people. It is are discovering that when intriguing to think that when people eat a high- an animal starts to become fat, high-carbohydrate diet, their food intake stays obese, the dopaminergic elevated, because insulin resistance causes the function that is involved in dopamine system to no longer be able to be the reward process, as well turned off and to compensate for the caloric as in cognition and motor intake and increased reward.” activities, is altered. The Galli’s lab has identified the molecular pathway dopamine transporter from the insulin receptor all the way through to the leaves the plasma dopamine transporters in the brain, which membrane, affecting both Niswender characterized as “phenomenally novel dopamine clearance and and important.” brain dopamine levels. The Galli pointed out that diabetes has co-morbidity group hypothesizes that with other disorders, including ADHD, motor because of brain insulin impairment, depression, and aggression. The resistance that develops in underlying biological mechanisms of these disorders

KYLIE BECK obesity (or diabetes), the also are related to neurotransmitters like dopamine. transporter can no longer “What we’re really studying,” Galli said, “is how Kevin Niswender, Aurelio Galli, and Heinrich J. G. Matthies (seated) be properly regulated. this impairment is happening. How are diabetes and Niswender explained that obesity affecting dopamine transporter function? Using mouse and rat models, Galli, in animals and humans feed in response to what are How does it affect the signaling pathway?” collaboration with Niswender, investigates how food termed “homeostatic signals” related to how much Niswender indicated that in studies of obese intake regulates neurotransmitter transporters. fat is present in the body. If one has too little fat, the persons who have had gastric bypass surgery to Neurotransmitter transporters are integral brain signals strongly to eat more to restore fat mass reduce weight, there have been reports of increased membrane proteins responsible for clearing the in order to maintain healthy, optimum metabolism. incidence of addiction to nicotine, amphetamines, neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine) from the When one has too much fat in the body, what cocaine, or other substances of abuse. He synaptic cleft, to control the magnitude and duration typically should happen is that the brain should summarized, “The take-home message is that what of synaptic signaling. Neurotransmitter transporters signal to eat less, in order to reduce fat mass, which we thought were separate universes of metabolism include the dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine can be detrimental. and addiction biology are now converging and (NET) transporters. Substances of abuse such as “These are long-term homeostatic signals that overlapping quite remarkably. And certainly 2 cocaine and amphetamine, or drugs with function over days, weeks, months,” Niswender said, dopamine is a central player.” Winter 2009 Discovery

Transition in VKC behavioral, and quantitative research services that are Muglia joined the Vanderbilt faculty in used by Center investigators. Scientific leadership of December as the Edward Claiborne Stahlman Leadership from page 1 the IDDRC is one of the most crucial criteria for Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Molecular renewal, and Dykens will commit to her role as PI Physiology and Biophysics, and Vice Chair for Dykens, Interim Director for 5 years. The Center has been continuously Research Affairs in the Department of Pediatrics. Elisabeth Dykens, professor of psychology and funded as an IDDRC since its founding in 1965 as Previously, Muglia served as Alumni Endowed human development, received a Ph.D. in clinical one of the nation’s original such centers. Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of psychology from the University of Kansas. She Developmental Biology and Obstetrics and completed a predoctoral internship and a Muglia, Interim Gynecology at Washington University School of postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University’s School of Associate Director Medicine, Director of the Division of Medicine, Child Study Center. After serving on the Continuing the recent Endocrinology and Diabetes in the Department of junior faculty at the Yale Child Study Center for 7 tradition of VKC Pediatrics, and Director for the Center for years, in 1995 she joined the faculty of University of leadership that Preterm Birth Research at Washington University. California-Los Angeles, where she was associate integrates basic and He also served as the Program Director for the professor and then professor-in-residence at the clinical science, Dykens NICHD-supported Child Health Research Center Neuropsychiatric Institute, and associate director for announced the of Excellence at Washington University. Thus, in research and training at UCLA’s Tarjan Center for appointment of addition to research that reflects key priorities of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Interim Associate the EKS NICHD IDDRCs, he also has substantial Dykens’s research is focused on both the mental Director, Louis J. Louis J. Muglia, M.D., Ph.D. administrative experience that he will bring into health challenges and unique strengths of persons Muglia, M.D., Ph.D. his role of interim associate director. with genetic syndromes. Her work includes His research focuses on the importance of “This is one of those occasions when a time of examining compulsive behaviors and overeating in corticotropin-releasing hormone and transition is proceeding smoothly,” Dykens said. Prader-Willi syndrome and heightened anxiety in glucocorticoids in neuroendocrine modulation, “Thanks to this Center’s historical and Williams syndrome. behavior, and perinatal development, and on the contemporary strengths, the vision and dedication Dykens is principal investigator for the Center’s neurobiology and genetics of preterm birth. of its researchers, trainees, and staff, and renewal application to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver “For leadership of the Center as an NICHD- Vanderbilt’s commitment to pushing the frontiers National Institute of Child Health and Human funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of biomedical and behavioral research and Development as a national Eunice Kennedy Shriver Research Center, his research strengths will practice to improve the lives of persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research complement my own clinical science strengths on disabilities and their families, the Center has Center (IDDRC). The 5-year competitive grant behavioral phenotypes of genetic IDD syndromes,” never been stronger and is looking forward to supports a wide range of genetic, neuroscience, Dykens said. continued accomplishments.”

Hispanic Community Remembering Dr. Lloyd Elam Focuses on Down Syndrome loyd C. Elam, M.D., founder of Meharry Medical College’s Department of Psychiatry, former L president of Meharry, and a pioneer in drug and alcohol abuse treatment, died on October 4 of a heart attack while traveling. Dr. Elam was a valuable member of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s National Advisory Committee in the 1970s and 1980s, and worked closely with the Center’s first three directors to promote community health care and research on child development and mental health. His advice was sought frequently and given freely and was a significant source of strength in the Center’s early years. A charter member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Dr. Elam had a positive influence on national policies and programs on mental health, medical education, substance abuse, health research, child development, and developmental disabilities. He and Kennedy Center founder Nicholas Hobbs, Ph.D., were the first two Nashvillians to be elected to the Institute.

ASHLEY COULTER Dr. Elam’s gentle, self-effacing manner barely masked his aggressive determination to advance Tennessee Disability Pathfinder staff Claudia Avila-Lopez, medical education, both at Meharry and across the nation, and to infuse expert health care into Carolina Meyerson, and Cecilia Melo-Romie historically underserved areas. He was an equally determined promoter of the research budgets of the Over 80 disability-service providers attended the 4th National Institutes of Health and could always be counted on to share his enthusiasm with Annual Disability Services and the Hispanic Community congressional committees. Conference in November. The conference focused on The Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center at Meharry continues Dr. Elam’s dedication to mental information, treatment, and resources on Down health services, with particular emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse and child mental health. syndrome relevant for service providers working with The VKC thanks H. Carl Haywood, Ph.D., professor of psychology, emeritus, VKC member, and former Spanish-speaking families and individuals with director, for this tribute. disabilities. The conference was organized by Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Hispanic Outreach coordinators Access Nashville Replication Manual Carolina Meyerson, Claudia Avila-Lopez, and Cecilia Melo-Romie (pictured in photo). Sponsors were The VKC UCEDD is pleased to announce the availability of the Access Nashville Project Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, Vanderbilt Kennedy Replication Manual: Creating an Accessibility Project in Your Community. The manual Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, provides assistance to nonprofit organizations in developing a low-cost project to evaluate and Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. restaurant accessibility. In addition, the manual provides a general model that can be used For more information about the conference or other and adapted to provide accessibility information on other public facilities. The manual is free Hispanic Outreach activities, contact (615) 322-8529 of charge and is available through the Access Nashville website at ext. 1; [email protected]. kc.vanderbilt.edu/accessnashville/index.html, or call (800) 640-4636 ext 13. 3 Winter 2009 Discovery Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Behavior Analysis Clinic: A Turning Point for Families By Courtney Taylor

