AutismTN to Host Hybrid, Autistic-Led Panel on Introduction to Autistic Culture
Oct. 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...
FCAI Program and Communications Coordinator Launches Non-Profit at the Intersection of Neurodiversity and Space Science: The Neuroverse Initiative
Oct. 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:...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Wins Prestigious MacArthur Genius Grant
Oct. 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...
FCAI Welcomes New Fellows and Affiliates!
Jul. 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...
BNA Partnering with Hidden Disabilities’ Sunflower Program to Support Individuals with Invisible Disabilities
Jul. 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...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Wins Research Award
Jul. 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....
NISE Fellow, FCAI Fellow, and Associate Director Author Paper on Recruiting and Retaining Autistic Talent in STEMM
Jun. 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...
FCAI NISE Fellow Receives Fisk-Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Fellow Position
Jun. 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....
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Appears on AMBIV Collective Panel; Recording Available
Jun. 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...
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...