Neurodiversity

NEXT is once again recruiting students to participate in their FREE co-mentorship program. In 2024, more than 60 universities partnered with NEXT, and they’ve made over 100 student-mentor matches! Participants are matched with established professionals trained in neuroinclusion, and meet virtually for 8 conversations between now and September. The… Read More

Complete a 30 minute to 1 hour survey about neurodivergence and health outcomes. Participants receive $30 in gift cards. eligibility Requirements 18-30 years old Living in the U.S. Identifies as neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, etc) Self diagnoses are welcome! Find out more Please review the attached flyer… Read More

We want to Congratulate two members of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation family today, Dr. Tyler Derr and Hari Srinivasan. This week, Vanderbilt University acknowledged them with Impact Awards in the faculty and PhD student categories, respectively. Hari Srinivasan with his Impact Award. Dr. Tyler… Read More

Welcome to the first ever post of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation (FCAI) blog! We are beyond excited to introduce you to this space which we hope will flourish into a hub of connection. Housed in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, the Frist… Read More

We are excited to advertise a free viewing of the new documentary “Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis” in Nashville this month. This movie dives into a struggle many with autism face: gaining employment and remaining employed. Following the movie, there will be… Read More

On April 10th, Deputy Director of Business Innovations for FCAI, Dr. Tim Vogus, will deliver a Jane Hannah Roundtable talk at the Annette Eskind Institute of Learning at the Currey Ingram Academy, entitled “Embracing Neurodiversity and Making Organizations Inclusive for All“. The mission of the… Read More

This Autism Acceptance Month, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and Vanderbilt University are partnering with Alliance Bernstein to host an NYC event entitled, From Autism Acceptance to Advantage: Learning from Autism to Create Innovative Workplaces and Teams. Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month and learn how to make your organization… Read More

This week in The Tennessean, guest columnists Keivan G. Stassun (Dirctor of FCAI) and Jon Perlin (Advisory Board of FCAI) highlight overlooked talents of neurodivergent workers in today’s job market. While major tech companies like Amazon and Dell have made strides in hiring neurodivergent individuals, there are still millions… Read More

Due to funding cuts to the National Science Foundation made after the executive orders in the last several weeks, FCAI has lost $7 million in expected federal grant funding, and along with it some of our cornerstone programs for national impact. The $7 million in funding had been rigorously reviewed… Read More

In this fireside chat style conversation, Dr. Vogus will facilitate a dialogue between Dr. Posselt and Dr. Annabi to examine the intersections between the Neurodiversity at Work movement and the broader Neurodiversity movement. Together, they will explore key characteristics of effective social movements, the role of… Read More