was exhausted,” said Angela Bechtel. “Our Like my daughters found it very difficult to “I home was a very stressful place. Chase was ignore Chase when he came up and hit them. throwing tantrums, was not following instructions, That’s a hard thing to ignore. Having my and it was not uncommon to witness the two of us child hitting me feels so unnatural, and involved in a physical struggle. Though we had been sometimes I couldn’t ignore it, you know? working with behavior consultants, I can see now it And I was supposed to ignore it. I knew he hit was a real problem that we did not have a behavior when he wanted attention, so if I didn’t plan set in place. Chase would scream and one reward him with the attention, eventually he person might say, ‘stop it,’ another person might wouldn’t find hitting a worthy path. When I ignore it, and yet another might scream right back did ignore it, the aggression would subside. at him. We weren’t able to see what was motivating The plan would work when I followed it. It him to hit or to throw a tantrum. We didn’t was just hard sometimes.” understand the motivation behind his behaviors.” Bechtel is not alone. Houchins-Juarez says After years of working with behavior consultants, that although many parents are relieved to have and with no long-term improvements in Chase’s the guidance of a behavior plan, they often behavior, Bechtel contacted the Vanderbilt Kennedy experience difficulty in maintaining them. All Behavior Analysis Clinic (BAC). The BAC works have good intentions, yet many may find with children and young adults, ages 3 to 18, who themselves falling into a pattern of thinking have been diagnosed with a developmental that their child should behave just because they disability, and who also engage in problem behavior. should know better. Others may find It is estimated that 17% of children and themselves thinking that because their child has adolescents with developmental disabilities have a disability, they could not possibly know behavior problems. Services at the Clinic are better. It also is common for parents to follow

supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts, COURTESY OF BECHTEL FAMILY the plan carefully at first, notice improvements who provide functional behavior assessments, Angela and Chase Bechtel in their child’s behaviors, and then gradually develop behavior intervention plans (BIP) based on “attention” were provided. After the AFA was become lax in the implementation. the assessments and observations, and provide complete, the staff indicated that Chase’s target “It takes a lot of resolve and commitment,” said training in the home to support families and behaviors were maintained primarily to escape Bechtel. “It’s tiring, but you know there is a payoff. If caregivers in the implementation of the BIP. demands and to access attention. you stick to this thing, you’re going to see results as “What makes the services provided by a behavior “Having someone point out why Chase was doing opposed to hoping you will see results when you’re analyst different from many of those provided by what he was doing was so liberating,” remembered guessing at what to do. I knew it was the best option other types of behavior consultants is that, when we Bechtel. “Knowing why allowed us to move forward we had, so that gave me a sense that we were doing intervene, we use research-based interventions, in how to address his behaviors. I was so tired of the right thing. When you know you are doing the rather than hypothetical constructs that aren’t based guessing. It was incredible to have someone tell me right thing, it motivates you. I felt desperate. I knew in the hard sciences,” said Clinic coordinator, Nea why he was doing what he was doing, and then even I was working with the top people in the field, and if Houchins-Juarez, M.A., B.C.B.A. “We observe more incredible for them to tell me, ‘This is what they think this is what needs to be done, then I am behaviors, manipulate environmental variables, and you do when Chase does this or that.’ It was going to do it. And we have.” take data to develop our interventions. We repeat absolutely liberating.” Bechtel reports that Chase is doing very well. She measures to be sure that the interventions are In Chase’s behavior intervention plan, Clinic staff says they still have their moments, but that, for the socially significant for the people they affect. A outlined positive procedures for the Bechtels that most part, his behaviors have improved dramatically. behavior analyst will never put something in place could be implemented to potentially prevent “There will be times when I’m tired and won’t that has not been shown to be effective for a problem behaviors. They recommended that a follow the plan,” said Bechtel. “Then, I’ll begin to particular issue or scenario.” picture schedule be set in place to allow Chase to notice a little bit of the behaviors coming back and Chase entered the BAC to address issues of anticipate future activities and to know when he that motivates me to get back to the plan and be noncompliance (saying “no,” or engaging in another would be separated from his mother. They disciplined. I can see what happens when I am not form of verbal delay to ignore instructions), recommended precise methods of problem solving, disciplined. He starts to regress and I think, ‘Oh no. I tantrums, physical aggression, elopement (leaving of prompting, and of reinforcement. They also don’t want to go down that road again!’ It’s just so the room or area without permission), and a habit of outlined detailed instructions of how to react amazing that when you follow the plan, it really does putting his fingers in his ears. On his first visit, an effectively when Chase’s problem behaviors could work. The more time you spend following the plan, analogue functional analysis (AFA) was conducted. not be prevented. the easier it does get. The behavior plan was a Eight 5-minute conditions were carried out in which “I won’t lie,” said Bechtel. “At times, it is difficult to definite turning point for our family.” Chase interacted with the BAC staff. During follow the plan. It’s difficult for everyone to be on For information about the BAC, contact 4 the different conditions, consequences such as the same page even when it’s right in front of you. (615) 322-9007 or [email protected]. Winter 2009 Discovery Treatment and Research Institute Services, Training,a and Research for Autism Spectrum Disorders for Autism Spectrum Disorders

STAT Test Kit Now Available By Jan Rosemergy

The STAT is an interactive measure to screen for Certification for independent use of the STAT autism in children between 24 and 36 months of can be obtained by successful completion of the age, and it now also includes a provisional scoring Tutorial Posttest. One-day STAT Training system extending downward to 14 months. The Workshops also are available periodically at the STAT consists of 12 items and takes about 20 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. minutes to administer. Activities assess key social “As a community provider who uses the STAT, I and communicative behaviors, including imitation, find this tool adds significantly to aid early play, requesting, and directing attention. The STAT identification of children referred with social Test Kit includes: a web-based Training Tutorial, communication concerns and suspected autism,” User’s Manual, Scoring Sheets, Test Materials, and said Quentin Humberd, M.D., FAAP, Test Protocols. The STAT is designed for use by developmental behavioral pediatrician and chief community service providers who work with young of the Exceptional Family Member Program,

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIAD children in assessment or intervention settings and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Ft. STAT Test Kit who have experience in autism. Campbell, Kentucky. ct early” is the keystone of a national “The STAT Test Kit can be used in diverse clinical The STAT was developed by TRIAD director “A campaign directed at the early and research settings,” said Amy Swanson, M.A., Wendy Stone, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and recognition of signs of possible developmental coordinator of STAT Training and Development, psychology, with Opal Ousley (now at Emory disabilities such as autism. Diagnosis of autism is “for example by speech-language pathologists, University), with grant support from the U.S. dependent on assessing and observing a child’s developmental pediatricians, or birth-to-three Department of Education’s Office of Special behavior. A challenge to the field has been the service providers.” Education and Rehabilitative Services. availability of a valid screening tool that could be The STAT Training Tutorial, included in the Test Development of the Training Tutorial was used by a wide variety of professionals. To Kit, is an interactive, web-based application that funded by a National Institute of Mental Health address this crucial need, TRIAD researchers provides thorough instruction on item Small Business Innovation Research Grant to devoted more than 10 years of research and administration and scoring, and includes video Ken Kobak. evaluation to develop the STAT—Screening Tool examples and practice tests. Information about To obtain the STAT Test Kit, contact for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children. The interpreting the STAT results and explaining results (615) 322-6533, [email protected], STAT Test Kit is now available. to parents is provided. TRIAD.vanderbilt.edu/STAT.

