Dominant Discourses

Terrific piece, Hari!  I really appreciated reading it, and I hope there will be more conversations about dominant discourses about "independence" - an entirely Western construction, which should be problematized at so many levels.

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

My other articles in Time: https://time.com/author/hari-srinivasan/

My other publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html

All humans live in a cycle of dependency

This incredible TIME piece by Hari Srinivasan beautifully articulates so many of the complicated feelings I have about my son’s journey to independence.

“Addressing the loneliness epidemic in the disabled community necessitates a nuanced understanding of independence because in actuality, all humans live in a cycle of dependency. The perceived division between independence and dependence is a flawed notion. Embracing this truth could pave the way for a more inclusive society that transcends the limitations of societal norms and helps us build better support systems that result in enduring human social connections for people with autism.”

Relationship as a building block

I've had the privilege of listening to Hari Srinivasan share his perspective on various topics over the years. His ability to share his personal narrative paired with the current science is an incredible gift. As Mr. Srinivasan shares, "All humans, disabled or not, yearn for human connections that enrich their lives beyond a mere fulfillment of basic needs." 

Indeed relationship is one of the building blocks of the PERMA+ theory of wellbeing (R=Relationships). Like Mr. Srinivasan, I too am looking to Vivek Murthy and his wisdom to help us all with his wise words, including, "While loneliness has the potential to kill, connection has even more potential to heal." Here's to 2024 being a year of connection. #wellbeingwins

Read at Time: The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/

My other list of Publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html

Rethinking Autonomy and Connection in Autism

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

Rethinking Autonomy and Connection in Autism

Today I read a compelling Time Magazine article by Hari Srinivasan that challenges our perceptions of independence and social connection in the context of autism. Two points particularly stood out for me:

Cultural Views on Independence: Srinivasan discusses the societal disapproval in the U.S. of adults living with their biological families. This contrasts with practices in other cultures and raises questions about the ideal of "independent living," which often leads to autistic individuals living away from their families, supported instead by paid staff.

Desire for Connection: Srinivasan also addresses a common misconception about autistic individuals: the need for breaks from overwhelming sensory inputs is often mistaken for a disinterest in social connections. This point emphasizes how important it is to recognize autistic individuals desire enduring human relationships.

These insights are crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. It's time to redefine our views on independence and social connections, especially in the context of autism.

 

A nice note

 Got a nice package in the mail with this note,  as I head into the next Duke ACE meeting. 

 

WITH MORE THAN 275 ATTENDEES FROM 12 COUNTRIES, THE PRESENTATION WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST ATTENDED IN THE 10-YEAR HISTORY OF THE DUKE AUTISM SEMINAR SERIES.

https://autismcenter.duke.edu/news/hari-srinivasan-delivers-2024-autism-acceptance-month-keynote-presentation

                              


On April 3, 2024, Hari Srinivasan presented the keynote address in the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development's 2023-24 Autism Seminar Series, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

A self-advocate, Srinivasan is a PhD student in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley, a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, a NISE fellow at the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt University, and a public member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. He is a member of the Duke ACE Advisory Committee.

In his presentation, "Redefine the Table," Srinivasan illuminated the critical need for autistic individuals not just to sit at the table where autism is discussed, but to fundamentally redefine the table itself. He invited participants to consider a shift in perspective from binary views of autism to a more integrated approach that recognizes the complex, multifaceted experiences of autistic individuals.

Through his personal narrative and professional insights, Srinivasan underscored the importance of redefining the conversation around autism and disability to foster true belonging, inclusivity, and meaningful support across the lifespan. This redefinition calls for embracing multiple aspects of disability.

He advocates for both strengths-based opportunities as well as challenge-based solutions, acknowledging the diverse needs and potential of autistics across the spectrum. His talk challenged the audience to reconsider their perspectives around disability to achieve equity in social, medical, and research spaces.


WITH MORE THAN 275 ATTENDEES FROM 12 COUNTRIES, THE PRESENTATION WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST ATTENDED IN THE 10-YEAR HISTORY OF THE DUKE AUTISM SEMINAR SERIES.

Hari Srinivasan is an incredible story teller, with a sense of humor and his Keynote is infused with creativity! Looking for latest scientific research on #autism and effective way to support your students with autism. Follow Hari and have students listen to hs resilient story!

