Featured by the Cal Alumni Association

 

Hari Srinivasan ’22 is quietly reshaping the way we understand autism, communication, and the brain.

At Berkeley, Hari became one of the first undergraduates with limited spoken language to teach a course on autism. He led student advocacy, wrote for The Daily Cal, and carried out research on awe and empathy as a Haas Scholar. His journey was never about being “inspirational.” It was about being seen as whole.

Now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at Vanderbilt, Hari studies how autistic brains interact with the world. His research focuses on the invisible “bubble” of space around the body that helps us navigate movement and social cues. He is uncovering how that space works differently in autism, and how that knowledge can drive real-world solutions.

“I’m part of a community that is often left out of the conversation. We need both support for our challenges and opportunities to share our perspectives. Disability Pride is about making room for both.”

In Sept, Hari is co-leading the UNESCO-funded Amplifying Autistic Wellbeing event in London, bringing together high-support needs autistics from across the globe. https://amplifyingautisticwellbeing.com/ 

Every action, he says, is a pebble in the pond of change.

Autism 4 Dummies.

 I got to co-write the foreword for new Autism 4 Dummies book with Dr Temple Grandin. You can read the full text of the foreword on the Frist Center Website

 https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-co-authors-foreword-with-temple-grandin-in-autism-for-dummies/

🎉 We sincerely congratulate Hari Srinivasan, one of our Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) fellows. Hari co-authored the foreword for the new book Autism for Dummies with Temple Grandin. 🎉

📖 For those interested in reading Hari's section of the forward, it is provided, with permission, on our website here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-co-authors-foreword-with-temple-grandin-in-autism-for-dummies/

📘 Those interested in buying the book can find it here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/autism-for-dummies/0071904a7d5f2bf3?ean=9781394301003&next=t
📕 Those interested in other books relating to the staff and students at FCAI can find them on our books page: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/books/

Congratulations again, Hari, on your continually inspiring prose.

Book credit:
Title: Autism for Dummies
Authors: Khushboo Chabria, Ranga Jayaraman, and John Marble
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments

• Hari, I always love the depth and energy you bring to your work! I feel that the internet is saturated with duplicate content, repeated over and over for clickbait or other purposes, and cutting through the noise with work like yours is exactly what I intend to do.
• Love it, Hari! Really captures such a sweeping array of perspectives with grace and wisdom. Well done!
• Congrats, Hari! I love your foreword- so honest, practical, helpful and well- written. I’m sure it will further the understanding of autistic experience. Thank you!
• So well written. He skillfully captures the complexities and uniqueness of the autism spectrum while providing direction for action and purpose. 
• I have to say, you are so inspiring.  Good role model. TY for infusing hope
• Very nicely done Hari. Congratulations.
• Beautifully written. It makes you feel his world.
• Thank you for representing our community and so grateful for your commitment & dedication Hari !!
• Very cool Hari! Temple is such an inspiration! I saw a great documentary about her and her work.
• This is fantastic. Inspirational! When it comes out, we need to highlight on website and Bluesky.
• I love how Hari called out what Dr Grandin missed. - eg: its beyond early childhood intervention - his speech is still improving. 
• Amazingly written
• Superb
• Amazing as always
• This is so great, Hari! 
• This is so wonderful
• Truly Amazing
• Amazing

• I’m excited to read this inspiring book from people that continue to pave the way. Research and execution of therapeutic strategies has made all the difference over the years for people with all levels of Autism to pursue their full potential. Understanding is critical to gaining support. Different needs for throughout life stages. This knowledge gives practical answers and hope for a bright future!

UN International Literacy Day

I'm featured in an UN Article for International Literary Day on Sep 2. How cool is that!!

https://www.unesco.org/sdg4education2030/en/articles/meet-hari-autistic-minimally-speaking-multilingual-phd-student-changing-landscape-disability

Congratulations, Hari, from the entire Frist Center Family. We are excited to see the results of your research!

