FCAI News

A new Tennessee-based partnership is launching what organizers believe is the first structured workforce pathway for neurodivergent adults to become Virtual Driving Readiness Instructors, using advanced driving simulation to help learners build confidence and skills before transitioning to on-road instruction. The initiative brings together assistive technology developers, university researchers,… Read More

On May 19, three Frist Center for Autism and Innovation (FCAI) staff members will speak at Neurotech Frontiers Summit 2026: Where Innovation Meets Neurodiversity, a one-day event bringing together innovators, researchers, founders, clinicians, and advocates working at the intersection of emerging technology and neurodiversity. This convening builds on our October… Read More

Headshots for Peabody College/Vanderbilt .UniversityPhotos by Joe Howell FCAI’s Salon Series continues this month with The Educational Experience of Autistic Girls with Dr. Brittney Goscicki. This session will explore what research and practice can teach us about supporting autistic girls in education, with attention to the ways gender and… Read More

April 1 marks the start of Autism Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding, celebrate autistic voices, and strengthen environments where neurodivergent people can thrive. At FCAI, our work focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies that expand access, belonging, and opportunity across education and employment. We would like to take this… Read More

Yesterday, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, hosted a Salon Series event featuring Dr. Jim Coleman, Professor of Biology at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. If you missed the live conversation, the recording is now available either below, on… Read More

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University is pleased to welcome back Nathaniel “Nate” Dowd as FCAI’s Resident Statistician. In this role, Dowd will support FCAI staff, fellows, and affiliates by providing statistical and data analysis support across a wide range of projects advancing autism and neurodiversity… Read More

Dr. Keivan Stassun, Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, shown here wearing his LLAP award necklace and performing the Vulcan Salute. The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation (FCAI) is proud to share that our director, Keivan Stassun, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026… Read More

Dave Thompson, project manager for A-SCENE and a member of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation team, is releasing Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work (Wiley, 2026)—a book that challenges how we think about workplaces, who belongs in them, and what it means… Read More

We’re thrilled to announce that applications are open for the 2026 Workplace Readiness and Preparation (WRaP) Program! This transformative three-week summer program is designed for students aged 15-20 on the autism spectrum who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey. About the Program: For seven years,… Read More

Dave Thompson received the award on behalf of the A-SCENE project. We are thrilled to announce that the A-SCENE initiative has been honored with the Excellence in Accessible STEM Leadership Award at the Accessibility in STEM Conference hosted by NC State University. This prestigious recognition celebrates efforts… Read More