Wow! Look There! Baby Sibs and Joint Attention By Jan Rosemergy

he most effective treatments for autism combine and develop over time in infants who Tspectrum disorders (ASD) involve early have an older brother or sister with autism and in intervention—and the earlier intervention begins, infants with older siblings who are typically the greater the potential benefit. A challenge to developing,” Catania said. “We want to understand “acting early” is that the developmental signs of how these two skills develop over time and the autism before age 2 are not yet clear—which is extent to which each of them contributes to the why autism researchers are studying the development of joint attention involving positive development of “baby sibs.” affect—like smiling—and social engagement with “Younger children of siblings on the autism others, and how it affects later development of spectrum are at elevated risk for autism, although language and social skills.” risk is still low,” said Wendy Stone, Ph.D., TRIAD Infants enter the study at either 6 or 12 director and professor of pediatrics and COURTESY OF BAIER FAMILY months of age, and are followed at regular psychology. Later-born siblings of children with another person, usually with a positive emotional intervals. The study involves five to seven visits at ASD show varied social-communication expression like a smile or laugh,” explained 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. Each developmental outcomes, ranging from ASD Elizabeth Catania, Ph.D., the study coordinator. visit includes a variety of interactive social and behaviors, to less serious symptoms like language Joint attention has two components. First, it play activities, as well as measures of brain delay, to no detectable symptoms. involves the ability to shift one’s attention away activity. Families will be compensated for their Stone is directing a new study that examines from one thing and toward another. Second, it time and expense. joint attention, an aspect of social and emotional involves being able to share enjoyment in an object Families interested in taking part can contact development. Impairments in social and emotional or event. Even a baby can show joint attention by (615) 343-3723 or [email protected]. development are a core feature of ASD. gazing from dad to a teddy bear and back to dad The project is supported by a grant from the “Joint attention is the ability to attend to an while smiling, cooing, or arm waving. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child event or object and to share that experience with “We’re investigating how these two skills Health and Human Development. 5 Winter 2009 Discovery

Leading the Vanguard of Discovery Grants Awarded FRANK E. HARRELL, Mitchell Lecturer, Department of Biostatistics, JR., PH.D. Glasgow University, 2008 Manganese Exposure and Huntington Disease Professor of Biostatistics Aaron Bowman, Ph.D. (Neurology) Selected Publications National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Chair of the The first two publications listed below are the #1 and Visual System Organization and Development Department #3 most cited publications in the 27-year history of Vivien Casagrande, Ph.D. Director of Vanderbilt (Cell and Developmental Biology) Statistics in Medicine. National Eye Institute Kennedy Center Statistics and Harrell, F. E., Lee, K. L., Califf, R. M., Prior, D. B., & Calculations, Word Problems, and Algebraic Cognition Lynn Fuchs, Ph.D. (Special Education) Methodology Core Rosati, R. A. (1984). Regression modeling National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Vanderbilt Kennedy strategies for improved prognostic prediction. National Children’s Study—Vanderbilt Medical Center Site Center Member Statistics in Medicine, 3, 143-152. Bettina Beech, Dr.P.H., M.P.H. (Medicine) [PI]; Katherine Hartmann, Joined Vanderbilt M.D., Ph.D. (Obstetrics and Gynecology) [co-PI]; Robert Hodapp, Ph.D. Harrell, F. E., Lee, K. L., & Mark, D. B. (1996). (Special Education) and Richard Urbano, Ph.D. (Pediatrics) Kennedy Center 2006 [collaborators] Multivariable prognostic models: Issues in Research Interests developing models, evaluating assumptions and Parent-Based Sleep Education Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Statistical analysis adequacy, and measuring and reducing errors. Beth Malow, M.D. (Neurology) Clinical prediction Statistics in Medicine, 15, 361-387. Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), Health Resources and Services Administration Statistical models Osman, O. A., Harrell, F. E., et al. (2007). Case Statistical computing and open-source software Vitamin C Transporters in the Brain complexity scores in congenital heart surgery: A James May, M.D. (Medicine) Statistical graphics National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke comparative study of the Aristotal Basic Statistical reporting Complexity score and the Risk Adjustment in Molecular Genetics of Neural Specificity Research data management David Miller, Ph.D. (Cell and Developmental Biology) Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) system. Cardiovascular disease National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical applications of statistics Consequences of In Vivo Neocortical GAD67 Downregulation 133, 865–874. Clinical trials Karoly Mirnics, M.D. (Psychiatry) National Institute of Mental Health Clinical safety assessment and analysis in Stukenborg, G. J., Wagner, D. P., Harrell, F. E., et al. Social-Emotional Development of Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum pharmaceutical trials (2007). Present-at-admission diagnoses Disorders Risk adjustment improved mortality risk adjustment among acute Wendy Stone, Ph.D. (Pediatrics) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Health services and outcomes research myocardial infarction patients. Journal of Clinical Pharmaceutical research Epidemiology, 60, 142–154. LEND Pediatric Audiology Subaward to MIND Training Program (Mid-Tennessee Interdisciplinary Instruction in Medical diagnosis and prognosis Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Education Anne Marie Tharpe, Ph.D. (Hearing and Speech Sciences) Clinical Interests B.S., 1973, Mathematics, University of Alabama- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration My interests are primarily focused on statistical and Birmingham graphical methods for biomedical research and study Ph.D., 1979, Biostatistics, University of North LEND Autism Expansion Award to MIND Training Program (Mid-Tennessee Interdisciplinary Instruction in design. Before joining Vanderbilt in 2003, I was Carolina-Chapel Hill Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) involved primarily in cardiovascular disease Mary Theresa Urbano, M.P.H., Ph.D., R.N.(Pediatrics) Attraction to Developmental Disabilities Research Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. I remain very Administration involved in drug development, randomized clinical and Reasons for VKC Membership It was a great opportunity to assist the Vanderbilt Serotonin Transporter Variant Associated With Autism trials, and assessment of pharmaceutical safety. Since Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele, M.D. (Psychiatry) coming to Vanderbilt, I have become involved in Kennedy Center in enlarging its Statistics and Autism Speaks Methodology Core, to add more methodologists to sports medicine research, basic research, and a host VKC Nicholas Hobbs Discovery Grants of other areas, including developmental disabilities. the Core to cover more areas of expertise, and to allow the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to make The Carrell Family Discovery Grant Thalomocortical Pathways and Sensory Processing Principal Investigator maximal use of the Department of Biostatistics, in Autism • Study to Understand Prognoses Preferences formed in 2003, which I chair. The primary Carissa Cascio, Ph.D. (Psychiatry) Outcomes and Risks of Treatment, Robert Wood motivations are to increase the quality, efficiency, Donna and Jay Richards Discovery Grant Johnson Foundation. I am director of the Impact of Sleep on Behavior and Family Functioning and quantity of research done in the Center and to in Angelman Syndrome Statistical Center for this multi-center study of end- have an opportunity to collaborate with talented Suzanne Goldman, Ph.D. (Nursing) of-life decision making. Center investigators. Besides the research Generating Patient-Derived Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Study of • I have been co-investigator on many NIH grants, opportunities and serving the needs of Center Down Syndrome e.g., in the areas of cardiovascular disease, investigators, it is heartening to be involved in Aaron Bowman, Ph.D. (Neurology) orthopedics, statistical methodology, health services research in an incredibly important area that A Targeted Proteomic Approach to Identify Proteins Underlying the research, pulmonary disease. Pathogenesis of Angelman Syndrome affects the lives of individuals with disabilities and Kevin Haas, M.D., Ph.D. (Neurology) • I direct the Design Biostatistics and Research Ethics their families. Core for the Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Marino Autism Research Institute Discovery Grants Translational Research. Reaction to Diagnosis and Parental Well-Being in Families of Young Children Recently Diagnosed With ASD Honors and Awards Zachary Warren, Ph.D. (Psychiatry) Fellow, American Statistical Association, 2005 Is Social Interaction Aversive or Not Motivating for Children with Distinguished Alumnus Award, School of Natural Autism Spectrum Disorders? Barbara L. Thompson, Ph.D. (Pharmacology) Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alabama- Birmingham, 2005 6 Winter 2009 Discovery

