Life Span Institute
We are a network of more than 300 KU scientists, students and staff who strive to improve the health of individuals and communities through research, service and outreach.
Featured News
National study led by Life Span Institute researchers asks people with disabilities to share their experiences
People with disabilities are invited to participate in a national study based at the University of Kansas that aims to document their experiences with a variety of issues to understand the needs of underrepresented communities.
KU project aims to identify risk factors for toddlers with autism who may remain minimally verbal
A five-year project with KU Life Span Institute researchers with a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health are working on a study to provide guidance for therapists to predict which children will remain minimally verbal and benefit most from intensive language intervention at…
Researchers to test app that empowers students with disabilities through self-determination
Researchers at the University of Kansas who have been instrumental in developing and implementing the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction have secured funding to test a new app that delivers the proven method to students.
Study identifies grammar challenge task with potential to identify language disorder among older children
To help identify Specific Language Impairment (SLI) in children who are beyond their preschool years, researchers at the KU Life Span Institute have evaluated a new, more grammatically challenging language task to aid in diagnosis.
Research at a Glance
$41.1M
in research awards in FY21
337
investigators, staff and students
65
years of improving human health and development
Our Commitment
Explore how our researchers, staff and students come together to solve problems affecting the health of children, families and communities.
Helping People Thrive
Our Work
Learn about the research of more than 130 investigators working on dozens of projects spanning education, self-determination, disability policy, neuroscience, behavior, language, child development and more.
Explore research projects
Research Rising
Research Rising will address the complex genetic, biological, and environmental factors that cause intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how best to develop interventions to support individuals with IDD so that they can live their best lives.Explore the Life Span Institute
People
More than 300 investigators, staff and students are part of the KU Life Span Institute. Find individual staff and connect with our research centers.
Research Impact
View stories about the impact of our research, grant news, and discoveries from the fields of education, addiction, autism spectrum disorder, community health and more.
Research Support
Connect with services that support researchers including study design, grant development, award support, and video and web production.