News
Frist Center hosting first-ever ‘Autistics’ Roundtable’ webinar
May. 29, 2020—On Wednesday, June 3rd from 1-2 p.m., the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation will host the first of its new monthly webinar series. The series is being called “Autistics’ Roundtable,” and each week it will feature autistic voices among the panelists, presenters and moderator. The debut installment will address how the challenges of COVID-19 quarantine...
ASBMB article promotes neurodiversity inclusion in labs
May. 25, 2020—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is first and foremost a research center, and is proud to employ several autistic researchers, interns and staff members. Frist Center leadership has been intentional about setting an example for other organizations which are considering recruiting neurodivergent talent. Recently, Vanderbilt University Medical Center postdoc and contributing writer for the...
Frist Center celebrates HOD intern Alex Lithgow
Apr. 27, 2020—This spring, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation hosted its first-ever Human and Organizational Development (HOD) intern. Senior Alex Lithgow spent the semester working as the Communications & Advocacy Intern alongside Frist Center Communications Coordinator Claire Barnett. Lithgow attended HOD class on Mondays and spent Tuesday through Friday at the Frist Center, beginning in January....
Partner company auticon featured by CNBC, CBS
Apr. 20, 2020—One of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation’s partner companies is auticon, a Berlin-based tech consulting firm. auticon’s consultants are entirely on the autism spectrum, and number around two hundred. The firm employs another hundred non-consultant staffers who are neurotypical. As organizations around the globe have shifted to remote work over the past two...
Podcast ‘HR Happy Hour’ interviews Frist Center’s Tim Vogus
Apr. 17, 2020—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to be an interdisciplinary research center focused on empowering autistic adults in the workplace. One of those disciplines in business, which is led by Frist Center Deputy Director for Business Innovations Tim Vogus. Dr. Vogus is also a Professor of Organizational Studies at the Owen Graduate School of...
COVID-19 update on Frist Center Operations
Apr. 7, 2020—As recommended by the CDC, all non-essential Vanderbilt University faculty and staff are currently working remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This includes everyone at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. While we are working remotely, we cannot meet with individuals or organizations face-to-face. However, we are still holding teleconference and...
Sign-ups open for summer 2020 Workforce Readiness and Prep (WRaP) camp
Mar. 10, 2020—For the third year, Currey Ingram Academy is hosting a three-week program for students ages 15 – 20 who are on the autism spectrum. It is a collaboration between Currey Ingram Academy and the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. The Workforce Readiness and Preparation (WRaP) program uses a strengths-based approach to help young autistic people prepare for success in the...
New partnership with Tennessee Voc Rehab
Feb. 28, 2020—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is excited to announce its new partnership with Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is responsible for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services program, which includes determination of eligibility, determination of the nature and scope of VR services and the provision of employment-focused rehabilitation services for individuals...
InclusAbility’s “Autism 101” event coming up on Feb. 25
Feb. 21, 2020—If you’d like to learn more about the autism spectrum, mark your calendar for February 25th. On Tuesday the 25th at 1 p.m., Vanderbilt’s InclusAbility campaign is hosting an event called “Autism 101.” The first part of the presentation, given by Autism Tennessee, will cover the diagnosis and most common characteristics of autism. There will...
Frist Center promotes sensory spaces in Vanderbilt Hustler article
Feb. 3, 2020—Sensory spaces are a common resource at autism conferences and events, providing a calming spot for attendees to escape stress or overwhelming stimuli. But these spaces can be beneficial to a much wider audience, including those with anxiety, ADHD and other neurodiversity or disabilities. The Frist Center for Autism & Innovation is hoping to start a campus...