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    Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) programs prepare future leaders in Maternal and Child Health with a special focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism.

    If you are having issues accessing your account or content in Moodle, please email VCL Associate Program Manager, Nicole Bardett, at nicole.r.bardett@vumc.org for assistance.

    To learn more about this program, please visit our website at vkc.vumc.org/vkc/lend.

LEND Program News and Learning Opportunities

4/3/2025: 2025 ECHO Autism Communities Symposium

by Nicole Bardett -

Empowering Autism Advocacy: Insights You Don't Want to Miss

What if we told you that a single day could transform how you approach autism care and advocacy? At the 2025 ECHO Autism Communities Symposium, you’ll gain knowledge about tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful strategies to create lasting change in the lives of autistic individuals and their families. 

Rethinking Behavior - Learn how combining expertise from families, educators, and clinicians can help address intense behaviors and foster collaboration. 

Everyday Supports - Discover creative and personalized strategies to help autistic individuals thrive in daily life—small adjustments can make a big difference. 

Building Connections - Gain insights directly from autistic clinicians and siblings of individuals with profound autism, offering real-world perspectives on inclusion, self-advocacy, and family dynamics. 

This free, virtual event is your chance to learn from global experts and connect with a community committed to advancing autism care.

Date: April 3, 2025 
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM CT 
Location: Online (Zoom)
Registration: Free!

Click to Register

Together, let’s embrace new possibilities for advocacy, care, and inclusion.

Warm regards,
ECHO Autism Communities 

2/24/2025: Global Health Grand Rounds

by Nicole Bardett -

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Institute for Global Health will hold its Grand Rounds discussion TRIAD Global Collaborative: Advancing the Development and Implementation of Culturally Responsive Autism Services and Education Programs on Monday, Feb. 24, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. CT.

Scan QR code in flyer or click here to register.

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Jan 2025 Leadership Assembly Awards Recognize Work of LEND Faculty and Trainees

by Nicole Bardett -

Vanderbilt honors those whose behavior reflect the organization's highest values with CREDO Awards, Five Pillar Leader Awards and Team Awards. LEND faculty member and current and former LEND trainees were celebrated for their innovative autism work at the January 2025 Leadership Assembly. Watch video 6 in the Awards Playlist to learn more.

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