The Yale Child Study Center is a department at the Yale University School of Medicine. The center conducts research and provides clinical services and medical training related to children and families. Topics of investigation include autism and related disorders, Tourette syndrome, other pediatric mental health concerns, parenting, and neurobiology. Mission The center conducts research and provides clinical services and medical training related to children and families. Topics of investigation include autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome, other pediatric mental health concerns, parenting, and neurobiology. History The center was started in 1911 as the Yale Clinic of Child Development by Arnold Gesell. Dr. Gesell, who is considered the father of child development in the United States, led the center until 1948. Subsequent directors were: Milton J.E. Senn, 1948–1966 Albert J. Solnit, 1966–1983 Donald J. Cohen, 1983–2001 John E. Schowalter, (interim) 2001–2002 Alan E. Kazdin, 2002–2006 Fred R. Volkmar, 2006–2014 Linda C. Mayes, (interim) 2014–2016; Director 2016-present References Further reading Mayes LC (2015). Vision(s) for the Yale Child Study Center External links Child Study Center Yale School of Medicine Child-related organizations in the United States Autism-related organizations in the United States Organizations established in 1911 1911 establishments in Connecticut