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NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Appears on Panel Discussing Neurodiversity and the Scientific Process; Recording Available
Apr. 18, 2024—Discover valuable insights on neurodiversity within the scientific community by watching the recording of a virtual panel hosted by Cell Press and The Lancet. In this engaging panel, leading experts such as Mary Doherty (University College Dublin) and Axelle Ahanhanzo (LAUDACE) discuss making spaces safer for neurodivergent people, intersectionality, and the importance of evolving scientific...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan to Deliver TedX Talk on April 20th; Open to the Public!
Apr. 17, 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...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Delivers Keynote at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Autism Seminar Series
Apr. 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...
Deputy Director Tim Vogus Interviews with Owen School of Management; Discusses Managements Role in Neuroinclusion
Apr. 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,...
April FCAI Salon Series: Art and Science to Enhance Social Competence for Children and Adults with Autism with Blythe A. Corbett Ph.D.
Apr. 6, 2024—We are thrilled to present this month’s Salon Series talk featuring Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., a distinguished James G. Blakemore Chair and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With her unique blend of art and science, she will delve into how this innovative approach can significantly enhance...
FCAI Deputy Director Dave Caudel Discusses the Strengths and Challenges of Neurodiversity in New Talk
Mar. 30, 2024—Last week, FCAI Deputy Director Dave Caudel spoke for a Disability @ Work session hosted by the UNC Charlotte Career Center. Caudel discussed the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, and these undeserved and underutilized members of our society. You can view the video below or on YouTube here. Every spring, the UNC Career Center offers programming...
Preparing Autistic Students for the AI Workforce Project; Applications Open for Summer Training and Internships!
Mar. 30, 2024—Applications are now open for the Preparing Autistic Students for the AI Workforce project! Successful candidates will undertake a four-week training starting on June 17, where they will learn the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, deep learning, generative AI (LLMs and ChatGPT), classification, optimization, and ethics. They will also learn various communication and teamwork skills essential...
FCAI Partner The Precisionists, Inc. Featured on News Channel 5 Nashville; Showcasing Success of TPI Employees.
Mar. 24, 2024—FCAI partner The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI) was recently featured on Nashville’s News Channel 5, showcasing the successes of TPI employees and discussing the company’s work. They also highlight TPI’s partnership with HCA, one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, which partners with TPI and has been featured on our FCAI news feed previously. For this piece, News Channel 5 interviewed...
March FCAI Salon Series: A Panel Discussion on Clinical & Services Research In The Neurodiverse World
Mar. 14, 2024—When: Monday 18th March, 2024 —> 12:00pm – 1:00pm Where: Online and in person at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Auditorium We are excited to announce this this month’s FCAI Salon Series, which will be a panel discussion, with panelists Dr. Julie Taylor and Dr. Amy Weitlauf and panel moderator Dr. Jim Bodfish. The topic of...
Half Way To The Summit CAN Registration Open!
Mar. 4, 2024—Every year, the College Autism Network, supported by the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, hosts the annual College Autism Summit. We are now halfway to the 2024 College Autism Summit, which means it’s time for the Halfway to the Summit workshop! Join us for two virtual half-day professional learning opportunities offering an in-depth exploration...
Applications Now Open for Aspie Bootcamp: Python 2024
Feb. 26, 2024—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce that applications are open for the third year of our summer program Aspie Bootcamp: Python — our free, virtual, summer coding camp. This bootcamp is a great way to become eligible for future internship and employment opportunities with employers who seek job candidates that...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Interviewed for The Special Needs Voice Podcast
Feb. 23, 2024—Our director, Keivan Stassun, was interviewed for the latest Special Needs Voices Podcast episode. You can listen by searching on the Spotify app or at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hmcBoR4vMaqFq4Kefpz6D In this episode, Keivan “will be speaking about topics such as his childhood and how it affected his career progression, his son with Autism that inspired...
UConn INCLUDE Project Launches Summer Institute for STEM Faculty
Feb. 21, 2024—The UConn INCLUDE project is proud to announce its first Summer Institute for Neuroinclusive Teaching launch! This 1.5-day in-person workshop will prepare faculty across STEM disciplines to support and empower neurodiverse students in the classroom, sharing best practices and insights learned from the NSF INCLUDE project. Program Information Where: In-person at the UCONN Storrs Campus...
FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today Regarding Grief in the Autistic Community
Feb. 13, 2024—Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has published a new article in Psychology Today about the impact of grief on the autistic community. In this article, Hari discusses his own moving experiences with grief after the recent loss of both of his grandparents and how grief as...
