Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

The Promise of Discovery Season 5, Episode 5 It's important for speech language pathologists to learn about children's grammar because grammar deficits are often a sign of a language impairment. For this experiment, researchers had parents and speech language pathologists fill out a checklist (Children's Communication Checklist-2), to report on children communication skills, and then we compared the results. We learned that parents and speech language pathologists both identified speech deficits in children but that parents are not sensitive to differences in their children's grammar. Featuring: Jane (Janie) Sommer Eppstein, Ph.D. Student; Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Melanie Schuele, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 5, Episode 4 This research explored how combining visual perception with motor practice—specifically drawing unfamiliar symbols—leads to lasting brain changes that support learning. Participants trained by drawing new letter-like symbols over four days while researchers tracked their brain activity using fMRI scans before, immediately after, and one-week post-training. The after-training scans revealed significant differences in activity within several brain regions—including the motor cortex—during the perception of trained compared to untrained symbols that were greater one-week post-training. This suggests that hands-on, visual-motor learning builds long-term changes in how the brain processes visual information, with potential implications for educational strategies and interventions. Featuring: Shelby Buettner, Graduate Student, Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Sophia Vinci-Booher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology & Human Development and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disease which affects about 100,000 people in the US. Around 80% of these patients experience cognitive and intellectual impairments which are unaffected by currently approved therapies for NF1. A recent genetic study from our lab identified an association between the NF1 disease and a receptor protein called metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7). This project investigates how using small molecules to augment mGlu7 function could help identify new therapies for NF1 patients struggling with cognitive impairments. Featuring: Harrison Parent, Ph.D. Candidate- Niswender Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interviewer: Colleen Niswender, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology; Director of Molecular Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 5, Episode 2   Although children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) more often experience mental health concerns, they do not always receive mental health services. This episode outlines a study that examined the barriers of caregiver familiarity with services.   Featuring: Verity Rodrigues, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics; TRIAD Educational Consultant Interviewer: Robert Hodapp, Ph.D., Professor of Special Education and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 5, Episode 1 Significant physical, psychological, hormonal and social changes occur during pubertal development. Adolescence may be uniquely challenging for girls, especially those with autism spectrum disorder. This episode covers longitudinal research being conducted to better understand the psychological, social and physical development of girls with autism before, during, and after puberty. Featuring: Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., James G. Blakemore Chair and Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Professor of Psychology; Director, Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member Interviewer: Rachael Muscatello, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 7 While public attitudes towards many stigmatized groups have improved in recent years, the same has not been true for people living with schizophrenia, making those with the disorder particularly at risk for social exclusion. The research presented in this episode explores how people with schizophrenia experience and respond to social exclusion, as well as what can be done to promote inclusion. Featuring: Lauren Weittenhiller, M.A., Clinical Psychology Intern, Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Julia Sheffield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Jack Martin, M.D., Research Professor in Psychopharmacology; and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 6 Autistic LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk of experiencing negative social experiences and associated psychological distress. This episode discusses a study that examined the effects of gender minority status and sexual minority status on negative social experiences (defined by frequent peer victimization and low degrees of authenticity) and depressive symptoms among autistic transition-age youth and explored whether the associations between negative social experiences and depressive symptoms differed across gender/sexual identity. This work highlights the need for immediate intervention to improve the mental health of autistic gender minority youth. Featuring: Natalie Libster, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatrics., Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Co-Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 5 The needs of siblings of individuals with disabilities are under studied. The research presented in this episode highlights theme areas of support as raised by 446 siblings of individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. It asks and answers the question: What would have been beneficial to you growing up as the sibling of a person with a disability? Featuring: Gillian Neff, graduate student, Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Alexandra Da Fonte, Ph.D., associate professor of the practice, Special Education; and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 4 This research examines mGlu7, a transmembrane receptor involved in several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Rett syndrome, ADHD, schizophrenia, and Neurofibromatosis Type 1. The project discussed studies the mechanism of mGlu7 activation by allosteric modulators to develop new treatments and help guide drug discovery efforts. Featuring: Xia Lei, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Colleen Niswender, Ph.D., associate professor of Pharmacology; Director of Molecular Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery; and a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 3 Many people with autism experience executive functioning (EF) impairments, and its widely acknowledged that these challenges play a significant role in autism. Anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent and impairing challenges for autistic youth, and emerging evidence suggests EF impairments exacerbate anxiety. This study examines how everyday EF impairments are related to specific anxiety symptoms in autistic youth. Featuring: Christina Burroughs, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, Vanderbilt University Interviewer: Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., James G. Blakemore Chair and Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Professor of Psychology; Associate Director, Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and VKC Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 2 Manganese is essential for brain development and human health. However, excess manganese can be toxic. The Harrison lab discusses how manganese exposures can alter the response to some drugs currently used to treat intellectual and developmental disabilities. Featuring: Adriana Tienda, Lab Manager, Harrison Lab Interviewer: Fiona Harrison, Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine; Director, IDDRC Behavioral Phenotyping Core (Core D); Mouse Behavioral Phenotyping Faculty Coordinator; VKC Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 4, Episode 1 Adults with Down syndrome have a greatly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. Ongoing research focuses on investigating different markers of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down Syndrome. These studies are specifically examining a neurotransmitter system called the cholinergic system that is vitally important for cognition and known to decline early in Alzheimer's disease in the neurotypical population. Understanding the progression of these different markers associated with Alzheimer's disease will provide essential data for future therapeutic trials in adults with Down Syndrome. Center for Cognitive Medicine website: https://www.vumc.org/ccm/welcome Trial Ready Cohort for Down Syndrome: https://www.vumc.org/ccm/trcds Featuring: Jason Russell, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry Interviewer: Paul Newhouse, M.D., Jim Turner Professor of Cognitive Disorders; Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, and Medicine; Director, Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine; VKC Member

