Self-Advocacy

We want to extend our deepest congratulations to Hari Srinivasan, one of our Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) fellows. Hari co-authored the foreword for the new book Autism for Dummies with Temple Grandin. Hari’s section of the foreword is provided below, along with a link for those interested in… Read More

We are so excited to announce that the one and only Temple Grandin will be visiting Nashville on May 30th and speaking to an audience on Vanderbilt University Campus! Don’t miss your chance to come and hear from Temple herself in this event titled “Autism: The Way I… Read More

On Monday, May 24th, 2025, our partners, Autism Tennessee, will be hosting their 2025 volunteer Open House, where visitors will be able to connect with their programs, meet current volunteers and facilitators, and AutismTN staff to learn more about how to make them part of your volunteer… Read More

On Monday, May 19th, 2025, our partners, Autism Tennessee, will be hosting a training from their ACE’ing the Spectrum series, presented by Cornerstone: Financial Strategies Group. This training is “Mastering Budgeting and Financial Planning Essentials,” held online only via Zoom. It will cover basic concepts for… Read More

We’re excited to share this amazing resource, created by high school student Ellie Rosenthal-Strisik, a passionate advocate, neurodivergent student, and friend of the College Autism Network and Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. Ellie created this resource for students like themselves–not for their parents,… Read More

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

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

We are excited to announce the latest virtual job seeker training from our partner, Autism Tennessee. Autism Tennessee is running its EmployMe – Small Group Classes program through April 2025 (starting April 7th) and is inviting autistic job seekers to register now. Autism Tennessee… Read More