News releases
June 2021
Long-standing genomic medicine partnership expands specialty care for children in region
June 22, 2021
A seven-year telemedicine partnership between the UC Davis MIND Institute and Dignity Health ensures that more children with genetic disorders receive quick, convenient specialty care. The success is due to high-quality robots and a commitment to improving access to genomic medicine.
Local foundation awards $1.25 million to MIND Institute to study rare genetic condition
June 21, 2021
RDM Positive Impact Foundation is sponsoring a $1.25 million project at the UC Davis MIND Institute to advance research about SYNGAP1, a rare genetic condition that impacts the brain across the lifespan. An interdisciplinary team is seeking revolutionary solutions.
MIND Institute brain bank focused on autism, diversity, education and research
June 7, 2021
The new CENE Brain Bank, supported by the MIND Institute, aims to increase the diversity of brain tissue available for research about autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The project includes collection sites in Latin American countries.
El banco de cerebros en el Instituto MIND se concentra en autismo, diversidad, educación e investigación
June 7, 2021
El nuevo banco de cerebros CENE, apoyado por el Instituto MIND, tiene como objetivo aumentar la diversidad del tejido cerebral disponible para la investigación sobre el autismo y otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo. El proyecto incluye sitios de recolección en países de América Latina.
Rapid whole genome sequencing leads to better outcomes for babies, lower medical costs
June 4, 2021
A study published today outlined the success of Project Baby Bear, a real-world quality improvement program designed to test the clinical and economic value of using rapid Whole Genome Sequencing to diagnose and guide treatment for infants with unexplained rare disease.
Unleashed: how a doggie day care was the perfect fit for employee and employer (video)
June 2, 2021
For one woman with autism, a job at a local doggie daycare has provided purpose. The opportunity resulted from an innovative UC Davis MIND Institute program, which connects employers and agencies eager to support workers with developmental disabilities.
May 2021
Air quality linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's
May 19, 2021
A study led by UC Davis toxicologist Pamela Lein found a link between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. More than 5 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease.
New college program for students with intellectual disabilities accepting applications
May 17, 2021
Applications are now being accepted for Redwood SEED Scholars, a brand-new, four-year college program for students with intellectual disabilities. The inclusive program includes living on campus, attending traditional classes and work opportunities. Applications are due June 4.
UC Davis MIND Institute to host inaugural stem cell, gene therapy conference
May 11, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute is now accepting abstracts for its first-ever Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Conference. The September event will feature both in-person and virtual options and will focus on the development of treatments for genetic disorders.
MIND Institute honored by Chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (video)
May 4, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute received a department-wide award from the UC Davis Chancellor’s Office for its significant efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Recent efforts include grants, healing circles and outreach to the medically underserved.
April 2021
MIND Institute study of anxiety in children with autism now includes online treatment
April 20, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute is now offering online treatment as part of its clinical trial known as the STAAR study. The trial will compare the effectiveness of the medication sertraline and cognitive behavioral therapy in treating anxiety in children with autism.
MIND Institute showcases research, gives tour during virtual open house (video)
April 14, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute offered a behind-the-scenes virtual tour of its clinic, labs and facility recently. The event also featured research updates and a live question and answer session, and is available for anyone to view online.
New test to study language development in youth with Down syndrome
April 8, 2021
A team led by UC Davis Health researchers tested and validated a new set of procedures for collecting, measuring and analyzing the spoken language of youth with Down syndrome in a naturalistic setting.
$15 million grant to renew center studying effects of maternal infections on offspring
April 7, 2021
Discovering how infections during pregnancy can lead to psychiatric illness and developmental disorders in offspring years later is the subject of a $15.7 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to the Conte Center at the University of California, Davis.
March 2021
Study finds adolescents with autism may engage neural control systems differently
March 12, 2021
UC Davis Health researchers studying executive control in adolescents and young adults with autism have published new research that suggests a unique approach, rather than impairment.
Helping kids with autism transition back to in-person school: 10 tips
March 9, 2021
Many area schools are making plans to return to in-person instruction. After a year of distance learning, the transition may be tough for families, educators and students. Children with autism may face even greater challenges with the change. Here are resources and tips for easing that transition.
February 2021
Photo buttons help ease kids’ fears of providers in COVID-19 protective gear
February 11, 2021
Masks, face shields and other personal protective gear that health care providers must wear during the pandemic can intimidate some pediatric patients. Hoping to change that, Veronica Tuss, a child life specialist at the UC Davis MIND Institute, creates colorful photo buttons so that providers can share a smile with their patients while staying safe.
Programa de teleconferencias sobre el autismo ahora disponible en español (video)
February 5, 2021
Ahora el Instituto MIND de UC Davis está ofreciendo en español su programa interactivo de teleconferencias, conocido como ECHO. El objetivo es alcanzar a más proveedores de salud, en particular aquellos de habla hispana y en América Latina.
Fragile X premutation registry launches internationally (video)
February 3, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute and the National Fragile X Foundation have launched an international registry of people carrying the fragile X premutation. The goal is to facilitate and encourage research about the genetic condition to improve understanding and treatment.
Virtual autism teleconferencing program for providers now offered in Spanish (video)
February 2, 2021
The UC Davis MIND Institute is now offering its interactive autism teleconferencing program, known as ECHO, in Spanish. The goal is to reach more health care providers, particularly Spanish-speaking professionals and those in Latin America.