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/2024/07/11/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-wins-research-award/

FCAI Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has been awarded the 2024 Autistic and Neurodivergent Scholars Working for Equity in Research (ANSWER) Scholars Program Award for his project “Navigating the Near: Virtual Reality Investigations of Peripersonal Space in Autism.” Srinivasan will receive a $10,000 award next academic year to work toward this research.

Hari’s continued outstanding achievements never fail to impress us! Congratulations, Hari, from the entire Frist Center Family. We are excited to see the results of your research!

NISE Fellow on AANHPI Autism Panel

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/2024/06/04/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-appears-on-ambiv-collective-panel-recording-available/

NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Appears on AMBIV Collective Panel.

Last Wednesday, 29th May, NISE Fellow and self-advocate Hari Srinivasan appeared on an AMBIV panel entitled AANHPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel.The recording of the webinar is at this link, or watch below.

The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.

The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

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29th May, NISE Fellow and self-advocate Hari Srinivasan appeared on an AMBIV panel entitled AANHPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel. The recording of the webinar is at this link: https://ow.ly/qoSQ50S86jg

The webinar featured an empowering online panel that showcased autistic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) self-advocates as they shared their inspiring journeys and self-advocacy experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to discover how these incredible individuals navigated the intersections of their cultural heritage and autism and how they used their voices to drive change and foster understanding. The conversation provided an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the strength of their resilience.

The AMBIV collective is dedicated to redefining inclusion. They are actively empowering disability and neurodivergent communities, fostering community connections, and building solutions rooted in diverse needs and aspirations. Their vision is to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem that embraces diversity, innovation, and shared knowledge, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

#Neurodiversity #AANHPI #Autism #ASD #SelfAdvocate #Panel #Webinar #AMBIV #AMBIVCollective

Recording at https://ambivco.com/#aanhpi-autism-selfadvocacy

@JennyMaiPhanPhD is moderating the #AANHPI panel of neurodivergent self-advocates.

@HariSri108

, we look forward to learn about your innovative projects. #AANHPIHeritageMonth #AsianAmerican #Neurodiversity #ASD #DisabilityTwitter

What a surprise! I was not expecting

@hariSri108

to be at this panel. #AANHPIHeritageMonth #neurodiversity #AANHPI #asianamerican

Are you ready to embark on an enlightening journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of neurodiversity, cultural heritage, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander perspectives? Join us our upcoming online panel featuring autistic AANHPI self-advocates!

On May 29th at 10 am PT // 1 pm ET, we'll be hosting an engaging conversation where our esteemed panelists will share their unique journeys, self-advocacy experiences, and invaluable insights on the intersection of autism and their cultural identities.

This virtual event offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of Ben VanHook, Celina Tupou-Fulivai, Hari Srinivasan, and Dennis Tran. Moderated by the Dr. Jenny Mai Phan and Kim Chua, we'll delve into thought-provoking discussions that champion inclusion, amplify diverse narratives, and foster a deeper understanding of neurodivergence within the AANHPI communities.

Join us as we embrace the beauty of our differences, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting world. Together, we can break down barriers, dispel myths, and create a space where every perspectives is celebrated.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
📅 Save the date: Wednesday, May 29th
⏰ Time: 10 am - 11 am PT // 1 pm - 2pm ET
💡 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gExf56ba

Save the date: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 10 AM PT
Event: Free Virtual Panel

I am very excited to share that, alongside Kim Chua, we will be moderating the upcoming AAPI Autism Self-Advocacy Panel, an initiative by the AMBIV Collective to amplify the voices of autistic self-advocates within the AAPI community for AAPI/AANHPI/APIDA Heritage Month in May.

Join us on Wednesday, May 29 at 10 AM Pacific Time/ 1 PM Eastern Time for an empowering and insightful virtual discussion. Our incredible panelists, each with their own unique experiences, will be sharing their journeys of self-advocacy, exploring how they intertwine their rich cultural heritage with autism to foster change and understanding.