The Promise of Discovery Season 3, Episode 4 In 2022, VKC UCEDD Co-Director Erik Carter announced he would be leaving Vanderbilt and taking a position at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carter to discuss some of his highly impactful research, training and technical assistance in the areas of adolescent transitions to adult life and employment; social interaction and friendships, school and community inclusion; faith and disability, and belonging. VKC Researcher: Erik Carter, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Professor of Special Education; Co-Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Interviewer: Courtney Taylor, M.Div., Director of Communications and Dissemination, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

The Promise of Discovery Season 3, Episode 3 In this podcast we discuss our research using mice with a genetic deletion similar to a human neurodevelopmental disorder to understand how brain regions important for memory are affected. We discuss the methods we use in mice to study a memory region called the hippocampus and talk about how our research might lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental conditions. VKC Researcher: Alan Lewis, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Neurology Interviewer: Leann Seañez, research assistant

The Promise of Discovery Season 3, Episode 2: Rates of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) have increased, and prenatal opioid exposure is thought to have profound effects on the developing nervous system and lead to long-term impairments in functioning, potentially including increased rates of educational and developmental disabilities. This research examines whether preschool-aged children with and without NOWS differ in neural and behavioral indicators of cognitive control and evaluates the extent to which associations between NOWS and cognitive control persist. VKC Researcher: Autumn Kujawa, Ph.D., assistant professor of Psychology and Human Development Interviewer: Courtney Taylor, M.Div., Director of Communications, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

