Dr. Rebecca J. Landa, a pioneer in autism research, has been selected by The University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders to receive the 2024 Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize in Communication Disorders.
The prize recognizes individuals for their leadership in fostering scientific advances and significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. The biennial honor alternates between the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology, and was renamed in 2022 to honor former Callier Center executive director Dr. Thomas Campbell, now professor emeritus of behavioral and brain sciences.
Landa is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and founding executive director of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she serves as vice president. She was part of the original research group that first determined that autism spectrum disorder is heritable.
“I’m deeply honored to be the Campbell Callier Prize recipient,” said Landa, who will receive the award April 8 at the Callier Cares Luncheon, hosted by the Foundation for the Callier Center. “This award raises awareness about the importance of research in communication disorders and the critical need for innovative and effective diagnostic and treatment methods that will optimize the ability of those with communication disorders to reach their full potential.”
Landa has practiced clinically in public schools, university clinics and hospital settings. She consults with schools, universities and families to establish educational and speech-language pathology programming for children with, or at risk for, communication disorders, including autism.
“Dr. Landa has distinguished herself as an extraordinary researcher, mentor and scholarly influencer,” said Dr. Pamela Rollins, professor of speech, language, and hearing in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, who serves as chair of the 2024 Campbell Callier Prize Committee. “She was the first investigator to design prospective studies with siblings of autistic children — studies that showed that approximately 20% of later-born siblings develop autism.
“She also discovered other early predictors for the development of autism, including disruptions in motor development. Her innovations have influenced care and research focused on communication disorders on four continents.”
Landa’s developmental science research inspired her to launch Bundle of Learning – books, story-related toys and educational materials specially designed to help children discover meaning in stories and through play.
“Dr. Landa’s work has not only substantially informed our understanding of autism, but also has led to enhanced screening, diagnosis and implementable treatment approaches for individuals impacted by autism,” said Angela Shoup BS’89, MS’92, PhD’94, the Ludwig A. Michael, MD Callier Center Executive Director and professor of speech, language, and hearing at UT Dallas.
Luncheon and Prize Conference
Dr. Rebecca J. Landa will receive the Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize in Communication Disorders at the Callier Cares Luncheon, hosted by the Foundation for the Callier Center, which brings together advocates, clinicians, researchers and philanthropists to raise money to benefit patients in need through the Callier Care Fund. She also will be recognized at the Campbell Callier Prize Conference, where the topic will be “Convergence of Motor and Social Systems: Implications for Early Autism Intervention.” Other presenters at the conference include Dr. Jessica Brian, a psychologist and senior clinician-scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto; Dr. Jana M. Iverson, associate dean for research and the Christopher A. Moore Professor in Pediatric Rehabilitation at Boston University; and Dr. Peter Mundy, professor emeritus of education at the University of California, Davis. The conference is part of the David J. Bruton Endowed Lecture Series on Communication Disorders and will take place April 9 at the Callier Center in Dallas. To attend, please register online, or contact Veronica Hoyt at veronica.hoyt@utdallas.edu or 972-883-3003.