Living on the autism spectrum

Our understanding of autism has expanded and evolved since the developmental disorder was first described in the 1940s. Autism can impact how a person reads social situations, build language skills and can cause physical symptoms, like seizures.

Now, 1 in 44 8-year-olds are autistic, the Center for Disease Control estimates.

Most resources and treatment are focused on autistic children, but adults living on the autism spectrum experience unique challenges.

In this episode, we talk to autistic adults and family members about their experiences. We also hear from advocates about resources and explore innovative research happening in Middle Tennessee.

Guests:

• Lyn Bingham, senior lecturer at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music
• Dr. Teresa Vasquez, software engineer
• Jessica Moore, executive director of Autism Tennessee
• Henry Nichols, project leader at The Precisionists
• Ernie Dianistasis, CEO of The Precisionists
• Tim Vogus, deputy director at the Vanderbilt University Frist Center for Autism and Innovation

Previous WPLN coverage: 

• This Nashville Hospital Is Offering ‘Sensory-Friendly’ Rooms For Kids On Autism Spectrum
• First Count Shows Lower Autism Prevalence In Nashville Area Than National Average
• Could Telemedicine Work For Autism Therapy? Vanderbilt Experiments