Neurodiverse Technologies

Jan Schlueter has established a place for himself in the neurodiversity space. As an entrepreneur himself, he was brought into the Frist Center community for his tech background, and ended up finding a personal connection. What started as a career pivot became a mission with a family stake in it… Read More

Lionheart Academy of the Triad School Logo. ASCEND – the Assistive & Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity & Development — officially launched this month on the campus of BrightStone in Franklin, and we are thrilled to announce that our second chapter is opening shortly in Greensboro, NC, at… Read More

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

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

Neurotech Frontiers: A National Platform Since its inception, Neurotech Frontiers has been conceived as more than a single event. It is a national platform dedicated to advancing neurotechnology and inclusive innovation at the convergence of science, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. Anchored by the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation… 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

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