News
January 2022
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January 19, 2022MIND Institute program gives undergraduates research experience in autism, mental health
The MIND Institute’s RISE-UP program is recruiting undergraduate students for its summer program. The unique opportunity is focused on students interested in serving historically underserved communities. They’ll learn more about research, clinical care, community support, neurodevelopmental disabilities and social justice.
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January 06, 2022Virtual Holiday Toy Drive raises $21,125 for hospitalized kids
The holidays were a little brighter for hospitalized kids at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, thanks to $21,125 that was raised during this year’s Virtual Holiday Toy Drive. The drive provided free toys for every hospitalized child, from infants to teens.
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December 2021
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December 10, 2021MIND Institute thanks research families with winter wonderland event
More than 200 families enjoyed a drive-through Winter Wonderland event designed to thank those who are involved in research studies at the MIND Institute. It featured inflatables, holiday lights and staff and volunteers in festive costumes.
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November 2021
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November 19, 2021
Mother of twins with 22q offers hope for other families dealing with genetic syndrome
Celeste and Alexia Madrigal have 22q, a rare genetic syndrome linked to 180 different physical, developmental and behavioral conditions. During 22q Awareness Month, they’re sharing their story to encourage hope.
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November 18, 2021Home-based research format may expand access to autism treatment studies
A new UC Davis MIND Institute study suggests that parent-led language testing delivered via telehealth is effective for children with autism. The format was tested in both English and Spanish-speaking families and may provide a new way to measure the efficacy of treatments.
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November 17, 2021School of Medicine receives funding to support researchers with COVID-19-related caregiving
The School of Medicine has secured research funds for early-career biomedical researchers working on clinical research projects and facing demands of caregiving increased by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recipients will receive support to bolster research productivity and professional development mentoring activities.
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November 16, 2021UC Davis Health Researchers recognized as Highly Cited Researchers 2021
Five UC Davis Health researchers were recognized as Highly Cited Researchers in 2021. They ranked in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year, showing significant research influence by publishing highly cited papers during the last decade.
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October 2021
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October 27, 2021
ADHD: An expert shares common symptoms and the latest research
During ADHD Awareness month, a UC Davis MIND Institute expert shares updates about the symptoms to look for as well as the latest research. The neurodevelopmental condition affects people of all ages and is often diagnosed in childhood.
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October 26, 2021
MIND Institute drive-through trunk-or-treat event major success
The UC Davis MIND Institute’s free drive-through trunk-or-treat event last weekend was so popular that it reached the maximum number of registrations in just a week. Over 150 families enjoyed the decorated car trunks, volunteers in costume, and treats and toys.
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October 15, 2021Study suggests telehealth screening of some infants could aid in early autism support
New UC Davis MIND Institute research suggests that developmental screenings conducted via telehealth could help bridge the gap between parents’ questions about autism and an eventual diagnosis for some infants. The goal is earlier support for families.
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October 14, 2021New virtual support group for neurodivergent girls, nonbinary teens
A new support group at the UC Davis MIND Institute is designed for neurodivergent girls and nonbinary teens who have autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder and more. NeuroTeens is a free, virtual group that offers social connection.
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October 08, 2021Smartphone app to track ADHD symptoms, behavior in people with neurodevelopmental conditions
The MIND Institute’s David Hessl has been awarded a $431,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to study a new app-based tool to measure ADHD symptoms and other behavioral challenges in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The generosity of a MIND Institute patient’s family enabled him to develop the tool.
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October 04, 2021MIND Institute offers safe, festive drive-through trunk-or-treat
The UC Davis MIND Institute Child Life Program is hosting a drive-through trunk-or-treat Oct. 22. The safe fall festival will feature costumed volunteers handing out candy and toys to families who remain in their cars. Decorated vehicles will also be on display. It is free and open to the public.
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September 2021
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September 24, 2021Unusual visual examination of objects may indicate later autism diagnosis in infants
A UC Davis Health study suggests that unusual visual inspection of objects may precede the development of the social symptoms characteristic of autism syndrome disorder.
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September 16, 2021Veronica Ahumada brings human-robot interaction expertise to UC Davis Health
Veronica Ahumada joined UC Davis Health this year and brought her expertise in health informatics and human-robot interaction to the UC Davis Center for Health and Technology. She will be growing her research through two exciting grant-funded projects involving robots.
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August 2021
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August 26, 2021California’s stem cell agency funds research into Angelman syndrome and bioprint pacemaker
Professors David Segal and Deborah Lieu have received Discovery Stage Research Projects awards from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The grants will fund cell gene therapy for Angelman syndrome and building the first biopacemaker
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August 17, 2021Tips to help kids with autism transition back to in-person school
As kids head back to full-day, in-person school for the first time in over a year, things will look different. The transition is challenging for many students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental conditions. MIND Institute experts have some tips to help.
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August 12, 2021Annual MIND Summer Institute program a major success (video)
The UC Davis MIND Institute recently held its annual Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, a learning program that brings together experts, advocates, caregivers and families. This year’s virtual event highlighted strategies for improving mental health.
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July 2021
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July 09, 2021UC Davis psychology chair named to key federal committee on autism
Susan Rivera, psychology professor and chair and faculty member of the MIND Institute and Center for Mind and Brain, has been named to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. The federal committee provides guidance and recommendations on autism research, services, and policy.
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July 01, 2021Tips for a sensory-friendly July 4th
The Fourth of July is often characterized by fireworks, parades and celebrations, which can be challenging for some individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. A UC Davis MIND Institute expert offers some tips to make the holiday celebrations more comfortable.
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June 2021
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June 24, 2021New COVID-19 vaccine clinic for people with autism, other neurodevelopmental conditions (video)
The UC Davis MIND Institute is offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The clinic will offer a comfortable experience for families, including sensory support and specially trained staff.
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June 22, 2021Long-standing genomic medicine partnership expands specialty care for children in region
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.
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June 21, 2021Local foundation awards $1.25 million to MIND Institute to study rare genetic condition
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.
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June 07, 2021MIND Institute brain bank focused on autism, diversity, education and research
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.
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June 04, 2021Rapid whole genome sequencing leads to better outcomes for babies, lower medical costs
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.
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June 02, 2021Unleashed: how a doggie day care was the perfect fit for employee and employer (video)
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.
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May 2021
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May 19, 2021Air quality linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's
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.
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May 17, 2021New college program for students with intellectual disabilities accepting applications
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.
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May 11, 2021UC Davis MIND Institute to host inaugural stem cell, gene therapy conference
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.
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May 04, 2021MIND Institute honored by Chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (video)
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.
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April 2021
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April 20, 2021MIND Institute study of anxiety in children with autism now includes online treatment
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.
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April 14, 2021MIND Institute showcases research, gives tour during virtual open house (video)
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.
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April 08, 2021New test to study language development in youth with Down syndrome
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.
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April 07, 2021$15 million grant to renew center studying effects of maternal infections on offspring
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.
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March 2021
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March 12, 2021Study finds adolescents with autism may engage neural control systems differently
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.
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March 09, 2021Helping kids with autism transition back to in-person school: 10 tips
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.
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February 2021
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February 11, 2021Photo buttons help ease kids’ fears of providers in COVID-19 protective gear
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.
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February 03, 2021Fragile X premutation registry launches internationally (video)
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.
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February 02, 2021Virtual autism teleconferencing program for providers now offered in Spanish (video)
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.
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