Trainee Highlights – Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

2025 Simpson-Ramsey Neurodevelopment Symposium

The following blog was written by Katie Sibley, 2024-25 LEND Nutrition Trainee

The Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) at UAB coordinated the annual Simpson-Ramsey Symposium in April, and I had the privilege of attending for the first time as a LEND nutrition trainee. The Simpson-Ramsey Symposium highlights current research in the neurodevelopmental disabilities field, bringing in excellent researchers and lecturers both locally and from across the country. Current and former LEND trainees also presented projects they have been working on, giving a spotlight to the fruit of the LEND training efforts. Each year this event attracts a wide audience of healthcare professionals as well as academics and students, who gather to learn more about the emerging research in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

As a participant, I learned so much about research related to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, improving healthcare access, and the meaning of autism biomarkers as well as different projects trainees are working on and the personal story of a former trainee who is both a healthcare provider and parent of neurodivergent individuals. The Symposium was very encouraging by bringing together many individuals who are passionate about the care of the neurodevelopmental disabilities community. It was also encouraging to see the progress in research and knowledge and how we know and understand more today than we did even 10 years ago. However, it was clear throughout the presentations that there is more work that needs to be done, and more research is needed to understand development and neuroscience related to disabilities.

A highlight of the Symposium was when former trainee John Derrick shared an inspiring message about his experience raising two neurodivergent children whom he and his wife adopted. His story provided both real-life situations and challenges and built compassion and understanding in the audience. For caregivers in the audience, he created a space of understanding and a sense of feeling known by sharing honestly the challenges his family faced. In many ways, it provided a sense of reality in the midst of learning about recent research. His story provided faces and individual stories to match to the research presented. I believe everyone who participated in the Symposium will be forever impacted by John’s story.

There was opportunity for networking throughout the day as well. Many healthcare providers, caregivers, and students were able to connect and learn more about the different areas of expertise in the room. Just being present at the Symposium gave every participant a commonality that was shared: a passion for providing care for neurodevelopmental disabilities with dignity and compassion. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Symposium and hope to attend again in the years to come!

A Trainee Perspective on the 2025 Alabama Autism Conference

This blog was contributed by Michelle Herrera, Social Work LEND trainee for 2024-25

In February, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Alabama Autism Conference as a LEND trainee. The Alabama Autism Conference is an annual event that highlights new research and insights into diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while also strengthening and fostering collaboration among professionals, educators, and families across Alabama. Specifically, the full-day event includes speakers, breakout sessions, exhibits, research posters, and a valuable trainee session.

The first speaker of the day was Dr. Angela Scarpa-Friedman who presented, Supporting Emotion Regulation in Young Autistic Children Using Cognitive Behavioral Strategies. Dr. Scarpa-Friedman discussed how emotion regulation can be a challenge for young autistic children and how cognitive behavioral strategies can help. The next session was presented by Dr. Megan Roberts, titled Supporting Communication in Toddlers with Autism: From Early Intervention to Effective Intervention. In her presentation, Dr. Roberts emphasized the significance of early intervention for autistic toddlers and explained the ways in which caregivers can become better engaged in these interventions. Following this was the presentation of Dr. Laci Watkins called, Supporting the Inclusion of Autistic Children in Schools and Communities. Dr. Watkins’ presentation focused on how inclusive educational environments are vital in the interaction and play between autistic and non-autistic peers. As a social work LEND trainee, hearing from these three speakers helped me reflect on the range of evidence-based practices being used to support autistic children and their families.

Afterwards, all the trainees gathered for the trainee session. During this session, trainees had the opportunity to talk as a group with Dr. Watkins, Dr. Scarpa-Friedman, Dr. Emily Kuschner, and Dr. Yev Veverka. Some of the most asked questions were about mentorship, career paths, and navigating professional opportunities after and during training. As the only social work trainee in the room, it was important to be part of a conversation that brought together individuals from such diverse disciplines. It was reassuring to hear that others shared similar questions and uncertainties, and the openness of the speakers made the session feel encouraging and supportive of our different paths ahead.

For the breakout session, I attended Expanding Treatment Options for Food Selectivity in Autistic Youth, presented by Dr. Emily Kuschner. I was particularly interested because, through my LEND traineeship, I’ve learned that food sensitivity is a common challenge for many families. Dr. Kuschner discussed feeding concerns for autistic youth and reviewed treatment options, including the BUFFET program, a 14-week therapy for children ages 8-12 aimed at increasing food variety. The program uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help manage food-related anxiety. It was insightful to see how a personalized approach to food challenges could offer a promising way to help children and families.

