Message from the Director:

The success of any great program depends on its ability to garner the financial support needed to achieve its mission.  The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute is unique in its vision and multidisciplinary research approach.  We are committed to finding the causes, developing improved treatments and preventing the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders.  Though we are community based,  the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute is an international research facility providing much needed information, education and outreach throughout the world.  The speed towards accomplishing our mission is directly related to our funding resources.  To succeed, we need your support.

As I complete my sixth year as Executive Director of the UD Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, I am proud to take this opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments—feats that would not have been possible without your help: 

Tourette Syndrome Research
Through their private foundation, the RDM Positive Impact Foundation, Ron and Darin Mittelstaedt are underwriters for a Tourette's syndrome research and clinical program within the M.I.N.D. Institute. The Mittelstaedt donation was prompted by their confidence in the project and, particularly, in its principal investigator, Frank Sharp. Sharp's research seeks to develop blood tests that could distinguish between different types of Tourette's syndrome, and then identify causes and treatments for different types of the disorder. Based on prior research, Sharp believes that blood may reveal previously overlooked clues. Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder that occurs in about 1 of every 2,000 children.  It is more likely to occur in boys and usually begins between the ages of 2 and 21 years of age. Symptoms include recurrent “tics,” including rapid eye blinking, grimaces or other involuntary body movements, or uncontrolled grunts or verbal outbursts. 

Social Skills Programs
Developed in 2001 by Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D., and Beth Goodlin-Jones, Ph.D., the Social Skills Training Group Program was implemented for children aged 8-14 with diagnoses of Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS, and cognitive abilities in the average range.  Because of the success of the program, additional groups for younger children (4-7) and older individuals (14-18) have been created.  In the 20-week program, the group meets weekly for 1 ½  hours to discuss topics such as recognizing one’s own emotions as well as those of others, deciphering nonverbal cues, “theory of mind”, perspective taking, conversation and friendship skills, and individual and group problem solving.   While their children are attending these sessions, parents attend a weekly parent education/support meeting.  The Program is one of the few programs for this population that has been empirically tested.

Journey of the M.I.N.D. Gala
Under the guidance of Board member and Gala Chair Nancy Brodovsky and Co-chair Maria Kaufman, the M.I.N.D. Institute presented its 2nd Annual Gala, Journey of the M.I.N.D.—A Promise for the Future.  Special guest Montel Williams joined a sold-out crowd celebrating the M.I.N.D. Institute’s contributions to understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders.  Guests were treated to an inspiring message by Mr. Williams, gourmet dinner and fine wines, lively auction and dancing to the music of Busta Groove.  With over 30 sponsors and in-kind contributors, the fundraiser netted more than $135,000.  These funds will

Autism Phenome Project
Under the direction of David G. Amaral, Ph.D., M.I.N.D. Institute Research Director and Beneto Foundation Chair, the Institute’s Research Program completed the first phase of the Autism Phenome Project, a large-scale multidisciplinary research study, designed to advance the biomedical understanding of autism.  This project aims to distinguish subgroups, or phenotypes, of autism based on thorough biomedical and behavioral analyses of affected children; thereby improving our ability to understand and effectively treat autism. 

Resource Library
In 2003, the M.I.N.D. INSTITUTE established the Resource Library, a center filled with books, videos, brochures and other helpful information about neurodevelopmental disorders.  This Library is available to researchers, parents and the community and is located within the M.I.N.D. Institute building.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Research
Tony Simon, Ph.D., a pioneer in research on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (velocardiofacial/DiGeorge syndrome), combines results of experimental tests with those from brain imaging to better understand the neural structures and connective patterns that underlie cognitive functions.  He has hypothesized that children with this syndrome have what he calls a reduced granularity of mental representation.  He compares it to, “…the low resolution of an inexpensive digital camera.  There are fewer pixels, so the picture is not as sharp.”  While Simon and his team continue to perfect the assessment tools and research protocols used to evaluate children, his ultimate goal is to develop targeted interventions, some in the form of therapeutic video games, which will reduce or remediate the disabilities experienced by such children.

ADHD Research
New M.I.N.D Institute faculty member, Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D., brings extensive expertise and experience with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  In her study to prevent and treat the disorder, Dr. Schweitzer conducts research at many different levels, including basic biological research using brain imaging, clinical trials that test drug therapies and developing new behavioral interventions.    

Distinguished Lecturer Series
In 2003, the M.I.N.D. Institute initiated its Distinguished Lecturer Series, which features world-renowned leaders in the study of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  This series, an extension of the Institute’s research and education programs, provides an opportunity for parents, educators, care givers, research scientists, health care providers, and the general community an opportunity to hear the latest views on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.  Each year, nine eminent scientists from around the world visit the M.I.N.D. Institute and deliver two public lectures, with about 150 attendees at each presentation. During their visit, the scientists also meet with M.I.N.D. Institute faculty for important dialogue on research updates, mentoring, and information dissemination.  In February, 2007, the Series featured Temple Grandin Ph.D., with more than 2,000 people attending her presentations

In spite or our progress, neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, fragile X syndrome and learning disorders are increasingly recognized and are on the increase.  It is likely that you know an individual or individuals with one of these disorders and notice first-hand, the every day challenges that this children and their family face. With your support, the M.I.N.D. Institute is up to the challenge of finding effective treatments and cures for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Robert Hendren, D.O.
Executive Director

• Current support
• Major gifts
• Memorial and tribute gifts
• Grateful giving
• Estate and gift planning
• Corporate and foundation giving
• Volunteer opportunities

You can donate online now via our secure online donation process or you can contact us by mail or phone.

For information specific to your interests, including particular research, clinical and education initiatives, please contact Terri Contenti at (916) 703-0289 or theresa.contenti@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.

UC Davis Health System is recognized as a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Your gift to the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute qualifies as a charitable deduction for federal tax purposes as permitted by law.