The Promise of Discovery Season 3, Episode 1: Community participation is important for family well-being but many families of autistic children report more difficulties and more negative experiences with recreational activities. The Serenade Parent-Child Music Class Program is specifically designed to support neurodiverse children and families during the classes, as well as provide parenting support through home musical activities. In this mixed-methods study, researchers investigated the mechanisms by which parent–child music classes can support community participation and well-being. Resources: Serenade Parent-Child Music Class Program YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFcRe6UOi_veyfb3Hh3bacA Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab: https://www.vumc.org/music-cognition-lab/ VKC Researchers: Miriam Lense, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology, Co-Director Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab Interviewer: Courtney Taylor, M.Div., Director of Communications, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 9: VKC researchers have found that children with autism report higher rates of gender diversity — the way in which an individual experiences gender distinct from social norms for their gender assigned at birth — than their typically developing peers. The study used both self-reporting and parent-reporting measures to assess the experience of gender diversity in 244 children between ages 10 and 13. Understanding the experiences and needs of gender diverse youth is critical, as statistical comparisons in the study between groups with ASD and with typical development revealed associations between gender profiles and symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidality. VKC Researchers: Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Psychology; Director, Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Interviewer: Rachael Anne Muscatello, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow, Dept of Psych and Behavior Sciences

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 8: The Tennessee Disability Services Study surveyed more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities, family members, educators, providers, agency staff, and health care workers in TN. Questions examined what matters most to disability and professional communities across the state, how they currently find needed information, and solicited their recommendations for making this process easier. Responses are informing recommendations for addressing enduring needs related to accessing information and services that enable people with disabilities to flourish. VKC Researchers: Erik Carter, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Professor of Special Education; Co-Director, VKC University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VKC UCEDD) Elise McMillan, J.D., Co-Director, VKC UCEDD; Director of Community Engagement and Public Policy; Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Emily Lanchak, M.Ed., Educational Consultant, Transition Tennessee

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 7: This episode features a discussion of the need for meaningful therapies in Rett syndrome (RTT), and highlights the Lavender™ study, a phase 3, 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the drug trofinetide in 187 young females, ages 5 to 20, with Rett syndrome. Investigators discuss public, top-level results of the potential first-of-its-kind drug to treat the symptoms of RTT, and share the hope that this trial paves the way for other successful trials in RTT and related disorders. VKC Researchers: Jeffrey L. Neul, M.D., Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair and Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Special Education Cary Fu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 6: This episode features discussion of a national survey of special education teachers to assess the level of training they received in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and to collect their reflections and recommendations to support students who use AAC in their classrooms. VKC Researcher: Alexandra Da Fonte, Ph.D., associate professor of the Practice, Director of Professional Studies, Vanderbilt University Guest Researcher: Miriam Boesch, Ph.D., associate professor of Special Education, University of North Texas

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 5: The estimated prevalence of children in the U.S. with autism spectrum disorder has increased in 2021. Principal investigators from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's TRIAD lead tracking in Tennessee through a grant from the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The national tracking study is discussed in this episode. https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/autismdata/ VKC Researchers: Zachary E. Warren, Ph.D., Director, Division of Developmental Medicine, Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics; Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Special Education; Executive Director, VKC TRIAD Alison Vehorn, M.S., Clinical Research Coordinator, TRIAD

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 4: The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers in this episode are studying the connection of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. The Trial-Ready Cohort-Down Syndrome Study will identify individuals over age 35 with Down syndrome, obtain information about how they are functioning, and evaluate their brain activity and structure. This work will identify individuals with Down syndrome who may be eligible for a future medication study with the goal of reducing their risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease. VKC Researcher: Paul Newhouse, M.D., Jim Turner Professor of Cognitive Disorders; Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, and Medicine; Director, Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine Interviewer: Elise McMillan, J.D., Co-Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; Director of Community Engagement and Public Policy; and Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 3: The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers in this episode are studying how technology (wearable sensors, new apps, and machine learning) might improve how we understand, predict, and treat problem behaviors in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They also dig into the ethical considerations of their study and of behavioral interventions more broadly. VKC Researchers: Amy Weitlauf, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics; VKC TRIAD Associate Director of Research John Staubitz, M.Ed., BCBA, TRIAD Behavior Consultation Coordinator; Behavioral/Educational Consultant; Assistant in Pediatrics, School of Medicine

