Kathleen Cardinale

Kathleen Cardinale, MD, is an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. Her clinical focus includes developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida, emphasizing patient-centered communication and family advocacy. She holds appointments at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and leads clinics in Neurocutaneous Syndromes (since 2020) and Neurogenetics (since 2018).

Dr. Cardinale earned her MD from the University of Virginia (2013) and completed residency at Duke University (2018). Her research explores immunotherapy applications for neurodevelopmental disorders and pediatric autoimmune encephalitis. Notable publications include studies on Down syndrome disintegrative disorder and treatment updates for autoimmune encephalitis.

Recognized in the 2023 and 2024 Yale Medicine Top Doctors Lists, her work emphasizes compassionate care for neurologically impaired children. She actively connects families with multidisciplinary specialists and advocates for holistic patient support.