 

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

Journal Article Mentions

 

https://sciencex.com/wire-news/485105043/integrating-positive-psychology-and-autism-a-roundtable-discussi.html

A new Roundtable Discussion in the peer-reviewed journal Autism in Adulthood explores how the two fields of positive psychology and autism might integrate and benefit each other, and the autism community at large. Click here to read the Roundtable.

The Roundtable was co-moderated by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH who is the Executive Director of Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance, an organization committed to integrating autism services and the field of positive psychology and Rachel Moseley, PhD, from Bournemouth University. Expert panelists included Dan Tomasulo, PhD, from Teachers College, Columbia University; Hari Srinivasan, a PhD neuroscience student at Vanderbilt University; Jodie Wilson, BVSc, MAPP, from Latrobe University; Sara Woods, PhD, University of Washington; and Tayyab Rashid, PhD, a licensed clinical and school psychologist in Toronto.

Positive psychology helps answer the question, "What makes life worth living?" In addition to alleviating suffering, it is important to provide the tools to enhance elements of positive emotions: cultivating relationships, learning how to engage, have a meaningful life with accomplishments. Positive psychology can benefit the autism community by understanding strengths and how to use them. Appreciating character strengths can impact interpersonal dynamics, communication dynamics, and the framework through which a person responds.

Rather than solely addressing deficits, positive psychology adjusts, enhances, and amplifies strengths. It provides the tools, techniques, and processes to adapt to those strengths.

NSF names 34 Vanderbilt students and alumni as 2024 graduate research fellows

 

Read at  https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2024/06/17/nsf-names-34-vanderbilt-students-and-alumni-as-2024-graduate-research-fellows

Jun 17, 2024

A total of 34 Vanderbilt University alumni, students and incoming students have been named National Science Foundation graduate research fellows for 2024.

The prestigious fellowship program assists exceptional graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees across various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, STEM education and social sciences supported by NSF. Since its inception in 1952, the NSF GRFP has been a cornerstone of support for graduate students, providing financial aid through a $37,000 annual stipend and a $16,000 allowance for educational expenses, along with opportunities for professional growth and international research endeavors.

Vanderbilt’s 2024 NSF GRFP Scholars:
....

Hari Srinivasan, life sciences – neurosciences

...

The rigorous application process demands thoroughness and collaboration with students’ advisors, as students craft persuasive personal statements and research proposals. For the 2024 cycle, there were 2,037 fellowship offers in total, which is 518 less than the 2023 cycle. Additionally, in the 2024 cycle there were 1716 honorable mentions, 915 more than in the 2023 cycle.

Couldn't agree more about how much needs to change

Loved your talk Hari! Couldn't agree more about how much needs to change!

 

A new angle

It was a thought provoking read about an angle that I hadn’t thought of. It is also beautifully written. 

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

NSFGRPF in the News

Been 2 months since award.  But still good to see article.

https://www.miragenews.com/34-vanderbilt-students-alumni-earn-2024-nsf-1257672/

A total of 34 Vanderbilt University alumni, students and incoming students have been named National Science Foundation graduate research fellows for 2024.

The prestigious fellowship program assists exceptional graduate students pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees across various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, STEM education and social sciences supported by NSF. Since its inception in 1952, the NSF GRFP has been a cornerstone of support for graduate students, providing financial aid through a $37,000 annual stipend and a $16,000 allowance for educational expenses, along with opportunities for professional growth and international research endeavors.

Vanderbilt's 2024 NSF GRFP Scholars:

......

Hari Srinivasan, Class of 2027, life sciences - neurosciences

-----

The rigorous application process demands thoroughness and collaboration with students' advisors, as students craft persuasive personal statements and research proposals. For the 2024 cycle, there were 2,037 fellowship offers in total, which is 518 less than the 2023 cycle. Additionally, in the 2024 cycle there were 1716 honorable mentions, 915 more than in the 2023 cycle.

Intersectional Lived Experiences

 The recording of the AANHPNI webinar is at this link: https://ow.ly/Q8Te50S86jh

I'm grateful for opportunities to listen to diverse and intersectional lived experiences from Autistic leaders. Dennis Tran and Hari Srinivasan - thank you for your advocacy and service to the Autism Society of America! hashtag#TheConnectionIsYou!

Lasr Lab

 Just came across my name on the Lasr Lab Website. https://www.vumc.org/lasr/person/lab-members

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.

=========================================

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.

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