News and Awards

Kennedy Krieger in the News

Newsweek
Why Are Autism Rates Increasing? What Five Experts Say (April 16, 2025): The higher rate is due to several factors, including improved awareness among clinicians, educators and families; better access to screening and evaluation; and expanded diagnostic criteria, says Dr. Roma Vasa, director of psychiatric services at the Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSITM).

CBS News Baltimore
Hundreds Support Kennedy Krieger Institute’s ROAR for Kids 5K at The Maryland Zoo (May 4, 2025): A record number of participants braved the rain to attend the 21st annual ROAR for Kids, which has raised more than $4 million for Institute programs and services since its inception.

WBALTV
A New Study on Early Infant Communication Has Guidance for Parents (May 19, 2025): A new approach for infants with social communication delays can empower their parents, says Dr. Rebecca Landa, founder and executive director of CASSI.

Read more news stories about Kennedy Krieger.

Social Spotlight

Instagram, May 23, 2025: Meet Lainey! She returned to Kennedy Krieger last spring for an inpatient rehabilitation boost and shared her experience with the Kennedy Krieger community in an Instagram video. Tag along as she does pottery painting in occupational therapy, sings songs in music therapy and visits the National Aquarium in downtown Baltimore with her recreational therapists. Watch the video on Kennedy Krieger’s Instagram page!

Find out what’s happening at Kennedy Krieger in real time and join the conversation! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Awards

News and Awards

Kennedy Krieger inpatient nurse Hannah Riffey and outpatient nurse Jamie Cherry each received an Excellence in Nursing Award from Baltimore Magazine last May.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) awarded Dr. Cristina Sadowsky (pictured above), director of Kennedy Krieger’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, one of its 2025 Fellow of ASIA awards last June.

The Maryland Daily Record named Sarah Gardner one of Maryland’s Mental Health Heroes at its 2025 Health Care Heroes event in June. Gardner is the director of clinical services for the Institute’s Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress.