U-M School of Kinesiology

The primary mission of the center is to translate principles of basic and health science and to use this knowledge to design and test innovative physical activity interventions to improve functioning and health in infants, children, and their families. Our focus includes evidence-based research in an effort to generate current best practices to advance motor behavior, physical activity, community participation and health in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome. Our goal at the center is to have a positive impact on the whole child, recognizing that the child's physical functioning and health influences many other areas of their life including their families.

Our secondary mission is to provide intensive developmental and evidence- based research training to undergraduate, doctoral, and post doctoral students who are interested in pediatric disability, rehabilitation, and health promotion research. Many of these trainees transition into careers as university faculty, physicians, and physical and occupational therapists.

We do not provide clinical services to children at the center but we do disseminate the results of our evidence-based research to professionals and parents to help improve clinical service outcomes.