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 2: The research in this episode focuses on an intervention for educators to use in schools to support minimally verbal students with autism (ages 5-9) to establish social and communication skills, particularly with their peers. VKC Researcher: Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education Interviewer: Emilee Spann, graduate student, Special Education

The Promise of Discovery Season 2, Episode 1: The research discussed in this episode focuses on how low doses of the drug ketamine produce fast and long-term antidepressant effects and identifies the gene (MeCP2) and processes in the brain that are involved. VKC Researcher: Lisa Monteggia, Ph.D., Barlow Family Director of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute; Professor of Pharmacology Interviewer: Jeffrey L. Neul, M.D., Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair and Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Special Education

The Promise of Discovery Episode 14: This episode outlines research focused on a new treatment strategy for Rett syndrome and related disorders, tests the hypothesis that there may be specific Rett syndrome populations that are most likely to respond effectively and safely to the treatment, and discusses specific biomarkers, like EEG, that might be used to test how the brain responds. VKC Researcher: Colleen Niswender, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Pharmacology; Director of Molecular Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery Interviewer: Sheryl Anne Vermudez, Graduate Student in Pharmacology, Niswender laboratory

The Promise of Discovery Episode 13: Many deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children struggle with reading and the severity of the impairment for some children increases with age. Despite this, we know very little about the brain mechanisms for successful reading in DHH children and do not know why some DHH children are good readers and other are not. The research discussed in this episode uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 10- to 15-year-old hearing children as well as in DHH children with predominant signed language, predominant oral language, or bimodal (signed and oral) language. The longitudinal approach follows children two years later and allows an investigation of how reading gains are related to brain changes over time and whether this varies with age. VKC Researcher: James Booth, Ph.D., Patricia & Rodes Hart Chair and Professor of Psychology & Human Development Interviewer: Daniel Devor, project coordinator, Brain Development Lab. Watch the video of the podcast with ASL interpretation at: https://vimeo.com/524309928

The Promise of Discovery Episode 12: New research from the lab of VKC Investigator Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., suggests girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience puberty earlier than their typically developing peers. Findings prompt a need for enhanced understanding of pubertal development in individuals with autism and new supports and treatments to address matters associated with this transitional period. VKC Researcher: Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Psychology Interviewer: Rachael Anne Muscatello, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

The Promise of Discovery Episode 11: ASSIST – Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions – is a program that trains parents of young adults with autism on services that are available in the community and empowers them to advocate for their child to help them successfully transition to adulthood. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Interviewer: Janet Shouse, Program Coordinator, IDD Toolkit; Study Coordinator, Project ECHO Autism Adult Healthcare

The Promise of Discovery Episode 10 Equipping students with severe disabilities for the world of work has been the longstanding emphasis of transition education. Adolescence is a critical period for employment preparation, yet too many young people with disabilities do not have access to paid work during high school. This episode explores a study that is gathering perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of paid employment for youth and young adults with severe disabilities. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Erik Carter, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Professor of Special Education; Co-Director, VKC University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Interviewer: Caitlin Bernstein, Research Analyst, Next Steps at Vanderbilt

The Promise of Discovery Episode 9: This episode outlines a qualitative study to explore the disability identity development of college students with disabilities. The results led to establishing a model of psychosocial identity development for individuals with disabilities. The model highlights four developmental statuses: acceptance, relationship, adoption and engagement. The model also has application as a framework for healthcare professionals and psychologists who are working with individuals with disabilities. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Anjali J. Forber-Pratt, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Human & Organizational Development Interviewer: Bradley Minotti, undergraduate psychology major at the University of Florida

The Promise of Discovery Episode 8: Sense Theatre is a unique intervention research program that brings together theatre techniques and peer actors to enhance social competence in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The program includes theatre games, character development, improvisation, singing, and the performance of an original play with themes of belonging, acceptance, and making friends. Research has demonstrated that the communication and social skills of children with autism can be significantly enhanced through participation in structured theatrical and musical experiences. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Psychology Interviewer: Emelyne Bingham, Senior Lecturer in the Teaching of Music