Synergy in MIND Training By Jan Rosemergy

ynergy” is the term that recurs disorders. It was among only 18 universities “Swhen Terri Urbano, M.P.H., Ph.D., and research organizations nationally to describes the MIND Training Program, receive the funding. which she directs. Synergy is the energy “This funding is of major importance to that comes from a unique coming together Tennessee, since our state, like so many of parts—and, in many ways, that’s an apt others, lacks enough trained professionals description of MIND—Mid-Tennessee to meet the dramatically increasing needs Interdisciplinary Instruction in of families affected by autism,” indicated Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Urbano. The participation of the VKC Treatment and Research Institute for A National LEND Program Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) MIND is Vanderbilt’s LEND Program. contributed to this successful effort. Each LEND—Leadership Education in “TRIAD is key to MIND’s expansion in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities— training related to autism,” Urbano said. provides long-term, graduate-level “We’ll now have additional trainees who interdisciplinary training as well as are interested in acquiring diagnostic skills, interdisciplinary services and care. Funded KYLIE BECK gaining experience in our specialty autism by the Health Resources and Services clinics, and learning about clinical services. Administration, Maternal and Child MIND Social Work trainee Justin Bucchio meeting with Roxanne Carreon, Additionally, trainees will gain knowledge VKC Family Outreach Center Coordinator Health Bureau, LENDs aim to improve the and skills in the development of research tools. We’ll health of infants, children, and adolescents provide community professional education, as well as with disabilities by preparing trainees from The family component is equally crucial. Julie autism-related product development of public diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership Sullivan, co-director of Family Voices of Tennessee education materials.” roles in their respective fields and by insuring high and a parent of a child with a disability, is a MIND In addition, the autism supplement allows MIND levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. MIND faculty member. In collaboration with the Families As to expand distance training for the Tennessee is among 34 LENDs in 27 states. Mentors Program of the Junior League Family Department of Health. The MIND Training Program Established at Vanderbilt within the Department of Resource Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s has provided monthly distance education to Tennessee Pediatrics’ Center for Child Development, recently Hospital at Vanderbilt, MIND trainees have public health nurses and other public health personnel MIND moved administratively to the Vanderbilt experiences with families in their homes, where for several years. “Now we’ll be able to have a Kennedy Center (VKC), a member of two national families are teachers. A family trainee is funded in specialized focus on autism. This is important networks with whom LENDs partner. The VKC is part by the Tennessee Council on Developmental because so many nurses work as ‘first-line responders’ among 14 national Eunice Kennedy Shriver Disabilities, an example of the way in which MIND in their communities, which often lack the resources Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research partners with Tennessee Developmental Disabilities for early identification and intervention,” Urbano Centers and is among 67 University Centers for Network members. indicated. “This is a really unique opportunity to Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, which Trainees participate in community settings, where partner with a State agency and to contribute provide training, research, services and technical they learn about resources available to families and positively to the whole system of care.” assistance, and dissemination. acquire leadership skills. “It allows us to bridge the “MIND is a perfect fit,” said Urbano. “It’s one leg of gap between academic education and real-life Act Early Regional Summit a three-legged stool, where interdisciplinary training, community-based experience,” Urbano said. Students Still another example of synergy is the partnering research, and service programs work together and also work with their faculty mentors in clinical of MIND, the VKC UCEDD, and the University of serve as catalysts for innovation in all three areas. It’s settings in their own disciplines and take part in Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs interdisciplinary clinics. Disabilities, which also is designated a UCEDD of families.” Trainees carry out group projects so that they gain and a LEND, which hosted a regional Act Early Vanderbilt Pediatrics continues to be central to experience in interdisciplinary teaming, and they do Summit in January 2009. The Act Early Summit MIND, with Tyler Reimschisel, M.D., assistant individual projects that prepare them for future pulled together key stakeholders in Tennessee and professor of pediatrics and neurology and director of leadership roles in academic settings or in their counterparts in Kentucky, North Carolina, the Division of Developmental Medicine and community health care systems. and South Carolina to improve systems of care Cognition, serving as MIND associate director. The MIND includes faculty from Vanderbilt for children with autism. This regional summit Center for Child Development and other Pediatrics University, Belmont University, Tennessee State was sponsored by the National Center for Birth clinics serve as major sites of clinical experiences for University, Meharry Medical College, and the Defects and Developmental Disabilities of the MIND trainees. University of Tennessee. Students enter via their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and respective graduate degree programs at these the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Human MIND Training Program universities, and their faculty advisors, MIND Resources and Services Administration, with The MIND Training Program has several faculty, recommend them as MIND trainees; MIND support from the Association of University components. An academic component involves course also accepts postdoctoral trainees. Centers on Disabilities. work specifically related to neurodevelopmental “We would not have been positioned to host this disabilities. Professionals from multiple disciplines, Autism Expansion Summit if we hadn’t had pre-established working family members, and disability advocates present The synergy created by MIND as a part of the VKC is partnerships. These collaborations serve as a catalyst seminars on specific disabilities, early identification exemplified by MIND recently receiving a for statewide initiatives like the Act Early Summit,” and screening, diagnosis and intervention. Various competitive supplementary LEND grant to train Urbano said. perspectives are included, e.g., disability policy professionals across disciplines to identify, assess, and For information on MIND, contact and advocacy. provide services for children with autism spectrum (615) 936-1104; [email protected]. 7 Winter 2009 Discovery

All That a Playground Can Do By Courtney Taylor

he two playgrounds at the Susan Gray day, it was apparent that my life was TSchool (SGS) do more than provide a forever changed. I knew the kids were fun and exciting outlet for children eager receiving an excellent education, but I to exert their energy. They do more than also knew that something about what I facilitate an environment where the witnessed from the top of that dirt- students can develop social and motor covered hill was not fair. I met with skills, focus their attention, and build Ruth [Wolery] and set to work.” self-confidence and self-esteem. They Wolery, Ph.D., SGS director, was well even do more than positively contribute aware of and distressed about the to the students’ health, imagination, and playground’s inaccessibility, and had classroom performance. The playgrounds been working to raise funds for years, at Susan Gray School tell stories. They primarily through the SGS annual tell stories about overcoming grief “Holidays Around the World” event. To through acts of generosity, and stories begin her efforts and also to fulfill a about learning how to advocate for one’s requirement of a social justice class she place in a whole new inaccessible world. was taking, Finan decided to develop a “mock grant proposal.” She began When Sorrow Leads to Joy brainstorming with Wolery, with her LARRY WILSON C. Robb Swaney was an architect and a Amy Harris-Solomon, Mary Jane and Robb Swaney (front row), Mark Wallace and mentor Ann Neely, Ed.D, Associate Nashville native. In 2001, Keith Crabtree, Hal Matern (back row) Professor of the Practice of Education, the son of the late Brenda Crabtree, with and with Shan Foster, Vanderbilt senior whom Swaney had worked for over 17 The personal relationships we formed during that and basketball player. years, was tragically killed just 2 weeks after time were so important to all of us. We were like a Finan’s efforts paid off when Shan’s coach, graduating from high school. Everyone in family and were a part of something very special. Kevin Stallings, and David Williams, J.D., vice Swaney’s office went into deep mourning, and Robb took a very tragic situation and transformed chancellor for university affairs and athletics, Swaney and his wife Mary Jane decided to donate it into a gift that will enable joy in children for became involved and pledged financial support a gift to an organization to honor Keith’s life. They years to come.” from Vanderbilt Athletics. A number of private chose to donate to the Susan Gray School. Keith and anonymous donors also stepped in to help, as had volunteered at SGS over a summer and had When Watching From Afar Leads to Action did Finan’s parents, Tom and Mary. been deeply affected by his experiences there. The Finan Family Playground—for the 4- to “My parents are so amazing,” said Finan. Originally planning to donate a bench or a swing 5-year-olds at Susan Gray School—would be “They knew how important the project set, Swaney changed his mind after touring the designed, constructed, and school’s playground. dedicated 6 years later in 2008. “Robb was concerned that the playground for Spearheaded by Kelly Finan, the 2- to 3- year-olds was in terrible shape,” Vanderbilt senior and SGS remembered Mary Jane Swaney. “After a tour of volunteer, the new playground is the School, he came home and declared he was barrier-free and accessible for all going to design and coordinate construction of SGS students. an entire new playground. I remember going on a “I was doing crafts with the tour of playgrounds across the city on a very kids one day, and after we dreary day. We learned all kinds of things about finished we headed out to the playgrounds. We learned about constructing a playground for playtime,” covering for the sandbox to prevent animals from remembered Finan. “While adopting it as their restroom. We learned about some of the children ran around creating a ground surface that is cushioned to freely, enjoying the playground prevent injuries. We learned also that many equipment, the children with young children are afraid of large structures, and physical disabilities and I sat at so scaling the pieces down became a part of the top of a dirt-covered hill COURTESY OF SUSAN GRAY SCHOOL Robb’s design.” just watching. We couldn’t get Kelly Finan with Sadye, Susan Gray School student Swaney worked diligently designing, recruiting to the equipment. I knew right in contractors, and raising funds. Along with the that moment that something needed to was for me, and their financial and emotional Swaneys’ gift, generous gifts were received from be done.” support and encouragement during the whole Sam and Linda Brooks, from the Tennessee Titans, Finan found herself empathizing with the process was overwhelming. Once all the funding and from other private donors. During that time, children with physical disabilities in a very real was in place, the work began on the Swaney became very ill and although he was able and personal way. Health concerns, which had construction. I went home for the summer, but I to witness children playing on the playground, he kept her in and out of the hospital during the year was able to watch the playground’s progress over did not live to attend the dedication. C. Robb prior and had made walking without pain a webcam. I feel so lucky to have the playground Swaney died in September 2002. impossible for her, dictated that Finan return to as a tangible and effective way to leave my mark “He had given more than his strength,” said Vanderbilt to complete her undergraduate degree on Vanderbilt. After all that we have Mary Jane. “Though he grew weaker each day, the using a wheelchair. accomplished, I have come to realize that the amount of joy that he received in the “I was going through a major life adjustment,” physical situation I am in might not be so 8 completion of the playground was boundless. said Finan. “Although I was getting healthier each limiting after all.” Winter 2009 Discovery Postsecondary Education

Program Launched By Courtney Taylor he Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Education; and technical courses through the TDevelopmental Disabilities (VKC UCEDD) has Tennessee Technology Centers. received a 3-year grant from the Tennessee Council “Key components of the Vanderbilt program will on Developmental Disabilities (TN Council) to foster the development of independent living and develop and coordinate a Postsecondary Education employment skills,” said Elise McMillan, J.D., VKC Program for students with intellectual disabilities at UCEDD co-director. “As with nearly all of our Vanderbilt University. The program will be the first programs at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, the of its kind in Tennessee. postsecondary education program we develop will “The Council made a commitment to develop a include research, training, and service. Having all pilot project on the campus of a Tennessee college three components will allow for the development or university for postsecondary students who have and replication of model programs across an intellectual disability and did not receive a high the state.” school diploma,” said Wanda Willis, TN Council McMillan and Robert Hodapp, Ph.D., VKC executive director. “Continuing education programs UCEDD director of research, are lead faculty on the like this are increasingly available on college grant. The VKC UCEDD also is part of the campuses across the country. At present, Tennessee Administration on Developmental Disabilities’ does not have such a program. Our goal is to launch National Training Initiative on Postsecondary

a demonstration project on the campus of ISTOCK Education for Students with Intellectual Vanderbilt University on January 1, 2009.” technical courses, as well as take part in campus Disabilities. The Initiative is led by the Institute for Vanderbilt will accept its first students in January extracurricular activities with Vanderbilt Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts. 2010, after an initial planning year. Working with undergraduates. College courses will be provided Other participating universities include the University, Medical Center, and community through regular Vanderbilt undergraduate course University of Minnesota, UCLA, University of disability organizations, VKC faculty, staff, and offerings; life-skills courses with internships similar Hawaii, Ohio State University, and University of trainees will develop a day program that lasts for 2 to programs such as Vanderbilt’s Project South Carolina. years per student. Each year, eight young adults will Opportunity, with help from graduate students in For information contact (615) 343-2540; take a mixture of undergraduate, life-skills, and Peabody College’s Department of Special [email protected].

Teen Fusion Rocks! By Hillary Hamblen age-appropriate activities With a swift segue into a discussion of siblings, but still have the support it was soon discovered that everyone present was they value. older than his or her sibling with a disability, Ashley Coulter, an adult chronic health condition, or mental health sibling and facilitator for concern. With some adult-sized responsibilities of SibSaturdays, says that helping to care for their younger sibling, the teens the impetus for Teen expressed that they took these new duties in Fusion was to provide stride, and were glad that they knew a group of activities and support for people who were going through some of the same teens “who were aging things as they were. out of SibSaturdays but Kendall Hill and Derek Putthoff, both long-time didn’t want to quit SibSaturday goers, were part of the first group of coming.” This program, teenagers to experience Teen Fusion. Both said they which gives the teens were excited to visit new places and were happy to be HIILLARY HAMBLEN around people their own age. These graduates of SibSaturdays have formed Teen Fusion. more support and independence, is one of the first of its kind. “I thought it would be more grown-up than n a December Saturday, a unique group of teens “I would have appreciated that [kind of support] SibSaturdays, and Teen Fusion was fun because Owas enjoying bowling, eating, and talking— growing up,” Coulter adds. we got to bowl,” said Putthoff. Both Hill and marking the first event of Teen Fusion, a new Another aspect of Teen Fusion is “Junior Putthoff, along with seven other Teen Fusion Vanderbilt Kennedy Center sibling support program Facilitators,” which gives teens an opportunity to help peers, also are interested in becoming exclusively for teenagers. the 5- to 7-year-old siblings at SibSaturdays. Junior Facilitators. Previously, these teens attended SibSaturdays, a Discussion began slowly, but once they were When asked what words of encouragement he sibling support group that includes games like asked where they wanted to go and what activities might offer to a “new” sibling, Hill suggested that “clothes-pin tag” and “knots,” decorating holiday they wanted to do at their Teen Fusion meetings, they “keep on going. It’s all right, no matter the paraphernalia like trick-or-treat bags, and, of voices chimed in and the participation and energy situation. Just have faith it’ll be okay.” course, discussing their roles as siblings, with the rose. Upcoming events may include rock For information contact the Vanderbilt Kennedy help of the “Wheel of Feelings.” Now Teen Fusion climbing, ice skating, video gaming contests, and Family Outreach Center, (615) 936-5118. allows for these teen siblings to engage in more Vanderbilt sporting events. Hillary Hamblen is an AmeriCorps volunteer. 9 Winter 2009 Discovery

From Dinner to Discovery By Jan Rosemergy TOMMY LAWSON TOMMY LAWSON TOMMY LAWSON Donna Eskind and Shirley Speyer, Nicholas Hobbs Kelly and Kevin Clippinger, Honorary Chairs, and Cathy Harla and Pat Levitt Committee Co-Chairs Brown, Leadership Council Chair TOMMY LAWSON TOMMY LAWSON TOMMY LAWSON Suzanne Goldman and Jay and Donna Richards Kevin and Gloria Churchwell, Jeffrey Balser, Jonathan Gitlin, Julie and Frank Boehm Jan and Harry Jacobson