January 2021
Biomarkers in mother’s plasma could aid in early autism diagnosis and intervention
January 25, 2021
UC Davis MIND Institute researchers used machine learning to crunch 10,000 autoantibody pattern combinations to identify maternal biomarkers associated with a sub-type of autism. The findings have implications for early diagnosis and intervention.
MIND Institute and psychiatry researcher receives ‘early career’ honor
January 11, 2021
UC Davis’ Angela John Thurman has received the Early Career Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The honor recognizes her considerable research contributions in the development of language, cognition and behavior.
December 2020
Big brains and white matter: New clues about autism subtypes
December 17, 2020
Researchers found that a long-accepted theory about brain size in some children with autism may not be true. In a separate study, they linked development of white matter with changes in autism symptom severity.
Gestational age linked to ADHD in children with Down syndrome
December 4, 2020
A new study by the UC Davis MIND Institute finds a connection between gestational age and ADHD in children with Down syndrome. An earlier gestational age is linked to higher ADHD symptoms later in childhood.
Lectures in Spanish to educate physicians and researchers about neurodevelopmental disabilities
December 1, 2020
The UC Davis MIND Institute is creating a new, bi-monthly Spanish-language lecture series about autism, fragile X and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The effort is aimed at physicians and researchers, particularly those in Latin American countries.
November 2020
Expanding diversity, equity and inclusion at the UC Davis MIND Institute
November 13, 2020
The UC Davis MIND Institute has created a new committee and a grant program to increase diversity in its faculty and staff, while addressing inequities in access to care. The hope is to strengthen empathy, awareness and equity throughout its programs.
Families enjoy drive-through trunk-or-treat event at UC Davis MIND Institute
November 2, 2020
The UC Davis MIND Institute offered patients a drive-through trunk-or-treat experience — a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2020
Cord blood DNA can hold clues for early ASD diagnosis and intervention
October 22, 2020
Specific regions in cord blood DNA can help identify kids who might develop autism.
COVID closures disproportionately affecting those with disabilities
October 21, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people with intellectual and developmental disabilities because they depend on others for support in their daily lives.
For toddlers with autism, more intervention hours are not necessarily better
October 19, 2020
Two prominent early intervention models for toddlers with autism show a very similar impact, whether delivered at 15-hours or 25-hours per week intensities.
New four-year residential program for students with intellectual disabilities at UC Davis
October 12, 2020
A new, residential four-year college program for students with intellectual disabilities is the first of its kind in the west and is expected to serve as a model for other California schools.
Talent Showcase spotlights, connects kids with autism, ADHD
October 6, 2020
The UC Davis MIND Institute’s first-ever virtual showcase was a big success.
Excess folic acid during pregnancy harms brain development of mice
October 5, 2020
A study of pregnant mice found high levels of folic acid were associated with significant changes in brain development of offspring.
September 2020
Fragile X research icon empowers hundreds of women as a dedicated mentor
September 29, 2020
Few physicians have mentored as many women at UC Davis Health and around the world, as Randi Hagerman, professor, pediatrician and fragile X research icon at the MIND Institute. Her global reach has increased the understanding and awareness of neurodevelopmental disorders.
How COVID transforms the parent-teacher relationship in special education
September 21, 2020
Distance learning presents unique challenges for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but some of the adaptations that teachers and parents are making could lead to long-term improvements in special education.
August 2020
Pregnant mother's immunity tied to behavioral, emotional challenges for kids with autism
August 14, 2020
Children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems, a UC Davis Health study has found. Offspring sex may also interact with maternal immune conditions to influence outcomes, particularly in terms of a child's cognition.
UC Davis MIND Institute event draws thousands of people from 15 countries
August 12, 2020
The UC Davis MIND Institute’s first virtual Summer Institute breaks records, reaching thousands of people in at least 15 countries.
GI symptoms linked to behavioral problems in children, especially those with autism
August 10, 2020
Common gastrointestinal symptoms are linked to troubling sleep problems, self-harm and physical complaints in preschool children. These symptoms are more common and potentially disruptive in young kids with autism.
July 2020
Advice from UC Davis experts to calm the anxieties of back-to-school during COVID-19 (video)
July 31, 2020
Kids get anxious when their lives are uncertain, and in this coronavirus era, almost everything is uncertain. Two experts help families work through the stress of an unprecedented back-to-school year.
Toy or therapy device? UC Davis Health researchers study effectiveness of fidget tools
July 29, 2020
A new UC Davis MIND Institute Study explores whether a high-tech fidget device increases focus and relieves anxiety in adults with ADHD, which is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UC Davis LIVE on children, anxiety and going back to school
July 27, 2020
In this week’s UC Davis LIVE: COVID-19 two psychologists from the UC Davis MIND Institute will discuss how children and parents can manage the stress and anxiety of going back to school this fall.
Major grant for UC Davis Health center focused on disabilities research
July 24, 2020
An engine for interdisciplinary research: The UC Davis MIND Institute’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center is renewed with a $6.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
UC Davis Health study seeks better detection of depression in children with autism
July 21, 2020
UC Davis Health researchers are hoping to create better interventions for children with autism who struggle with depression.
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