Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at UAB

10/20/2026

Join UAB RAN and Dr. Jennifer Sheehy-Knight and Dr. Sarah Bauman from Alabama Developmental and Behavioral Specialists for our CEW tomorrow focused on developing successful sleep habits in youth with autism.

Event Details:
• Date: Wednesday, October 21st
• Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• In-Person Location: 200 Wildwood Parkway, Suite 130, Homewood, AL 35209

Registration:
The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required. You can choose to join us in person or virtually!
• Register for the In-Person Workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uab-ran-community-education-workshop-sleep-and-autism-tickets-1997635678088?aff=oddtdtcreator
• Register for the Zoom Webinar here: https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/CLa06IecSR-RdwQDH4CCuA #/

Spanish interpretation will be available!

10/07/2026

Great article about the Civitan-Sparks Dental Clinic, a valuable component of our LEND and UCEDD programs!

A UAB Dentistry expert shares how parents can prepare children with special health care needs for dental visits, build trust and prevent dental problems.

09/30/2026

We are honored to introduce the 2026-2027 UAB LEND Cohort. We look forward to a remarkable year of leadership development, interdisciplinary training, and dedication to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Welcome, trainees!

Interested in becoming a future UAB LEND trainee? Visit https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/programs/lend/ to learn more! 💫

09/28/2026

Join UAB RAN this Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom to learn about Enroll Alabama. Enroll Alabama is dedicated to guiding families and individuals through their health insurance options so everyone can get the coverage they need. Grab your lunch (or coffee) and come chat with us to see how Enroll Alabama can support you!

Register for this free event here: https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/FFlpozvATsKjREF0ai97Mw #/registration

🇪🇸 Acompañe a UAB RAN este miércoles 30 de septiembre de 2026, de 11:00 AM a 12:00 PM a través de Zoom, para aprender sobre Enroll Alabama. Enroll Alabama se dedica a guiar a las familias y a las personas a través de sus opciones de seguro médico para que todos puedan obtener la cobertura que necesitan. ¡Traiga su almuerzo (o café) y acompáñenos a conversar para ver cómo Enroll Alabama puede apoyarle!

Regístrese para este evento gratuito aquí: https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/FFlpozvATsKjREF0ai97Mw #/registration

09/18/2026

UAB is part of this study and enrolling now!

🐨 Koala Study Update!

📍 The Koala Study continues to grow! There are now 17 active study sites, with additional sites expected to open soon. Check out the latest list to see if there’s a study site near you!

What is the Koala Study?
The Koala Study is a Phase 3 clinical trial studying NNZ-2591 in children ages 3-12 with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

🤔 You may have seen terms like randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled and wondered, “What does that actually mean?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:
🎲 Randomized
Participants are assigned by chance to receive either NNZ-2591 or a placebo—similar to flipping a coin. The placebo is designed to look like the study treatment but does not contain the active drug.

🙈 Double-blind
Neither families nor the study team knows which participants are receiving NNZ-2591 and which are receiving the placebo.

📊Placebo-controlled
Researchers compare outcomes between the group receiving NNZ-2591 and the group receiving the placebo. This helps them determine whether changes seen during the study may be related to the study treatment.

💚 Considering the Koala Study for your child?
You can find additional information about the study and the latest site updates through the links in the comments.

🚨 Reminder:
Clinical trials are conducted to test the safety and/or benefit of a drug. Clinical trials rely on human volunteers to expand medical knowledge. Clinical trials do not take the place of clinical care, and families are encouraged to discuss potential participation with their loved one’s healthcare team.

08/19/2026

Tune in today from 11AM-12PM to learn more about the RISE Autism Program, a special initiative uniquely designed to support students and individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and sensory loss.

🔗 Register for this free session here: https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/

08/18/2026

🔬Research study opportunity! Scan the QR code on the flyer or contact Dr. Caroline Richter to learn more about the study! You can also use this link to sign up: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4HGIilLwq32YVKK

08/18/2026

Deadline is tomorrow so you still have time to apply!

07/30/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Partners in Policymaking Alabama (P**A) Program!

P**A offers leadership and advocacy training for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to help shape inclusion across Alabama.

📌 Applications close August 19, 2026.

Apply today or share with someone who would be a great fit!

Link to application: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daHinB1zxzcZ1To

06/24/2026

Our friends from Autism Support of Alabama opened applications for their post-secondary scholarships! 🙌

Whether you’re heading to college, a tech school, or a job training program, this is a great opportunity to get some extra support. (Just heads up: if you received the scholarship last year, you aren't eligible for this round). Get the application details here: autism-alabama.org

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