February FCAI Salon Series: Taste the Rainbow: Designing with Color and Patterns for Neurodiversity with Kendra Oliver
Feb. 4, 2024—We are excited to announce this month’s Salon Series speaker, Kendra Oliver! This months talk will be held online only, and sign up is available here. Please come and get to know another of our wonderful Frist Center fellows. When: Tuesday 13th February, 2024 at Noon CT Where: Virtual – https://vanderbilt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkc-mpqj8vGdXUQE367brA43pY4q4B075Z#/registration Talk Description: Join us...
Potentia’s Dave Thompson Gives Neurodiversity Inspired TEDx Talk
Feb. 3, 2024—A big congratulations to FCAI Partner Potentia, and Dave Thompson for his recent TEDx talk! Dave’s talk discusses how we require a rebrand of the brain, and fortunately, it’s begun thanks to the idea of Neurodiversity. The concept of Neurodiversity illustrates how much like natural biodiversity, the wider the variation in our operating systems as...
College Autism Network Releases New Video Describing Their Work
Feb. 2, 2024—Our friends at the College Autism Network, which is supported by the Frist Center, have released an informational video allowing the public an inside view of the work of the network, the benefits, and the sensational yearly College Autism Summit. As the home of CAN, the Frist Center is so proud of the work of...
CEO and Founder of TACT Authors Book to Support Neurodivergent Individuals in Transitions to Adulthood
Jan. 26, 2024—The FCAI team is so excited to share the news of a recent book release by the CEO and Founder of our partner company, TACT. Danny Comb’s new book “Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood: Blueprints for Education, Training, and Employment,” offers ideas and solutions to counter the currently steep unemployment...
FCAI Autism Summer Internship Applications Now Open for 2024!
Jan. 11, 2024—The Frist Center is excited to announce applications are now open for our Autism Summer Internship Program. The program is open to undergraduate students who identify as neurodiverse (either through formal or self-diagnosis). Through this internship, successful applicants will undergo a STEM project with a faculty mentor, under the guidance of the Frist Center for...
FCAI NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Pens Second Op-Ed for Time Magazine
Jan. 5, 2024—On January 3rd, 2024, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published his second article in Time magazine, entitled “The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism”. In this thought-provoking article, Srinivasan discusses how the epidemic of loneliness disproportionally effects the autistic population, and is only exacerbated by U.S. notions of...
FCAI November Webinar Hosts Filmmakers from “In A Different Key” to Discuss Toolkit
Nov. 30, 2023—This month’s FCAI webinar hosted filmmakers Caren Zucker and John Donvan to discuss their new educational toolkit, inspired by their documentary In A Different Key, which is available to stream for free on PBS. FCAI Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik led the conversation with Zucker and Donvan to discuss how the toolkit at film works in harmony...
FCAI Associate Director and Program Manager Speak at OCALICONLINE 2023
Nov. 30, 2023—On November 16th, FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel and Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2023 OCALICONLINE Autism and Disabilities Conference about the programs and opportunities available at the Frist Center. OCALICONLINE is run by OCALI who are “a model agency for inspiring change and promoting access for people with disabilities. But...
FCAI Program and Communications Manager Speaks at the International Forum on Research Excellence
Nov. 11, 2023—On Saturday, 11th November, First Center for Autism and Innovation Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2nd Annual International Forum on Research Excellence in Long Beach, California. The session Jessica led opened with a talk about Neurodiversity in STEM: How Great Supports Lead to Great Endeavors, where Jessica told her own story...
FCAI Director and Floreo CEO Present at The Tennessee Enabling Technologies Summit
Nov. 10, 2023—On Thursday November 9th, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Director, Keivan Stassun, and Floreo CEO Vijay Ravindran, presented at The Tennessee Enabling Technologies Summit, giving a presentation called Advancing Independence and Employment with Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence Technologies. Stassun and Ravindran spoke alongside others from the Tennessee tech sector to discuss various topics in...
WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT: INDK Filmmakers Meeting to Discuss New Educational Tool
Nov. 7, 2023—The Frist Center team are so excited to announce our November Webinar. The team from “In A Different Key” the movie, will be joining us to discuss their new toolkit, designed to support understanding around autism. The In A Different Key movie is available on PBS for free, and the toolkit contains discussion booklets and...
