Assistive Technologies

And this year promises to be bigger than ever! The conference will again be held at Langford Auditorium on the Vanderbilt University Campus between October 13th – 15th, 2026, and is a cooperative event between the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and Janus Innovation Hub. ​ Following the… Read More

ASCEND – the Assistive & Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity & Development — officially launched this week on the campus of BrightStone in Franklin and will bring together leaders in research, technology, and community services, with self-advocates and civic stakeholders from the community. Our first ASCEND chapter is… Read More

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to introduce a brand-new partnership initiative to transform how innovation in neurodivergent support reaches the communities that need it! ASCEND — the Assistive and Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity and Development — will enable state chapters, rooted in community… Read More

WHAT IS THE STUDY? This study is by one of our own NISE fellows, Hari Srinivasan, and is taking place in person at the Wallace Lab on Vanderbilt Campus. The study is entitled: Virtual Bubbles, Real Insights. Investigating Peripersonal Space in Autism. A recent article by Vanderbilt Journalism Lab… Read More

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

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is thrilled to congratulate our internal partner, Neurodiverse Technologies, along with co-founders Jan Schlueter and Principal Investigator Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, on receiving a $70,000 award through Vanderbilt’s Innovation Catalyst Fund. This significant funding will advance NAVIS (Advancement of Neurodivergent-Aware… Read More

We at FCAI are proud to announce the launch of the Neurotech Frontiers Incubation Program, a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with JANUS Innovation Hub. This six-month hybrid program will support early-stage startups building technology solutions that enhance the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their families, and… Read More

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce the successful inaugural Lab-Match Event, held today both in-person at Vanderbilt and virtually. This event brought together lab managers and start-up companies in a unique forum designed to connect researchers with entrepreneurial ventures seeking research support. The Lab-Match… Read More

“From Barriers to Freedom: Jimmy’s Neurodivergent Journey to a Driver’s License.” In this powerful session, Jimmy explains why the SANDI Driving Simulator is essential for learners who struggle with traditional driver’s education. He highlights how SANDI provides the structure, practice, and confidence needed to prepare for life behind the wheel. Read More