hen Brian was 4 months old, he had Hobbs Discovery Grants examining reaction to diagnosis and parental “Wopen-heart surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s The “Dinner to Discovery” theme was highlighted by well-being in families of young children recently Hospital, and I vividly remember thinking how lucky VKC investigator Beth Malow, M.D., associate diagnosed with autism; and to Barbara Thompson, we were to have such a facility available to us,” said professor of neurology, who reported findings from Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, who is investigating Kelly Clippinger, addressing over 200 persons her research on sleep disorders in children with whether social interaction is aversive or not attending the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Leadership autism and other developmental disabilities. Malow’s motivating for children with autism. The MARI Dinner. “I didn’t realize then that we were equally Discovery Grant has led to funding by Autism Speaks Discovery Grants are supported by the lucky to have the Kennedy Center right across the of a larger study to investigate the use of melatonin Dan Marino Foundation. street. The impact it has had on Brian’s life is to improve sleep in children with autism. invaluable, and he will continue to benefit from the Discovery Grants for 2009-10 were announced. Clippingers, Honorary Chairs skills he has learned, through his adolescence and The Carell Family Discovery Grant was awarded to The Clippinger family served as Honorary Chair. into adulthood.” Carissa Cascio, Ph.D., assistant professor of Kevin and Kelly Clippinger shared their family’s story The Clippinger family, the Dinner’s Honorary psychiatry, to investigate brain pathways and of how VKC service and research programs have chairs, were part of an inspirational night at the sensory processing in autism. Suzanne Goldman, helped their son Brian, who has Down syndrome, Dinner, held November 11 and attended by Nicholas Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology, received the and how their other children Patrick and Blythe have Hobbs Society members and their guests. The Donna and Jay Richards Discovery Grant, which she found their own VKC program in SibSaturdays. Dinner is an annual celebration of community will use to study the impact of sleep on behavior “The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has been a part support for scientific discoveries to create a better and family functioning in Angelman syndrome. of our vocabulary since our son Brian was born future for individuals with disabilities and Discovery Grants also were awarded to Aaron with Down syndrome 11 years ago,” the their families. Bowman, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology, Clippingers said. “The first local Down Syndrome The Discovery Dinner was planned by Cathy and Karen Summar, M.D., assistant professor of Association meeting we attended was held at the Stewart Brown, Leadership Council Chair, with pediatrics and director of the Vanderbilt Down Center, and at that time we had no idea what a Donna Eskind and Shirley Speyer, Nicholas Hobbs Syndrome Clinic, for research on the use of patient- constant and important role the Kennedy Center Committee Co-Chairs, who led table sponsorships. derived stem cells in the study of Down syndrome; would play in our lives.” Over $100,000 was raised through Hobbs Society and to Kevin Haas, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor Brian attended Explorers Camp, where he took memberships and table sales. of neurology, to identify proteins relating to the part in a pilot research study on a method of Entertainment was provided by the W. O. Smith genetics of Angelman syndrome. teaching children with Down syndrome to read. School Singers directed by Lynn Adelman, music “At Explorer’s Camp, the researchers taught Brian, director of the VKC Music Camp. MARI Discovery Grants without his realizing it was a lesson, and it was a fun The funds raised support innovative Discovery Marino Autism Research Institute (MARI) Discovery and amazing experience for him. Only recently did Grants for VKC researchers investigating the Grants were awarded to Zachary Warren, Ph.D., we realize that the study was made possible by a 10 causes and treatments of disabilities. assistant professor of clinical psychiatry, who is Hobbs Discovery Grant.” Continued on page 11 Winter 2009 Discovery

“The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is an example of Levitt and his wife Harla received a framed collage From Dinner to Discovery a true team effort,” the Clippingers summarized. made up of all the commemorative plates featuring from page 10 “There is a synergy that is special and unique at the work by artists with disabilities, which have been gifts Center, and it is clear that everyone there is working at each Dinner—an idea, along with art note cards, The Clippingers shared that the VKC Reading to set all children up for success in the future.” originated by Harla, who has shared Pat’s dedication and Behavior Analysis Clinics continue to provide to the Center. the education, skills, and the support that helps Levitts Honored After recalling memories of his arrival at the their family. Pat Levitt, Ph.D., outgoing VKC Director, was honored Center and the needs identified—for more NIH “We have been overjoyed with the progress Brian by Richard McCarty, Ph.D., Vanderbilt Provost, Jeffrey funding, for community awareness of the Center’s has made in reading over the last several years that Balser, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for mission and activities, and for “centeredness”— he’s been enrolled at the Reading Clinic—especially Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine, Levitt shared a childhood memory that captures since we know that reading is an essential skill that and Harry Jacobson, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Health the spirit of the Center’s mission and his own role will serve him the rest of his life. Reading is now his Affairs. Balser praised Levitt for his “power of crystal as director: “There is a word in Hebrew, tzedakah, favorite subject at school, behind lunch and recess. clear vision” and for his skill in the “art of the possible.” which is normally translated into English as Brian’s progress in reading was confirmed when we Jacobson affirmed Vanderbilt’s commitment “to charity. In the Jewish tradition, as a child, we learn received his first TCAP scores in August. We were beat autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other about this concept from a very early age. I thrilled to find that his overall reading score was just developmental disorders,” and its commitment to remember going to my grandmother’s house, one point shy of qualifying him as ‘proficient’ for his becoming “the leading center in the world to do that. seeing the little tzedakah box on the counter and I grade level. We know Brian could not have It’s one of the things that Vanderbilt is in a position would drop part of my ten-cent allowance into the accomplished this without the support of the to do, and Pat has moved us in that direction in a box. However, the more accurate translation of the Reading Clinic.” major way.” He pledged to continue that effort. He word is righteous, or justice, or fairness. Helping The Clippingers gave special thanks to VKC commended Pat’s leadership in philanthropic others is not a favor—it is our duty. It is an Leadership Council member Andrea McDermott and fundraising, which saw a fourfold increase during expectation that has been passed on to us. It is a the Spickard family for endowing the Team William his tenure as director, and commended all those responsibility that we have to individuals with Scholarship for the VKC Reading Clinic; Brian was its present, saying, “Because of you, because disabilities and families—because it is the right first recipient. your hearts tell you to give—thank you for this.” thing to do.”