SDSU and Vanderbilt Driving Training Program Featured on Fox 5 San Diego
Nov. 4, 2023—On November 4th, 2023, Fox 5 San Diego visited the NSF funded Vanderbilt and San Diego State partnership program for new driver training for people with autism. This AI-based program, which the NSF has funded, teaches potential drivers everything they need to know about driving before getting on the road, with lessons involving virtual reality...
FCAI Director, Visiting Fellow and Program Manager Speak at Neurowrx Conference
Oct. 30, 2023—Last week, FCAI Director Keivan Stassun, Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, and Visiting Fellow Judy Reilly spoke at the 3rd International Gathering for Neurowrx, hosted by Aspiritech. Neurowrx is a global alliance of corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals working together to foster and inspire employment for people on the autism spectrum in science, technology, engineering, arts,...
College Autism Summit Returns to Nashville for Biggest Summit Yet!
Oct. 30, 2023—The College Autism Network returned this year to Vanderbilt University’s Student Life Center for the largest summit yet, the 7th College Autism Summit, with the theme ‘Finding a Balance.’ The College Autism Summit gathers nationwide educators, researchers, advocates, and other professionals together to discuss tensions and opportunities in the college autism space over three days in October. This...
HCA Healthcare National Disability Employment Awareness Month; Highlights Partnership with TPI
Oct. 30, 2023—One of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare, celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month with an article highlighting neurodiversity employment opportunity efforts across their organizations. A highlighted effort included FCAI partner The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), showcasing the September announcement of the expansion of TPI’s neurodiversity employment program in Nashville. “We’re proud to work with TPI to help...
College Autism Summit Returning to Vanderbilt University October 18-20 2023
Sep. 30, 2023— We are so proud to be the home of the College Autism Network and so happy to announce the return of the College Autism Summit to the Student Life Center at Vanderbilt University from October 18-20. In just two and a half weeks, we will join scholars, practitioners, administrators, employers, and self-advocates to discuss evidence-driven strategies that help...
Frist Center Partners with InclYOUsion Summit 2023; Sees 110,000 Participants on Livestream Over Three Days
Sep. 23, 2023—On 20th – 23rd September 2023, the Frist Center partnered with Indian non-profit Kidskintha to conduct the first International Neurodiversity at Work conference. The conference, which the Frist Center also sponsored, saw 47 speakers across 8 time zones speak about neurodiversity in the workplace. Themes such as education, transitions to work, success strategies, and global initiatives for...
Frist Center Researchers Seeking to Aid Neurodiverse Adults Receive Prestigious NSF CIVIC Stage 2 Award
Sep. 21, 2023—Two Frist Center researchers are part of a collaborative effort receiving a distinguished Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Stage 2 Award from the National Science Foundation that the team will use to improve equity for neurodiverse adults by completing and commercializing a novel virtual reality driving instruction system that will help autistic adults have the independence they need...
Partnership with The Precisionists: Career Opportunities for 500 Neurodiverse Individuals in Nashville
Sep. 20, 2023—On September 19th, FCAI partner The Precisionists announced the expansion of their neurodiversity employment program to Nashville, with an event hosted at the Frist Center. The event was led by Director Keivan Stassun, with remarks from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and a quote from the Governor of Tennessee. Through their partnership with the Frist...
Event Announcement: A Night of Music, PHotography, PHriends, and PHun!
Sep. 13, 2023—We are excited to advertise AbleVoices’ very first fundraising event to benefit their programming for youth and adults with disabilities. Event Description: The evening promises to be a delightful experience filled with music, photography and much more. You will be moved by musical performances by singer-songwriter, Jessica Willis-Fisher and autism self-advocates Andrew Braach and Drew...
Special Lecture at VKC on 09/11 – Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups
Sep. 7, 2023—Announcing a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Special Lecture: “Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups; Examples of Applied Virtual Reality (VR) Led by Autistic Input and Feedback.” Presented by Dr. Nigel Newbutt, Ph.D. When: Monday, September 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT Where: Room 241, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/One Magnolia Circle Building (Virtual Option Available) Nigel Newbutt,...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivansan Publishes Op-Ed In Newsweek
Aug. 11, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan once again published an amazing opinion piece in a leading US magazine, this time discussing the “disheartening lack of progress in practical solutions for autistics” in a piece entitled, “The Dual Approach for Autism.” In the article, Hari states, “Within the autism community, two seemingly...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Interviewed for CMA Today Article
Aug. 7, 2023—Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for an article released in CMA today entitled “Opening Minds: Unlock Strategies for Making Workplaces Inclusive of Neurodiversity”. Part of the article discusses accommodations in the workplace and how accommodations are often provided, unconsciously, for everyone. Dr. Caudel makes this point clear when...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Writes Op-Ed for Time that Discusses the Gaps in Autism Research Participation
Aug. 1, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow, Hari Srinivasan published an op-ed in Time discussing the gaps in autism research regarding the recruitment of research participants. Hari states: “This, in itself, contrasts with many autistics like me who are excluded from autism research due to the complexity of our issues, or because of the...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Posts Op-Ed in Fortune on the Importance of Remote Work in the Disabled Community
Jul. 28, 2023—This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published an article in Fortune entitled: “Flexible work critics are using the same arguments that were used against disabled ramps and closed captioning. Equity of access should never be optional.” In the piece, Hari discusses the arguments now being made to roll back remote work...
