research and development
FCAI Presents Professor Santoshi Halder for Talk Addressing the Challenges and Strengths of Autistic Traits from India to the USA on Dec 10th! REGISTER NOW!
Dec. 5, 2024—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center are excited to present a distinguished lecture by Prof. Santoshi Halder, Ph.D., current Fulbright Scholar in Residence at Bluefield State University, on December 10, 2024. The presentation, “Exploring Autism Traits and Addressing their Challenges and Strengths: Excerpts from research in India and the USA,”...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Featured on the NSF Discovery Files Podcast
Dec. 2, 2024—Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Dr. Keivan G. Stassun, a professor at Vanderbilt University, recently appeared on an episode of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Discovery Files podcast. In this episode, Dr. Stassun discusses his groundbreaking work in astronomy, efforts to enhance diversity in STEM fields, and the significance of neurodiversity in driving innovative...
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...
Special Lecture at VKC on 09/11 – Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups
Sep. 7, 2023—Announcing a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Special Lecture: “Design and Development of VR HMDs With/For Autistic Groups; Examples of Applied Virtual Reality (VR) Led by Autistic Input and Feedback.” Presented by Dr. Nigel Newbutt, Ph.D. When: Monday, September 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT Where: Room 241, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/One Magnolia Circle Building (Virtual Option Available) Nigel Newbutt,...
Floreo Launches Immersive Learning Program to Bring VR to Neurodiverse Students
Mar. 28, 2023—We are thrilled to announce that the wonderful behavioral therapy metaverse, Floreo, has launched its Immersive Learning Program, a unique opportunity for schools to bring Floreo to neurodiverse students. In collaboration with Meta, the program is for neurodiverse students ages 13+ and includes free Meta Quest 2 headsets for schools. In addition, Floreo are providing...
Frist Center researchers publish study on depression and employment
Jul. 14, 2022—Two Frist Center Faculty Fellows, Drs. Jessica Schwartzman and Blythe Corbett, have published a new literature review on depression and employment outcomes in autism. The paper’s abstract is copied below and is available at this link. Abstract Autistic adults face elevated risks for depression and unemployment, yet a systematic review of studies on the intersection...
Autistic individuals and families sought for non-invasive study
Sep. 19, 2018—Led by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Zachary Warren, Ph.D., the SPARK for Autism study is looking for individuals of all ages with a professional diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become part of the largest autism study ever undertaken in the United States. Biological parents and full biological siblings (with and without ASD) are invited...
ASD survey to improve employment outcomes
Dec. 18, 2017—The Autism Science Foundation is currently seeking participants to take part in a survey on autism spectral disorder and employment. The information gained may be used to draft a policy brief for the International Society for Autism Research. Adults on the spectrum, their family members, researchers and professionals who work with autistic individuals in a...
VCAI November workshop announced
Sep. 30, 2017—On November 17 at the Commons, the Vanderbilt Center for Autism and Innovation will host our first workshop, bringing together researchers from Vanderbilt to discuss their work in autism. To learn more, please visit our page, Vanderbilt Surprising Connections in Autism and Innovation.