Frist Center for Autism & Innovation
Engineering technologies and transforming the workplace — inspired by neurodiversity
Director: Keivan Stassun
http://vu.edu/autismandinnovation/
The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering brings together leading engineers, business scholars, academic researchers, and experts in educational and clinical practice, in partnership with self-advocates and other civic stakeholders, to maximize neurodiverse talent within and into the workforce. From a strengths-based understanding of neurodiversity that honors lived experiences by driving real needs-based solutions, the Center sees opportunities for innovation in technology, business models, talent development, future-leader training, and workplace practices. We are housed in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, where we bring together academics and higher education professionals, inventors and entrepreneurs, business scholars and management experts, and self-advocates and civil stakeholders to work together to understand, maximize, and promote neurodivergent talent. From a social-strengths based perspective of neurodiversity, the Center sees opportunities for innovation in technology, talent acquisition and development, workplace practices, and education.