Blog.

Welcome to Beyond Barriers! Written by Dr David Ruttenberg, Fulbright Specialist & PhD neuroscientist, breaks down barriers for neurodivergent minds—empowering you to thrive in school, work, and social life. Explore sensory, attention, anxiety, and fatigue solutions with actionable insights for neurodivergent listeners and allies. Let’s innovate inclusion together!

These three designs represent the beginning of truly inclusive environmental design. My thesis work provides a foundation for accommodations that transform hostile environments into supportive spaces rather than forcing individuals to adapt to discriminatory conditions.

Here's a statistic that stopped me in my tracks: over 66% of teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder struggle to obtain driver's licenses. As both a researcher and father of an autistic daughter, this resonates on multiple levels. We're not talking about capability—we're talking about accessibility barriers that traditional driving education simply hasn't addressed.

Sensory needs, attention patterns, and mental health accommodations are as unique as fingerprints. We have to stop using band-aids that standardize accommodations.

(4-Minute Read) Enough Talk. It's Time for Real Inclusion. Let's cut through the noise. DEI. ERG. JEDI. The alphabet soup of workplace...

As a neuroscientist and father of 22-year-old daughter living with autism, ADHD, and epilepsy, I have experienced firsthand how...

The hidden wounds of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can run deeper than most people realize. As a neurotypical Dad to a...

Abstract: Ethical technology design is not just best practice—it is a moral necessity. Anything less risks perpetuating harm and...

Autism isn’t a tragedy—but the demonization of autistic people is. Let’s abandon this harmful narrative and build a world where people thrive as they are. Difference isn’t a defect to fear. It’s a catalyst for innovation, empathy, and growth.

Just before age two, our daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and epilepsy. Rather than focusing on deficits, we chose to see her neurological differences as unique strengths requiring support, not correction. Over 20 years, we prioritized accommodations, personalized technologies, and inclusive education, enabling Phoebe to thrive academically and socially. Today, she is completing her first year of college, confidently embracing her neurodivergent identity.

This blog post explores why sensory sensitivity matters—not just for neurodivergent individuals but for society as a whole—and offers actionable strategies for creating environments where everyone can thrive.

In this post, I will share our story and explore how neurodiverse families like ours are driving innovation and advocacy in the neurodivergent community (and beyond). By highlighting the challenges we face and the lessons we've learned, I hope to inspire others to join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals.

My journey from music to neuroscience has shown me that the most profound innovations often arise at the intersection of seemingly disparate fields. By embracing this intersectionality and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we can unlock new possibilities for human empowerment and create a brighter future for all.