Anassa Kata
Martha Denckla '58

The Child Neurology Society has announced the first annual Martha Bridge Denckla Award, a prestigious new award to honor a physician-scientist in the field of child neurology of national and/or international status. Denckla, a clinician and mentor to physicians, neuropsychologists, and teachers pioneered the field of developmental cognitive neurology, and her research has revolutionized understanding of autism, learning disabilities, and ADHD, as well as the role of the motor system in disorders of cognitive development.

“This is the most meaningful honor of my career because it was created by those whom I have taught or mentored,” says Denckla about the award. A newly published book,  Child Neurology: Its Origins, Founders, Growth, and Evolution, by Stephen Ashwal, also recognizes Denckla as a founder of the field.