About Us

The Baylor University Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDF) was established in 2013 as a collaborative effort between Baylor University and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's. It was initially launched with the goal of providing high-quality services to children and their families. The Center now hosts a growing number of programs, clinics, projects, and events focused on supporting individuals with intellectual disability, autism, and an array of other developmental disabilities. Likewise, we are committed to helping schools and communities welcome and support the full participation of people with disabilities and their families.

The Center conducts interdisciplinary research on issues of importance in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Current examples include studies addressing professional development for educators, strengthening interactions among siblings, promoting belonging in faith communities, and improving reading and social-emotional outcomes of English learners with disabilities. We invite other scholars to join us on future collaborative research projects.

The Center also hosts three clinics: The Baylor Autism Resource Clinic (BARC); The Clinic for Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE); and The Spring Literacy Clinic. Although each clinic has a distinct focus, they all aim to meet pressing community needs, provide compelling training for Baylor students, and conduct applied research.