Keivan G. Stassun
Stevenson Professor
Physics & Astronomy
Vanderbilt University
Autism & Neurodiversity
Visit the website of the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt's School of Engineering.
As the parent of an autistic son, as a person committed to diversity in all its forms, and as a scientist interested in the power of human visualization for scientific discovery, I am involved in a pilot initiative at Vanderbilt -- the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation -- that is devoted to:
- developing a strengths-based -- as opposed to deficit-based -- understanding of neuro-diverse capabilities;
- modeling of novel employment arrangements, management trainings, and workplace practices that fully utilize these capabilities to spur innovation;
- invention of new technologies that enable autistic and other neuro-diverse individuals to succeed in employment and achieve their full potential; and
- documenting and disseminating an all-hands community-based approach -- including educators, researchers, employers, philanthropists, and community organizers -- to enhance quality of life for autistic individuals through meaningful employment.