The Promise of Discovery Episode 7: Understanding how social information is processed within the reward circuit has the potential to uncover molecular targets with positive therapeutic potential. The investigators’ research efforts using a model of early immune activation aim to elucidate the molecular and circuit modifications induced by these immunological factors that ultimately contribute to alterations in reward processing. It is the vision of this research that the specificity of the approach will uncover a novel therapeutic tool to help treat social dysfunction. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Brad Grueter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Interviewer: Erin S. Calipari, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmacology

The Promise of Discovery Episode 7: Understanding how social information is processed within the reward circuit has the potential to uncover molecular targets with positive therapeutic potential. The investigators’ research efforts using a model of early immune activation aim to elucidate the molecular and circuit modifications induced by these immunological factors that ultimately contribute to alterations in reward processing. It is the vision of this research that the specificity of the approach will uncover a novel therapeutic tool to help treat social dysfunction. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Brad Grueter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Interviewer: Erin S. Calipari, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pharmacology

The Promise of Discovery Episode 6: Testing an app to help pediatricians recognize autism risk in young children Researchers from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and partners from technology start-up Adaptive Technology Consulting discuss the evaluation of a mobile app called Autoscreen, which is currently being tested and is designed to help pediatricians recognize autism risk in young children. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Amy Weitlauf, Ph.D., assistant professor of Pediatrics and TRIAD Associate Director of Research discusses the Autoscreen app with developer Joshua Wade.

The Promise of Discovery Episode 5: Laurie Cutting: Understanding how brain mechanisms interact to predict academic outcomes Cutting is among only 33 Vanderbilt researchers to have received an NIH Merit Award, and one of only 5 women. In this NIH research, she is measuring academic achievement and changes in brain structure and function. The ultimate goal is to develop brain-based causal models of academic achievement to effectively individualize instruction in a way that promotes academic success and prevents academic struggles. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Laurie Cutting, Ph.D., Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education; Professor of Psychology, Radiology, and Pediatrics; Associate Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; Director, IDDRC Translational Neuroimaging Core C; Faculty Director, VKC Reading Clinic. Interviewer: Sissy Peters, Program Director, VKC Reading Clinic and ECHO Reading

The Promise of Discovery Episode 4: Paul Yoder: A career in helping children learn to talk Paul Yoder, Ph.D., retired from Vanderbilt University in late 2019. A long-time Vanderbilt Kennedy Center investigator, he studied communication and language and intervention in children with language delays. In this episode, Yoder discusses what he learned over the course of his career about young children and communication. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Paul Yoder, Ph.D., Professor of Special Education (Retired) Interviewer: Catherine Bush

The Promise of Discovery Episode 3: Learning how children with autism spectrum disorders process sensory information A multidisciplinary, 5-year project focused on understanding how the brain integrates information coming in from multiple senses, and whether we can train multisensory integration abilities in children with autism. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researchers: Mark Wallace, Ph.D., Louise B. McGavock Endowed Chair; Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Psychology; Dean, Vanderbilt University Graduate School Tiffany Woynaroski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences Carissa Cascio, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Interviewer: Jacob Feldman, Hearing and Speech Sciences Graduate Student

The Promise of Discovery Episode 2: Language growth in in young children with disabilities The Vanderbilt KidTalk project facilitates studies focused on language learning in young children with disabilities. Interventions typically focus on teaching partners (parents, siblings, peers, etc.) to support language development in children who have language delays. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Ann Kaiser, Ph.D., Susan Gray Chair in Education and Human Development; Professor of Special Education and Psychology Interviewer: Elise McMillan, J.D., Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

The Promise of Discovery Episode 1: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers are using electronic medical record information and biological samples to better understand how Down syndrome is related to a variety of disorders and conditions. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Jeffrey Neul, M.D., Ph.D., Annette Schaffer Eskind Chair and Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Special Education Interviewer: Elise McMillan, J.D., Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences