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Welcome

Our mission: The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering brings together leading engineers, business scholars, academic researchers, and experts in educational and clinical practice, in partnership with self-advocates and other civic stakeholders, to maximize neurodiverse talent within and into the workforce. From a strengths-based understanding of neurodiversity that honors lived experiences by driving real needs-based solutions, the Center sees opportunities for innovation in technology, business models, talent development, future-leader training, and workplace practices.

We are housed in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, where we bring together academics and higher education professionals, inventors and entrepreneurs, business scholars and management experts, and self-advocates and civil stakeholders to work together to understand, maximize, and promote neurodivergent talent.

From a social-strengths based perspective of neurodiversity, the Center sees opportunities for innovation in technology, talent acquisition and development, workplace practices, and education.

The Frist Center is a research center and does not engage in clinical practice (i.e., we do not provide diagnostic care). If you are searching for support with receiving a diagnosis for yourself or someone you love, please navigate to this page.

FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel Interviewed on Autism Weekly Podcast

November 5, 2024

In an episode of Autism Weekly that dropped in September, our Associate Director Dave Caudel was interviewed about transforming workplaces for neurodivergent individuals. Autism Weekly is a podcast that discusses Autism news, current events, and inclusion. Each week, host Jeffrey Skibitsky welcomes a guest to the program to share their unique perspective and expertise regarding…

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AutismTN to Host Hybrid, Autistic-Led Panel on Introduction to Autistic Culture

October 9, 2024

FCAI are excited to announce a free, hybrid, Autistic-led panel discussion titled “Introduction to Autistic Culture.” This event is the first in a series funded by HumanitiesTN and hosted by AutismTN. Additionally Associate Director Dave Caudel, a valued member of the AutismTN Advisory Board, is involved in this initiative: Event Details: Date: Thursday, October 24 Time: 6:00…

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FCAI Program and Communications Coordinator Launches Non-Profit at the Intersection of Neurodiversity and Space Science: The Neuroverse Initiative

October 2, 2024

We are thrilled to share that our Program and Communications manager, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, launched her non-profit, The Neuroverse Initiative (TNI), last week. This unique initiative operates at the intersection of space science and neurodiversity, with a mission to support neurodivergent space scientists in training, research, and advocacy. The mission statement of the new non-profit reads:…

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FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Wins Prestigious MacArthur Genius Grant

October 1, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that our Director, Keivan G. Stassun, has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant.” This incredible honor has been awarded to Director Stassun for his work “expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers for underrepresented populations.” Under the guidance of…

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FCAI Welcomes New Fellows and Affiliates!

July 14, 2024

** Originally Posted 14th July, 2024 ** We are delighted to welcome our new FCAI Fellows and Affiliates for 2024. Read on to learn more about these exceptional individuals. Rachel Hundley – FCAI Affiliate Rachael is a Psychologist and Associate Professor in Pediatrics. Her clinical and research efforts have focused on assessment for autistic and…

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BNA Partnering with Hidden Disabilities’ Sunflower Program to Support Individuals with Invisible Disabilities

July 13, 2024

🌻 Exciting News! 🌻 We’re thrilled that Nashville International Airport (BNA) is now part of the Sunflower Program, joining a worldwide movement to support individuals with “hidden disabilities.” BNA will offer discreet Sunflower lanyards to travelers with autism, neurodivergence, or other invisible disabilities. This subtle signal to airport staff indicates that the wearer may need…

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NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Wins Research Award

July 11, 2024

FCAI Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has been awarded the 2024 Autistic and Neurodivergent Scholars Working for Equity in Research (ANSWER) Scholars Program Award for his project “Navigating the Near: Virtual Reality Investigations of Peripersonal Space in Autism.” Srinivasan will receive a $10,000 award next academic year to work toward this research….

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NISE Fellow, FCAI Fellow, and Associate Director Author Paper on Recruiting and Retaining Autistic Talent in STEMM

June 13, 2024

Check out the groundbreaking commentary “Recruiting and Retaining Autistic Talent in STEMM” by Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Amber Crabtree, with collaboration from FCAI fellow AJ Hinton and FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel. Published in iScience, the article addresses the high unemployment rates and challenges autistic adults face in science, technology, engineering, math, and…

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FCAI NISE Fellow Receives Fisk-Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Fellow Position

June 13, 2024

With great pride, we announce the selection of graduate student and FCAI NISE Fellow Amber Crabtreeas the recipient of the prestigious Fisk-Vanderbilt postdoctoral fellowship. This achievement is a testament to Amber’s hard work and the guidance she has received from her mentors, including FCAI Fellow AJ Hinton in the lab of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics….

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NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Appears on AMBIV Collective Panel; Recording Available

June 4, 2024

Last Wednesday, 29th May, NISE Fellow and self-advocate Hari Srinivasan appeared on an AMBIV panel entitled AANHPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel. The recording of the webinar is at this link, or watch below. The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their…

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Updated Version of the IDD Toolkit Released; Supporting Primary Care Providers

May 21, 2024

We are pleased to share with you an updated version of the IDD toolkit. This website provides information for providers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It offers best-practice tools and information regarding specific medical and behavioral concerns of adults with IDD, including resources for patients and families. One aspect of the revisions…

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FCAI, UCONN, & Alliance Bernstein Partner for Company Workshop to Design Neurodiversity Programs: Register Now!

May 17, 2024

** Originally Posted 17th May, 2024 ** Workshop Details Are you keen on implementing a neurodiversity talent strategy at your company? The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation (FCAI) is thrilled to announce an exclusive workshop taking place in September 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. This workshop, made possible by FCAI in collaboration with UConn’s Center for Neurodiversity…

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Director of UCONN’s Center of Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation Interviewed on The Special Needs Voice Podcast

May 7, 2024

Director of UCONN’s Center of Neurodiversity Employment and Innovation, Judy Reilly, was interviewed for the latest Special Needs Voices Podcast episode. This insightful conversation is just a click away, available on the Spotify app or at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lOK54Jrh84b7rspoUrRQ4 In this episode, Judy speaks about her background and interest in the Neurodiversity field. She introduces her…

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FCAI Program and Communications Manager Speaking at SciAccess 2024; FCAI, Disability Research, and Upcoming Non-Profit

May 6, 2024

On May 10-11th, 2024, we are thrilled to announce that FCAI Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik will deliver multiple talks at the free, virtual SciAccess conference. Jessica, along with an array of incredible speakers at the intersection of disability and STEM, will provide three unique talks outlined below. Registration is free and available at the…

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FCAI Partner Jobs for Humanity Releases Impact Report; Work Supported by Associate Director Dave Caudel

April 27, 2024

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to partner with Jobs for Humanity. This organization supports inclusive hiring practices for individuals from underrepresented groups, including those on the autism spectrum.  Jobs for Humanity has recently unveiled an inspiring impact reportshowcasing their remarkable achievements over the past three years. The report highlights the significant…

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FCAI NISE Fellow Wins NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

April 25, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Hari Srinivasan, one of our Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellows at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, has been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for his work in Neuroscience. The NSF GRFP is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Hari’s hard work,…

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NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Delivers Keynote at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Autism Seminar Series

April 17, 2024

FCAI would like to congratulate Hari Srinivasan on his recent keynote address an the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development’s 2023-24 Autism Seminar Series on April 3, 2024. Hari is a self-advocate, a PhD student in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, and a Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering fellow…

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NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan to Deliver TedX Talk on April 20th; Open to the Public!

April 14, 2024

In the spirit of spreading ideas, TEDx is a program that brings people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, live speakers and TEDTalks videos combine to spark profound conversations and connections in a small group. The upcoming TEDxFolsom High School Youth event promises to be an inspiring experience. The speakers are…

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Deputy Director Tim Vogus Interviews with Owen School of Management; Discusses Managements Role in Neuroinclusion

April 13, 2024

In this new article highlighting the importance of ND in the workplace, Owen School of Management interviews FCAI Deputy Director Tim Vogus, discussing a manager’s role in creating an inclusive environment. The article emphasizes the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face and the benefits that workplaces can experience by embracing ND. With a focus on education,…

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Frist Center seeking applications for new fellows, affiliates

April 9, 2024

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation has announced its 2024 call for membership, which allows Vanderbilt faculty and staff to apply to become affiliates or fellows of the Center. The work of current fellows and affiliates has resulted in multi-million-dollar grants and was highlighted nationally on CBS’s 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper. An affiliate…

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Engineering technologies and transforming the work-2
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We work with Academics and other professionals in higher education to develop and prepare the next generation of engineers, business leaders, special education and clinical practitioners, and students across all other relevant domains to bring a “neurodiversity paradigm” to all whose lives they will touch and everything they will invent, create and do.

We work with inventors and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize new technologies, algorithms, and systems that enable neurodiverse people to gain employment, succeed at work, and achieve their full potential.

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We work with business scholars and management experts to develop and deploy novel pipelines to careers, workplace practices and tools, corporate trainings, and policies that dramatically increase neurodiverse talent in the workforce and meaningfully advance neurodiversity in leadership.

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We work with self-advocates and other civic stakeholders to ensure that everything the Center undertakes is done with the engagement—the centering—of neurodiverse people, voices, lived experiences, and perspectives.

Frist Center End-to-End Employment Pipeline Model

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The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation was formed from its inception in 2017 with the intention of serving as the core academic research partner within a larger, community-based effort to develop a truly end-to-end employment pipeline model. In this model, we seek to develop, demonstrate, and disseminate components necessary for a community to come together to create a robust series of pathways and opportunities that lead to meaningful employment for autistic individuals and that enhance the bottom line for the businesses.

This “pipeline to employment” model helps the Frist Center identify roadblocks to meaningful employment faced by many individuals with autism and work with partners throughout the community to identify or develop programs and innovations that may help individuals succeed in overcoming these obstacles.

There are a lot of unknowns in science, particularly when it comes to neurodiversity, but what is clear is many in the neurodiversity community are looking for employment help. We examine each program and innovation to get a sense of its potential to have a positive impact. For those that show promise, we help facilitate pilot projects so we may try to help those who need it today, while examining the results with a scientific lens so we can determine what works and what doesn’t. Once a program or innovation has been vetted, we incorporate it into the pipeline model.

Simply put, the model is a collection of programs and innovations that help neurodiverse individuals understand their own talents, obtain appropriate training and upskilling (including soft skills) for workplace readiness through educational programs and novel assistive technologies, find meaningful employment, and land in workplaces that themselves have been trained in evidence-based management methods for true neuro-inclusion at work.

The Social-Strengths Based Model of Neurodiversity

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The medical model of disability sees disability as an individual health condition or problem that needs to be fixed or cured. It focuses on diagnosing and treating the impairments or limitations that a person has, often through medical interventions such as surgeries, medications, or therapies. This model places the responsibility for addressing disability on the individual, rather than considering the role of societal barriers and attitudes. In essence, it views the person as the problem that needs to be fixed, rather than recognizing and addressing the systemic and environmental factors that can limit their full participation in society.

The social model of neurodiversity refers to the approach of understanding and accepting neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, as natural variations in the human brain. It seeks to move away from pathologizing these differences and instead focuses on providing support, accommodations, and acceptance to individuals with diverse neurological profiles. In essence, it encourages society to embrace and celebrate neurodiversity rather than trying to force everyone to fit into a narrow definition of "normal." This model recognizes that each person's brain functions in unique ways and that such differences should be respected and valued.

The strengths-based model of neurodiversity is an approach that focuses on identifying and leveraging the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with diverse neurological profiles, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Instead of viewing neurodivergent traits as deficits or challenges, this model emphasizes recognizing and nurturing the specific talents and capabilities that individuals possess. It involves identifying and building on the strengths of each person, allowing them to contribute to society in meaningful and valuable ways. By emphasizing and celebrating the diverse strengths and abilities of neurodiverse individuals, this model aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone's contributions are valued.

At the Frist Center we focus we work with a componded model of the social and strengths based approached: the social-strength model. This model seeks to employ the best parts of both models to enable success in all education and career stages for a neurodivergent individual. We note, we do not dismiss the medical model, and understand it's utility in the neurodiverse community.

The Double-Empathy Opportunity

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The double-empathy problem refers to the difficulty that people with different neurotypes (such as autistic and non-autistic individuals) may have in understanding each other's emotions and experiences. It suggests misunderstandings and communication barriers can occur because their neurotype influences each person's perception and expression of emotions. This concept highlights the importance of mutual empathy and understanding in bridging the gap between different neurotypes and improving communication and relationships.

At the Frist Center, we reframe the double-empathy problem as a double-empathy opportunity. We work to support both sides, the neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, in learning and innovating together. We combine our different ways of thinking to create novel approaches for the future.