Our 2021 Impact Report
The pages of this year’s impact report highlight how we – even in the most unexpected of scenarios – continue our core mission of research, service, training, and outreach.
Download the entire report:
From the director: Qiang Chang, PhD
The Waisman Center continues to recover from the pandemic. With your help, our researchers, clinicians and staff continue to advance research on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and neurodegenerative diseases and serve the thousands of children and families who seek specialized care through the Waisman Center Clinics.
Postdoctoral program equips a new generation of scientists in IDD research
A pillar of the Waisman Center is investing in the next generation of research leaders through training and education. For more than 26 years, the center’s Postdoctoral Training Program in IDD Research has helped shape the careers and research paths of 53 postdoctoral researchers through multidisciplinary training.
Read the full story:
New autism group therapy series changes lives
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Oster was 16 when she was diagnosed with autism. Most autistic people are diagnosed young, typically between the ages of four and five according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and can start treatment and therapy early.
Read the full story:
Waisman Center’s SaferKids Program gives peace of mind to families
Tiaunta Martin is a proud mom of three boys. They are bright-eyed, energetic, and usually a whirlwind of chaos. Her middle son, Benjamin or Benji for short, is a rambunctious six-year-old who keeps Tiaunta constantly on her toes. “He’s the sweetest adorable child in the world. Very hyper and outgoing, sometimes a little too much. But, he is the most precious child,” Tiaunta says.
Read the full story:
Celebrating the Manlick family’s ten years of research participation
James Manlick is going to homecoming this year and he simply can’t contain his excitement. A huge smile lights up his face as he talks about the dance. As a senior in high school, this will be his last opportunity to attend.
Read the full story:
New $11 million award to study intellectual disability in Down syndrome
Waisman investigators were awarded an $11 million Transformative Research grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study developmental brain changes that lead to intellectual disability in Down syndrome.
Read the full story:
Landmark study on impacts of substance abuse and stress in child brain development
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be one of 25 sites to study early brain and behavior development and the impact of early exposure to substances – such as opioids – and social stressors in infants and young children.
Read the full story:
Ways to Give
Gifts provide integral support for groundbreaking research, comprehensive clinical services, and outreach programs that enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases.