Prisms, Inc.

Happy Father's Day from PRISMS!

Summer Research Spotlight:

Meet Arielle R. Marshall, MA, BCBA,. Arielle is a Ph.D. candidate in the Behavior Analysis program in the Department of Psychology at the University of Florida, mentored by Dr. Timothy R. Vollmer. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rutgers University. Her current research focuses on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior, relapse, and the application of behavior analysis to individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

Arielle's summer research project will be focused on Characterizing Sleep–Behavior Dynamics in Children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Their Caregivers: A Preliminary Investigation.

We look forward to seeing the results of her research.

A big thanks to Brenda Dickerson for coordinating a meet up at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas for SMS families. It was a beautiful day for 12 families to meet up and enjoy some fun. They welcomed many new faces this year and had a wonderful time.

Summer Research Spotlight:

Meet Janae’ Alexis Pendergrass. Janae earned her B.S. in Psychology from Spelman College in 2021. After graduating, she worked as a postbac at Marcus Autism Center where she conducted research on the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior. She received her master’s degree from the University of Florida (UF) and her BCBA certification in 2025. Her research interests include using a collaborative approach toward increasing cooperation with hair grooming procedures for Black children with autism and other related developmental disabilities, evaluating fluctuations in behavior sensitivity during periods of pain and discomfort, and applying behavior analysis methodology to individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

Janae' will be Exploring the Feasibility of Repeated Measurement of Constipation and Challenging Behavior in Individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) for her summer research project.

We look forward to seeing the results of her research.

Registration for the PRISMS 13th International Conference closes June 30. Join families, researchers, and professionals from around the world as we come together to learn, connect, and advance our understanding of Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). This conference is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and build lasting connections within the SMS community.

Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/YlJkBs6hBJHk0Eet6Q2wNA

We would love to have a photo of your SMS individual to include in a slideshow at the conclusion of the conference. Even if you can't attend, we would still like to share a photo.

You can send the photo to [email protected] and include your child's name and age. The deadline to send photos is June 24.

Haven't registered for the conference? There is still time to register! https://secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/YlJkBs6hBJHk0Eet6Q2wNA

A heartfelt thank you to our Gold Sponsors for their generous support of this year's conference! Your partnership helps make this event possible. We are grateful for your commitment and investment in our SMS community.

Please join us in recognizing and celebrating our Gold Sponsors for their valuable support!

Conference Air Travel Tip

Will you be flying to Minneapolis this July with your family member who has Smith-Magenis syndrome? Check out these accessibility resources from MSP Airport:
https://www.mspairport.com/airport/accessibility?utm_source=Clear+Channel&utm_medium=TFDs&utm_campaign=Accessibility

Including The Sunflower Lanyard Program:
https://www.mspairport.com/airport/accessibility/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-program

We're looking forward to seeing you in less than 2 months!

You’re Invited to Light Up the Night! A Celebration and Fundraiser for PRISMS during the 13th International Conference in Minneapolis.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection, compassion, and celebration. You can purchase your tickets when you register for the conference or use the link below. Join us for this adults-only event and let’s light up the night — and light the way forward for the PRISMS community.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we shine brighter.

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/ggNoTRr9qmuDoQzfIFvhvw