Research

Research is conducted by clinical staff and trainees as it relates to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Research topics cover a variety of issues related to family supports, inclusion, and treatment.  We also regularly deliver presentations on evidenced-based care of persons with disabilities at local, regional, and national levels.

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Examples of recently published research and evidence-based presentations include:

• Bauer, C. R., Langer, J., Lambert-Brown, B. L., Shankaran, S., Bada, H. S., Lester, B. M., LaGasse, L. Whitaker, T. M., & Hammond, J. (2019). Impact of Prenatal Opiate Exposure on Youth Outcomes from Infancy through Adolescence. Manuscript submitted for publication.
• Dolgoff, J., Wicks, M.N., Tolley, E., Graff, J.C. (2020). Differences in asthma self-management behaviors and perceived self-efficacy across adolescence (poster). Southern Nursing Research Society 34th Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
• Gardner, L., Campbell, J., Keisling, B., & Murphy, L. (2018). Correlates of DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder Levels of Support Ratings in a Clinical Sample. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
• Gipson, T. (2019). Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND): Development and Behavior. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Regional Conference, Leuven BE.
• Graves, R.G., Zlomke, K., Graff, J.C., Hall, H.R. (2019). Adaptive behavior of adults with Down syndrome and their health-related quality of life. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-019-00133-x
• Hoffmann, M.L. (2018). Trauma Screening and Assessment of Infants and Young Children: The Child Welfare Breakthrough Series Collaborative. Symposium presentation at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 34th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.
• Keisling, B. L., DeBerry, R. Z., & Solomon, N. A. (2019). Twenty-five years of the Partners in Policymaking™ Leadership Institute: A longitudinal survey of Tennessee alumni. Manuscript submitted for publication.
• Kohring, A. (2019). Individuals with Disabilities: Supports for Transitions and Employment. Engagement and Outreach Conference (Poster Session). The University of Tennessee. Knoxville, TN.
• Long, D. M., Mitchell, A. W., Chase, C., & Mineo, B. (2019). Entry-level occupational therapy students’ beliefs about knowledge and knowing: Findings from three masters level programs in the US. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 3(4).
• Murphy, L. & Norfolk, P.A. (2019). Early Social and Emotional Functioning in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Annual Conference, St. Paul, MN.
• Norfolk, P.A., Floyd, R.G. (2019). Bookmarking the Woodcock-Johnson IV to establish math proficiency cut scores. Poster session accepted for presentation at the annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Atlanta, GA.
• Palmer, F.B., Graff, J.C., Jones, T.L., Murphy, L., Keisling, B.L., Whitaker, T.M., & Tylavsky, F. (2018). Socio-demographic, maternal and child indicators of socioemotional problems in 2-year-old child: A cohort study, Medicine, 97, 28 (e11468).
• Roth, J., & Ramirez de Lynch, L. (2019). Immigration & Disability: Challenges Faced by Special Needs Families. OT533 Occupation-Centered Practice in Pediatrics. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis TN.
• Wallace, L. (2019). Nutritional Issues During Transition. 20th Annual Chronic Illness and Disability Conference: Transition from Pediatric to Adult-based Care. Waco, TX.
• Whitaker, T. M., & Hoffmann, M. (2019). Positive Parenting: Tips for Clinicians. Methodist Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and UTHSC Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds, Memphis TN.
• Whitaker, T.M., Zubler, J., Earls, M., Miotto, M.B., Radecki, L., Faro, E.Z., Gerndt, K. (2019). Strategies for Improving Developmental Screening. Contemporary Pediatrics, 36(1).