Kennedy Center Donors

Nicholas Hobbs Society Members Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. McCall Honor and Memorial Gifts ($1,000 and above) Mr. and Mrs. William R. Frist Mr. and Mrs. James McCarten In Honor of Mrs. Ann R. Bernard Mr. and Mrs. Howell E. Adams, Jr. Drs. Douglas and Lynn Fuchs Dr. and Mrs. Richard McCarty Ms. Sally M. Levine Mr. and Mrs. Michael U. Aguon Mr. and Mrs. Glenn R. Funk Ms. Andrea Blake McDermott Mr. and Mrs. Larry Okuneff Senator and Mrs. Lamar Alexander Drs. Steven G. Gabbe and Patricia C. Temple Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McDermott In Honor of David P. Bichell, M.D. Mrs. Ben J. Alper Dr. William M. Gavigan Mr. and Mrs. Tom McMillan Ms. Catherine Vetters Anonymous Dr. Marian George Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Ken Vetters Mrs. Alexander Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. Randall Goldstein Drs. Zeljka Korade-Mirnics and Karoly Mirnics Mr. and Mrs. B. Crisman Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Joel C. Gordon Dr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Nesbitt, Jr. In Honor of Mrs. Terry Jo Bichell Drs. Michael and Judy Aschner Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Bernard A. Osher Ms. Catherine Vetters Ms. Candice Ashburn Dr. and Mrs. John C. Gore Mr. and Mrs. Aneel M. Pandey Mr. and Mrs. Ken Vetters Mr. and Mrs. J. Barry Banker Mr. and Mrs. B. James Greenfield Ms. Mary Partin Mr. and Mrs. E. Warner Bass Mr. Dee Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. R. Thomas Patten In Honor of Mrs. Cathy Stewart Brown Mr. and Mrs. Lee Beaman Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Hayes Mr. Stephen Pert and Dr. Beth Malow Mr. and Mrs. William Ridley Wills III Mr. and Mrs. Jeb Beasley Dr. H. Carl Haywood Col. Robert Phillips, Jr. and In Honor of Mr. Matt Clifford Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Beasley Drs. Christine Konradi and Stephan Heckers Mrs. Barbara Gregg Phillips Ms. Stacy Anne Clifford Mrs. Ann Bernard Mr. and Mrs. Blake Henderson Dr. Aurea Pimenta Mr. Rudy Simplican Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Binkley Mrs. Carol Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Plunkett Dr. and Mrs. Frank H. Boehm Mr. David Henderson and Dr. Lynnette Henderson Mr. David G. Remington In Honor of Mr. Charlie Couch Mr. and Mrs. Jack O. Bovender, Jr. Mr. Robert W. Henderson II Mr. and Mrs. Tandy Rice, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Cocke Mr. and Mrs. Dan Brooks Mr. and Mrs. G. Daniel Hewitt Mr. and Mrs. James E. Richards III Dr. Elbert Brooks Mr. D. H. Hirsberg Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rogers In Honor of Ms. Catherine E. Davis Mrs. Linda Brooks Drs. Robert Hodapp and Elisabeth Dykens Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Roos Mr. Michael C. Kessen Ms. Wendy Brooks Mr. and Mrs. John Hoff Drs. Dan and Jan Rosemergy Mr. and Mrs. Martin S. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Holroyd Mr. and Mrs. Brent Rowan In Memory of Mr. Ferdinand Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Martin S. Brown, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David Howell Dr. and Mrs. Mark Serkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eric Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Brown Mr. and Mrs. John R. Ingram Mrs. Joan Shayne In Honor of Mr. Bryan Simmons Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell Mr. and Mrs. David B. Ingram Mr. and Mrs. R. Sargent Shriver Ms. Catherine G. Vetters Mr. and Mrs. William Capucilli Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Small Mrs. Monroe Carell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Herb Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Lester Speyer In Honor of Mrs. Frances G. Vetters Ms. Mary L. Carlson Mr. and Mrs. George F. Jewett, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Speyer Ms. Catherine G. Vetters Mrs. Juanita Cate Mr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Cheryl Johnson Dr. and Mrs. William Anderson Spickard III Mr. and Mrs. James H. Cheek III Ms. Mary Loventhal Jones Dr. and Mrs. Anderson Spickard, Jr. In Honor of Mr. Ken Vetters Mr. and Mrs. Whit Clark Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Joyce Mr. and Mrs. Timothy L. Stafford Ms. Catherine G. Vetters Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Claverie, Sr. Dr. Ann P. Kaiser Drs. Gregg Stanwood and BethAnn McLaughlin In Honor of Dr. Ralph G. Vetters Mr. and Mrs. John Clay Ms. Beverly Keel and Mr. Ronnie Steine Ms. Elise Steiner Ms. Catherine G. Vetters Dr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Conn Dr. Craig Kennedy and Ms. Tiina Hyvonen Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Stephenson Dr. Michael Cooper and Ms. Bethany Jackson Mrs. Heloise Werthan Kuhn Drs. Mark Jacokes and Wendy Stone Through their gifts, Hobbs Society members advance Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Devlin Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Landman Drs. Marshall and Karen Summar groundbreaking research in human development. Mrs. Marie Brakenridge Dodd Mr. Jere Lee and Dr. Evon Lee Mrs. Mary Jane Swaney For information about joining the Hobbs Society or Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Dreifuss Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan L. Lehman Mr. and Mrs. Earl Swensson making Honor or Memorial gifts, contact Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Eaden Mr. and Mrs. Rickey Lemons Mr. and Mrs. Jon Tapp (615) 343-5322. Dr. Kathie L. Eagleson Dr. and Mrs. Pat Levitt Drs. Richard and Mary Theresa Urbano Mrs. Molly Edmondson Mr. Howard Levy Ms. Joyce Vise Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Mr. and Mrs. John Bernard Elam Mr. and Mrs. Irving Levy Mrs. Patricia W. Wallace this report, which reflects Honor and Memorial gifts Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Emeson Mr. and Mrs. Luke Lewis Ms. Glenda Washam August 29-December 31, 2008. If an error has been Mrs. Annette S. Eskind Mr. and Mrs. Chris Link Mr. and Mrs. Mark Whitaker made, we offer our sincerest apology and ask that Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey B. Eskind Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Lovett Dr. Richard Woodcock you bring it to our attention by contacting Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Eskind Mr. and Mrs. John K. Lytle Dr. and Mrs. Paul Yoder (615) 343-5322. Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Eskind Dr. Mark A. Magnuson and Ms. Lucile Houseworth Mrs. Frank M. Farris, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Marino Mr. and Mrs. Steve Franklin Mrs. Jack C. Massey 11 Winter 2009 Discovery

Leadership Council of Improved VKC Website Discovery is a quarterly publication of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center designed to educate our friends and the community, from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Nashville to the nation. The Center is committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities of thinking, learning, Mrs. Cathy S. Brown, Chair perception, communication, mood and emotion caused by disruption of typical development. The Center is a university-wide Mrs. Annette S. Eskind, Past Chair research, training, diagnosis, and treatment institute. It is a Eunice Mrs. Barbara Gregg Phillips, Past Chair Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Mrs. Honey Alexander Mrs. Gail Gordon Jacobs Visit kc.vanderbilt.edu Research Center funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and a Ms. Sissy Allen Mr. Chris Link & Mrs. Rebecca Link University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Mrs. Dana M. Atkins Mrs. Michael F. Lovett Easy access to Research, Services, and Training at (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Developmental Mrs. Jean Ann Banker Mrs. Lorie Hoppers Lytle Disabilities. Mrs. Madge Bass Mrs. Jack C. Massey the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center kc.vanderbilt.edu (615) 322-8240 (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852] Mrs. Melissa Beasley Ms. Andrea Blake McDermott Mrs. Ann Bernard Ms. Pat McNellis Features include: Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., Interim Kennedy Center Director Mrs. Barbara T. Bovender Mrs. Thomas E. Nesbitt, Jr. News and Events—links upcoming events, news, Louis Muglia, M.D., Ph.D., Interim Associate Director Mrs. Linda Brooks The Honorable Andrew Shookhoff Tim Stafford, Director of Operations and featured video or podcasts Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D., Director of Communications Ms. Mary L. Carlson Mrs. Shirley F. Speyer UCEDD Mrs. Juanita Cate Mrs. Sue Spickard Topics—includes 97 research and disability-related Mrs. Elizabeth Ginsberg Dreifuss Mrs. Julie Carell Stadler Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., Co-Director Mrs. Ann Eaden Dr. Karen L. Summar topics, each linking to related grants, services, Elise McMillan, J.D., Co-Director; Services Terri Urbano, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Training Mrs. Donna G. Eskind Mrs. Patricia W. Wallace researchers, news, and video or podcasts Robert Hodapp, Ph.D., Research Mr. Glenn Funk Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D., Dissemination Mrs. Charlotte Gavigan Ex-Officio Members StudyFinder and the Research Family Partners Mrs. Bernice Gordon Dr. Pat Levitt LEND Training Grant (No. T73MC00050 MCHB/HRSA) Terri Urbano, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Director Mrs. Carol Henderson Dr. Elisabeth Dykens registry provide ways to take part in research Tyler Reimschisel, M.D., Associate Director Mr. Robert W. Henderson II Dr. BethAnn McLaughlin Ms. Lucile Houseworth Mrs. Elise McMillan Subscription—includes RSS feeds so that website Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders Ms. Bethany Jackson Mr. Tim Stafford content can be syndicated to site visitor’s personal Wendy Stone, Ph.D., Director Discovery feed reader program or online news aggregator Editor/Writer: Jan Rosemergy, Ph.D. Writer: Courtney Taylor Please keep the Calendar insert and also check Website meets accessibility standards of Worldwide Graphic Designer: Melanie Bridges, B.F.A. the Event Calendar on the VKC website Web Consortium and includes an Accessibility Discovery is supported in part by Grant No. HD 15052 from EKS for updates. If you wish to receive event NICHD and Administration on Developmental Disabilities Options troubleshooting section Grant #90DD0595 announcements by email, send your email Comments and suggestions welcome! Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of Equal address to [email protected]. Opportunity and Affirmative Action Event announcements are no longer Contact VKC webmaster [email protected] © 2009 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University

being direct mailed. Thank you.

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Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Kennedy Vanderbilt NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt Calendar of Events Unless otherwise noted, events are free and open to the public. Events are subject to change. Please check the calendar on our website kc.vanderbilt.edu or contact (615) 322-8240 or toll-free (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852]. Please keep this calendar and also check the Event Calendar on the VKC website for updates. If you wish to receive event announcements by email, send your email address to [email protected]. Event announcements are no longer being direct mailed. Thank you. For disability-related training and other events statewide and nationally, see Pathfinder Disability Calendar www.familypathfinder.org.