I also had the chance to visit the exhibit room during a break, where I spent some time volunteering at the Civitan-Sparks Clinics table. It was a chance to share information about the clinics’ ongoing research and services with others. After my time at the table, I took a look around at other exhibits focused on early intervention and resources for families, which were especially relevant to my work. The exhibit hall was a great space for connecting with others in the field and exploring different approaches to supporting families and children with autism.

Haley Moss, an author, attorney, and self-advocate, gave a powerful closing presentation titled Granting Access: Dismantling Ableism and Embracing Autistic Identity. She shared personal stories, like how her mom helped her understand her autism at a young age through Harry Potter. Haley emphasized the importance of creating access, building community, and encouraging a sense of identity and care for neurodivergent people. Her insights inspired me to reflect on my own biases and how I can help contribute to a more inclusive world.
Attending the 2025 Alabama Autism Conference was a great experience that deepened my understanding of neurodiversity. It was a day filled with valuable insights, personal stories, and practical takeaways that I will take with me moving forward. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2026 conference!

More information about the Alabama Autism Conference can be found at Home Page – Alabama Autism Conference.

Take Me ‘Aut’ to the Ball Game!

Post written by Tatianna Zambrano, M. Ed., Current LEND School Psychology Trainee

The Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) at UAB was proud to participate in the Birmingham Barons’ Autism Friendly Day on May 4, 2025. This event represents a collaboration among dozens of community partners, including our Center and Civitan-Sparks Clinics. The event was an incredible opportunity to not only enjoy hot dogs and funnel cakes but also to promote inclusivity and celebrate neurodiversity alongside families, professionals, and advocates from across Alabama! Plus, families got to snag a photo with a local celebrity – Babe Ruff!

Hosted by the Birmingham Barons, the Autism Friendly Day created a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment for autistic individuals and their loved ones. To support comfort and accessibility, the ballpark reduced ambient noise levels, limited announcements, and offered quiet zones. The day emphasized awareness and inclusion, helping fans with autism enjoy America’s favorite pastime in a more supportive setting.

Civitan-Sparks professionals and LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) trainees from UAB joined the event to share valuable resources and connect directly with the community. Trainees distributed social stories which are tools created to help individuals with autism better understand and prepare for new experiences like attending a baseball game. These stories were developed by past LEND trainees as part of their mission to support meaningful community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities.

In addition to the social stories, the team handed out information about Civitan-Sparks Clinics, the Regional Autism Network (RAN), other UAB-affiliated programs dedicated to developmental and behavioral health, and the ever-desired free pens and bubbles. It was a rewarding day of engagement, as the CEDD team had the chance to reconnect with current and former patients, meet new families, and build stronger relationships with members of the Birmingham autism community.

Events like Autism Friendly Day are a testament to the power of inclusive spaces. They not only provide autistic individuals the opportunity to enjoy activities they might otherwise avoid, but they also help foster understanding, awareness, and community support. Birmingham friends and families got the chance to understand how simple accommodations can make home plate feel like home for all! We’re grateful to the Birmingham Barons for hosting such a meaningful event, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside our partners to build a more inclusive Alabama for all.

New Trainee Cohort Begins for 2023-24

On August 18, 2023, incoming LEND trainees participated in the annual Orientation to UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics and the LEND training program. They learned about the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program and its origins, what “Individualized Training Plan” means, Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, research opportunities, and observation scheduling and opportunities. During lunch, trainees from other UAB MCH programs (LEPN, LEAH, and PPC) joined the LEND trainees for a meet and greet session. Representatives from each organization gave brief introductions to their program and how it functions in the UAB/MCH realm. After lunch a CliftonStrengths Portfolio Manager led a class on developing strengths and what those strengths mean for each learner. The day ended with a tour of the clinic space.

In the fall semester, trainees from the UAB LEND program joined other UAB MCH programs on campus with a tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The tour was led by Dr. Tamara Coyne-Beasley, division director of Adolescent Medicine/UAB LEAH program, and Charles Woods III, Education Coordinator at the Institute.

Heather Jackson and Madison Gaston, LEND trainees, and Eleese Anthony, a student in the OT program at UAB working on her capstone at Civitan-Sparks Clinics, along with Angelica Rice, Speech-Language Pathologist/RAN Director, participated in MCH HOPES at Carver High School. MCH HOPES is a program whose goals are to expose high school students to a variety of health professions, increase diversity in those professions, and provide a networking platform.

Trainees from Sparks Clinics and RAN, as well as Dr. Justin Schwartz and Angelica Rice, RAN Director manned tables at the UAB Disability Fair on the Campus Green.