Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing Director Recognized for Contributions to Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The Texas Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDDTX) recognized outstanding leaders and advocates in the field during its 50th annual convention held Aug. 18-21 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Among this year’s honorees was Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing Director Kristen Padilla, Ph.D., recipient of the 2026 Helen G. FitzSimmons Leadership Award.

Padilla, a clinical associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University’s Moody School of Education, has spent more than 15 years working to improve services, supports and opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.

At the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, Padilla has helped develop and oversee clinical, educational, and community programs serving thousands of children and families throughout Texas. Since joining the Center in 2014, Padilla has helped guide its growth from a primarily clinical center to an interdisciplinary hub for research, training, and community outreach.

“Kristen has a remarkable capacity to build partnerships and lead change,” said Dr. Erik Carter, executive director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. “She possesses the beautiful ability to translate vision into action and action into widespread impact.”

Padilla’s leadership extends beyond Baylor. Through the Autism Consortium of Texas Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ACT LEND) program, she helps prepare the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders to strengthen supports for children with developmental disabilities and their families.

She has also provided leadership for the Flourishing Futures Project, a statewide initiative supporting transition-aged youth with disabilities and significant healthcare needs. The project has expanded transition services, developed programs for young adults with disabilities, equipped families with practical resources, and provided professional development for educators and practitioners.

Padilla focuses on expanding access to research, services, and systems of support for culturally and linguistically diverse families. Her efforts address disparities in autism identification, assessment, and access to services and strengthened partnerships with Hispanic, multilingual, and underserved communities.

“Her work reflects a conviction that excellence in disability services must also be excellence in serving every Texan, not just those who are well-resourced and well-connected,” Carter said.

Padilla serves as board chair of Waco Family Medicine, which provides affordable healthcare to individuals and families throughout Central Texas, including children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also chairs the Waco Committee for People with Disabilities, which works to improve accessibility and expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in the community.

“Kristen is helping reshape how physicians, psychologists, educators, therapists, social workers, family members, and self-advocates work together in service of children and families, said Carter. “The ripple effects of this leadership will be felt for decades in Texas and beyond.”