APRIL 17 Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. East Tennessee Disability Services and the Families First April Hispanic Community Conference VKC Hispanic Outreach and Tennessee Free workshops serving parents of children, APRIL 1 Disability Pathfinder ages 2-5, diagnosed with an autism spectrum Developmental Disabilities Grand Rounds Co-sponsor Tennessee Council on disorder. Held in Room 241 Vanderbilt Kennedy Immune Transcriptome Changes in the Developmental Disabilities, AmeriChoice, Center/MRL Building Temporal Cortex of Individuals with Autism Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Information (615) 343-4275 Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Associate Professor Services, Support and Training for Exceptional [email protected] of Psychiatry Parents, Cherokee Health Systems Registration kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration Co-Sponsor VKC Interdisciplinary Training Register (required) at Council and Pediatrics kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration Free monthly Saturday workshops Wednesday 8 a.m. Room 241 or contact (1-800) 640-4636 ext. 11, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building [email protected] Coffee and sign-in 8-8:30 a.m. on all dates Friday 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. APRIL 3-4 FEBRUARY 21 Cherokee Health Systems, Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) Adapting Daily Routines: Mealtime, Bathtime, 2018 Western Avenue, Knoxville First Annual Conference and Bedtime Keynote speakers: MARCH 28 M. Doreen Croser, Executive Director, Creating Family Activity Routines: Cooking, American Association of Intellectual and May Chores, and Games Developmental Disabilities Laurie Stallings-Vanderpool, Sibling MAY 15 Topics include futures planning, caring for Waddell & Reed Financial Services March caregivers, research, legislation and advocacy, Charity Golf Tournament family dynamics and relationships Benefiting Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Camps Friday 7:30 a.m. MARCH 11 Co-sponsors Tennessee Council on Hermitage Golf Course, The General’s Retreat Developmental Disabilities Grand Rounds Developmental Disabilities, University of Contact (615) 343-5322 Siblings of Individuals with Intellectual Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental kc.vanderbilt.edu/golf Disabilities Over the Life Span Disabilities, Harwood Center, and TigersEye Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Advisory, LLC of Pediatrics and Special Education Friday-Saturday, Holiday Inn Select at TRIAD School-Age Services Co-Sponsor VKC Interdisciplinary Training Vanderbilt, 2613 West End Ave., (888) 465-4329 Council and Pediatrics $45 fee covers registration, meals, snacks, TABS t-shirt With the TN Department of Education, Wednesday 8 a.m. Room 241 TRIAD offers free autism-specific workshops for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building Register (required) at kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration parents, school personnel, and the community. MARCH 26 or contact (615) 322-8529 ext. 15 These events are held in different locations Lectures on Development and across the state. Developmental Disabilities APRIL 15 Information and registration, contact Pediatric Anxiety: Current and Future Neuroscience Graduate Seminar [email protected], (615) 741-7790 Approaches to Therapeutics Serotonin Modulation of Brain Development: See also tennessee.gov/education/speced/ Daniel Pine, M.D., Chief of Emotion and Impact on Affective- and Anxiety-Related seannounce.shtml Development Branch, Chief of Section on Adult Phenotypes MARCH 3 Developmental and Affective Neuroscience, Jay Gingrich, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor Full-Day Workshop for Special Educators and Chief of Child and Adolescent Research in the of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Parents (Jackson) Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Director, Sackler Laboratory of Translational National Institute of Mental Health Neurogenetics, New York State Psychiatric MARCH 6 Thursday 4:10 p.m. Room 241 Institute Full-Day Workshop for Special Educators and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building Co-sponsor Vanderbilt Brain Institute Parents (Nashville) Wednesday 4:10 p.m. Room 1220 MARCH 25-27 MRB III Lecture Hall TRIAD Teacher Training: Basic Middle/High School (Nashville)

Number 23 Winter 2009 Summer 2003 Discovery

APRIL 11, JUNE 13, AUGUST 8, OCTOBER 10, Statewide Directory DECEMBER 12 2007-2008 Disability Services and Supports VKC Summer Camps SibSaturdays West, Middle, and East Tennessee volumes Ages 5-7 and 8-13 years $25 per directory Contact Gretchen Herbert, Recreation and Games, friends, conversation Contact (615) 322-8529 ext. 15 Art Coordinator, (615) 321-8761 $10/child or $20/family [email protected] Financial assistance available June 8-June 26 Project of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Advance registration required TRIAD Social Skills Camp Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Saturdays Room 241 Kennedy Center/ June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26 and Tennessee Council on MRL Building Three 1-week sessions for campers, ages 7-11 Developmental Disabilities 3-week session for campers, ages 12-21 See also SibSaturdays sponsored by Autism June 8-26 Society of Middle Tennessee and Down Camp Shriver Transitions and Sports Camp Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee Community Events For campers with developmental disabilities, MARCH 14, JUNE 20, SEPTEMBER 12, APRIL 4 ages 16-25 DECEMBER 19 Team William Mini-Marathon (5K Run/Walk) Teen Fusion July 5-10 Saturday Warner Parks-Vaughn Road Ages 13-17 Music Camp Registration 8 a.m. Race begins 9 a.m. Fun field trips For campers, ages 16 and up, Information 370-8115 Locations and activities vary with developmental disabilities [email protected] Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) Proceeds benefit Team William Scholarship Contact Ashley Coulter, (615) 322-8529 ext. 15 Endowment, VKC Reading Clinic Arts & Disabilities Register online at kc.vanderbilt.edu/site/services/ www.teamwilliam.org disabilityservices/tabs.aspx Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Exhibits See April calendar for conference details MAY 28-30 Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Lobby Tennessee Disability MegaConference Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building Nashville Airport Marriott For information contact (615) 321-8761 Take Part in Research For more information, visit www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org JANUARY 30-MARCH 27 Expressions Through Color Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Research Studies Co-sponsored by the Frist Center for the For children and adults, with and ASMT Events Visual Arts without disabilities Lynnette Henderson (615) 936-0448 APRIL 1-JULY 31 Toll-free (1-866) 936-VUKC [8852] Autism Society of Middle Tennessee Art Through the Eyes of Autism www.tnautism.org Research Family Partners Co-sponsored by VSA Arts of Tennessee and ASMT event and location information kc.vanderbilt.edu/rfp Autism Society of Middle Tennessee (ASMT) (615) 385-2077 Register and be notified of research studies Reception at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Registration is requested for all events on Thursday, April 23,prior to the StudyFinder ASMT members free; nonmembers $5/family ASMT educational workshop kc.vanderbilt.edu/studyfinder View lists of studies, criteria, and contact MARCH 19 & MAY 21, Orientation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. information MARCH 21, SibSaturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Behavior Analysis Clinic MARCH 26, Workshop: Make & Take It: Supporting See also VUMC Clinical Trials Communication Through Visual Supports, www.vanderbilthealth.com/clinicaltrials For families of children, 3-18, with 6:30-8:30 p.m. developmental disabilities Art Exhibit – see Arts & Disabilities section Contact (615) 322-9007 TN Disability Pathfinder

Phone, web, print resources DSAMT Events Sibling Supports www.familypathfinder.org English (615) 322-8529 Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee For children, teens, and adults who have a sibling Español (615) 322-8529 ext. 11 www.dsamt.org with a disability, chronic health care issue, Toll-free (1-800) 640-INFO [4636] DSAMT event information (615) 386-9002 or mental health concern [email protected] APRIL 24-25 For all programs below, contact (615) 936-5118 Fired Up! for Down Syndrome Biannual [email protected] Disability Calendar Internet calendar of training and other Statewide Conference disability-related events Friday-Saturday 9:30-11:30 a.m. kc.vanderbilt.edu/tnpathfinder/calendar.html Brentwood United Methodist Church

Number 23 Winter 2009