FCAI Deputy Director Interviewed for Neurodiversity Empowerment YouTube
Jul. 24, 2023—Last week, Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for Episode 88 of the Dr. Gwen Empowered YouTube channel. This YouTube channel seeks to “empower neurodiverse and disabled individuals, their support systems, and anyone who deeply cares about this community.” Dr. Caudel was interviewed about how FCAI is working to transform...
FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today
Jul. 14, 2023—This week, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published a piece in Psychology Today called “Dignity Remains Elusive for Many Disabled People”. In this article Hari describes his experiences as a visibly disabled neurodivergent individual. He describes his frustration at feeling infantilized in everyday interactions, such as...
Recording Available for FCAI June Webinar
Jul. 4, 2023—On June 29, 2023, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation monthly webinar series partnered with virtual reality company Floreo to discuss Workforce Skill Development and Virtual Reality. The panel was moderated by FCAI project coordinator Jessica Schonhut-Stasik and included four panelists (see bios below). We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation from these enthusiastic...
Recordings Available for “Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM: A National Leadership Summit”
Jun. 29, 2023—In July 2023, the National Academies of Sciences’ Keck Center in Washington D.C. hosted the hybrid “Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM: A National Leadership Summit” A host of panels and presentations discussed issues related to accessibility and inclusivity in STEM workplaces for disabled individuals. Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director was...
Announcing the Frist Center’s June Webinar
Jun. 20, 2023—The Frist Center is excited to announce our June webinar, which will be taking place on Thursday 29th June at 2pm CDT. The panel for this month’s webinar will discuss workforce skill development and how it can be enhanced by virtual reality. The speakers will be Vijay Ravindran, who is the founder and CEO of...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Features in Article on Neurodivergent Physicists
Jun. 13, 2023—Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director Dave Caudel, was recently quoted in a Symmetry article on the struggles faced by neurodivergent physicists. When discussing the loss of talent in physics due to students not receiving appropriate support and understanding Dr. Caudel says: “One of the things that really keeps me up at night...
FCAI May Webinar Now Available on YouTube
May. 26, 2023—The FCAI May Webinar in now available on YouTube!! In this episode, FCAI program manager interviews Dave Thompson of Potentia about Belonging in Neurodiversity. Dave is the Director of Strategic Programs for Potentia Workforce, and works to support companies in becoming more neuroinclusive through training on best practices, as well as recruiting and providing ongoing support...
FCAI Project Coordinator, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, is Guest on Square Pegs Podcast
May. 26, 2023—“Square Pegs,” is a thought-provoking podcast with engaging content and insightful discussions, surrounding the experiences of neurodiverse graduate students. With a keen focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, Arash Zaghi brings together a wide range of guests who challenge societal norms and share their unique perspectives. On the latest episode of Square Pegs, Arash interviews...
FCAI May Webinar Announcement
May. 17, 2023—Our May webinar is almost here! Join Frist Center Program Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik in conversation with Dave Thompson of Potentia on the subject of Belonging in the Work Place. Date: May 25th 2023 Time: 9am HST / 12pm PDT / 2pm CDT / 3pm EDT Register Here. All of our previous webinars can be found...
Upcoming Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Webinar “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
May. 17, 2023—On May 18th, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) Research Ethics Grand Rounds will be having a webinar panel discussion with a focus on what “Nothing About Us Without Us” can look like within a research setting. The panel will include two VKC researchers and two disability self-advocates who serve on an advisory level for their...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun One of Four Vanderbilt VUMC Faculty to be Elected as AAAS Members
May. 1, 2023—The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the election of four Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty among its 2023 cohort of 270 new members, including Frist Center for Autism and Innovation director Keivan Stassun. The academy is an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an...