News

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is first and foremost a research center, and is proud to employ several autistic researchers, interns and staff members. Frist Center leadership has been intentional about setting an example for other organizations which are considering recruiting neurodivergent talent. Recently, Vanderbilt University Medical Center… Read More

Frist Center Spring 2020 HOD Intern, Alex Lithgow // Photo by Claire Barnett This spring, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation hosted its first-ever Human and Organizational Development (HOD) intern. Senior Alex Lithgow spent the semester working as the Communications & Advocacy Intern alongside Frist Center Communications Coordinator Claire Barnett. Read More

One of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation’s partner companies is auticon, a Berlin-based tech consulting firm. auticon’s consultants are entirely on the autism spectrum, and number around two hundred. The firm employs another hundred non-consultant staffers who are neurotypical. As organizations around the globe have shifted to… Read More

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to be an interdisciplinary research center focused on empowering autistic adults in the workplace. One of those disciplines in business, which is led by Frist Center Deputy Director for Business Innovations Tim Vogus. Dr. Vogus is also a Professor of Organizational Studies… Read More

As recommended by the CDC, all non-essential Vanderbilt University faculty and staff are currently working remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This includes everyone at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. While we are working remotely, we cannot meet with individuals or organizations face-to-face. However,… Read More

For the third year, Currey Ingram Academy is hosting a three-week program for students ages 15 – 20 who are on the autism spectrum. It is a collaboration between Currey Ingram Academy and the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. The Workforce Readiness and Preparation (… Read More

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is excited to announce its new partnership with Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is responsible for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services program, which includes determination of eligibility, determination of the nature and scope of VR services and the… Read More

If you’d like to learn more about the autism spectrum, mark your calendar for February 25th. On Tuesday the 25th at 1 p.m., Vanderbilt’s InclusAbility campaign is hosting an event called “Autism 101.” The first part of the presentation, given by Autism Tennessee, will cover the diagnosis… Read More

Fidget toys are one element of a sensory-friendly space. (Photo by Claire Barnett) Sensory spaces are a common resource at autism conferences and events, providing a calming spot for attendees to escape stress or overwhelming stimuli. But these spaces can be beneficial to a much wider audience, including those with anxiety, ADHD… Read More

  – This past October, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation put out its first-ever call for large projects, mini-grants, scholarly literature reviews, and symposia proposals consistent with the Center’s mission of engineering technologies and transforming the workplace – inspired by neurodiversity. These awards are supported through a… Read More