Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Research and Disability Topics

Quickly find related research information, services, training, news, video, podcasts, upcoming events, links and other resources that the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center website has related to these topics.

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. They include: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Autism spectrum disorders are present early in life and are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in the following areas: communication/language, social abilities, and restricted or unusual patterns of activities and interests. The symptoms and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders can be present in different combinations and at different levels of severity. Often specific behaviors of individuals with ASD vary widely from person to person.

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Services and Programs

Printable Resources and Materials

  • Autism Research Network
    Provides a single source of information about the networks supported by the National Institutes of Health that are dedicated to understanding and treating autism.
  • Autism Society for Middle Tennessee
    Monthly workshops, orientations, annual conferences, support groups, referral to local resources, phone support, educational and legislative advocacy, public awareness opportunities and trainings, and an active involvement in the larger disability community.
  • Autism Society of America
    ASA is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, and exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism.
  • Autism Speaks
    Autism-related resources regarding advocacy, family services, community oureach, charity events, research and more.
  • Autism Speaks - First 100 Days Kit
    A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis.
  • Autism Speaks: Video Glossary
    Free, web-based tool designed to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
  • Autism Speaks: Walk Now for Autism
    Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism is North America's largest grassroots autism walk program and our signature fundraising and awareness event. Join us at one of our walks across the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.
  • Autism Spectrum, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Health Library
    Information about autism spectrum disorders at the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
  • Autism, Family Village Library
    Information about autism spectrum disorders at the Family Village.
  • Best Buddies (Vanderbilt Chapter)
    Vanderbilt University's Best Buddies chapter.
  • Center for Disease Control - Autism Information Center
    The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Autism Information Center.
  • Interactive Autism Network
    The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is an innovative online project bringing together tens of thousands of people affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and hundreds of researchers in a search for answers.
  • International Society for Autism Research
    The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) is a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including autism, Apserger syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified.
  • Kevin C, Ess Research Laboratory
    The Kevin C, Ess Research Laboratory studies the neurobiology of progenitor cells, specifically the mechanisms by which neural progenitors make cell fate decisions during development.
  • Mayer Johnson - The building blocks for learning and human expression
    Mayer Johnson offers software products to families and professionals for symbol-based communication and education.
  • The Dan Marino Foundation
    The Dan Marino Foundation’s mission is to “open doors” for children and young adults with special needs by supporting comprehensive integrated treatment programs, providing outreach services, advancing scientific research, and fostering independence through transition programs.
  • TRIAD School-Home Connection Workshop
    Parent/teacher training in autism spectrum disorders

Upcoming Events

StudyFinder - Participate in a study related to Autism spectrum disorders

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers need subjects to complete the studies listed below.

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Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Research on Autism spectrum disorders

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