This panel is not just a conversation but a step forward in embracing the diversity of the autism community and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.


Let's come together to support and learn from the experiences of the AAPI autistic community. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Don't miss our upcoming online panel featuring inspiring autistic Asian American and Pacific Islander self-advocates! 🌟

Join us for an engaging conversation as they share their unique journeys, self-advocacy experiences, and insights on the intersection of autism and their cultural heritage. This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and champion inclusion.

'

Grief as an emotion can impact the autistic community in very different ways

Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has published a new article in Psychology Today about the impact of grief on the autistic community.

In this article, Hari discusses his own moving experiences with grief after the recent loss of both of his grandparents and how grief as an emotion can impact the autistic community in very different ways.

As well as being a Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow, Hari is a Ph.D. neuroscience student at Vanderbilt University, a graduate of UC Berkeley, a PD Soros Fellow, a Fellow at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, a non-federal member of NIH's Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, and on various boards including Duke University's ACE and The Brain Foundation. He is a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project.

You can read the full article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/giving-voice/202402/the-spectrum-of-loss-grief-through-the-autistic-lens

 

FCAI Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today regarding grief in the autistic community

FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today Regarding Grief in the Autistic Community

Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has published a new article in Psychology Today about the impact of grief on the autistic community.

In this article, Hari discusses his own moving experiences with grief after the recent loss of both of his grandparents and how grief as an emotion can impact the autistic community in very different ways.

As well as being a Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow, Hari is a Ph.D. neuroscience student at Vanderbilt University, a graduate of UC Berkeley, a PD Soros Fellow, a Fellow at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, a non-federal member of NIH’s Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, and on various boards including Duke University’s ACE and The Brain Foundation.He is a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project.

You can read the full article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202402/the-spectrum-of-loss-grief-through-the-autistic-lens

Thought Leader.

"So proud of Hari Srinivasan for his singular voice of insight, wisdom, advocacy, and activism, and for the distinction he brings to himself and everyone with whom he is associated. The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation | Vanderbilt University is honored to count Hari among its distinguished Fellows and it is awesome to imagine what the future holds for this inspiring young thought leader."

Some amazing gracious words about me from Prof Keivan Staussun of Vanderbilt University and Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt. Thank you Keivan, and I had never quite though of myself as a "thought leader."

https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/

FCAI NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Pens Second Op-Ed for Time Magazine

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/2024/01/05/fcai-nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-pens-second-op-ed-for-time-magazine/

FCAI NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Pens Second Op-Ed for Time Magazine

Posted by stasikjs on Friday, January 5, 2024 in FCAI News.

On January 3rd, 2024, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published his second article in Time magazine, entitled “The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism”.

In this thought-provoking article, Srinivasan discusses how the epidemic of loneliness disproportionally effects the autistic population, and is only exacerbated by U.S. notions of independent living being the ideal.

Well done Hari, for another amazing piece of work!

Read Hari’s article here.

We reported on Hari’s previous Time article here.

The importance of remote and hybrid options.

 https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/2023/07/28/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-posts-op-ed-in-fortune-on-the-importance-of-remote-work-in-the-disabled-community/ 

This week, Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published an article in Fortune entitled: "Flexible work critics are using the same arguments that were used against disabled ramps and closed captioning. Equity of access should never be optional."

 
In the piece, Hari discusses the arguments now being made to roll back remote work options developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, arguing that the reasons given for the roll-back are similar to those made for other accessibility accommodations in the past. Hari points out the irony that remote work was often seen as impossible before the pandemic, but overnight became feasible: "Pre-pandemic, we had been told that it was not possible or not financially viable. Yet these models ironically became "convenient" and "financially viable" overnight when the non-disabled world needed them."

 
He details the importance of remote work options (including hybrid conferences) for disabled and neurodiverse individuals.

The article, in its entirety, can be found here: https://ow.ly/pXXN50Pnk8l
#Neurodiversity #ASD #Disability #Autism #Access #Hybrid #RemoteWork #Accessibility #Equity #ADA