Forerunner as University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Established in 1966, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center is among the nation’s first federally funded University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
As part of Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center Neurological Institute, our mission is to provide services and educational opportunities to our community, interdisciplinary training to our students, and research opportunities to students and clinical investigators specializing in neurodevelopmental disabilities.Our goal is to improve the lives of people with neurodevelopmental disorders throughout their lives by promoting inclusion in education, health, employment and community living. We offer programs for people with disabilities as well as their families, service providers and community organizations. Each year our clinics and outreach programs reach more than 22,000 people with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental disorders.
The Nisonger team consists of 120 interdisciplinary faculty, researchers, clinicians, teachers, staff and trainees across four Ohio State colleges. We offer a robust educational program that attracts the most accomplished students and professionals in the field.Our academic faculty consists of recognized experts in their respective fields, and our clinics are led by professionals who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. Nisonger researchers focus on issues that lead to improving health, behavior, learning, social participation and employment for people who have a wide range of disabilities.
Our Team
At the Nisonger Center, our interdisciplinary team collaborates to provide cutting-edge patient care based on the latest medical research and discoveries.
Stories
Practicing positive behavior
Practicing positive behavior
Dr. Benson is helping people with developmental disabilities acquire life skills and greater independence
Bridging the gap in care for adults with autism
Bridging the gap in care for adults with autism
Dr. Hanks and Ohio State's CAST program ensure that quality care follows autistic patients into adulthood
Educational inclusion benefits all children
Educational inclusion benefits all children
Anjanette Owens shares the long-term benefits of early education for children with developmental disabilities
Improving care access for people with developmental disabilities
Improving care access for people with developmental disabilities
Dr. Havercamp is ensuring that medical students are better equipped to care for patients with disabilities
Training parents to manage behavior in children with autism
Training parents to manage behavior in children with autism
Dr. Lecavalier is testing a long-standing Nisonger Center parent coaching program in a formal clinical trial
Post-secondary program promotes independence and inclusion
Post-secondary program promotes independence and inclusion
The Nisonger Center’s TOPS program prepares students with developmental disabilities for the workforce