When Phoebe was 18 months old, our family left a series of appointments armed with new labels—autism, ADHD, intractable epilepsy—but few answers (Ruttenberg, 2025). While people spoke kindly, the subtext felt like a polite apology for a future that hadn’t started yet. My wife Suzy and I sat with two kinds of fear, but looking at Phoebe’s intense gaze and sense of humor, we promised to parent the child we had, not a brochure version of who she was supposed to be.

As AI systems increasingly impact healthcare, hiring, and public safety, hidden risks and biases continue to arise. This article reveals why autistic and neurodivergent professionals bring unmatched skills in pattern recognition, data validation, and ethical oversight that are essential for responsible AI.

Is work stress making hearts race because of real anxiety or is it simply too many meetings, bad lighting, and constant interruptions? The dilemma of distinguishing clinical anxiety from bad environments used to rely on guesswork, but advances in wearable tech and real-time biosignal analytics are transforming how we answer this question (Dao et al., 2024; Lazarou & Exarchos, 2024).

AI and wearables promise empowerment but often extract neurodivergent data—sensory patterns, emotional fluctuations—without consent, fueling discriminatory algorithms. As a developer of ethical wearables, I declare this a human rights crisis. Data Sovereignty demands we reclaim control. Neurodivergent data must be sovereign: owned by individuals, not corporations.

Sometimes, life throws you curveballs wrapped in inspiration. As a father, neuroscientist, and serial “let’s-try-this!” tinkerer, I’m used to chasing big dreams and bigger questions. But nothing prepared me for the wild, beautiful ride of raising our daughter Phoebe—a brilliant force of nature with her own unique sensory world.

In a world where misinformation can spread faster than facts, where policy decisions affecting millions can be made without consulting those most impacted, I find myself at a crossroads that feels both deeply personal and profoundly urgent. My role on the Scientific Review Board of the Autism Data Science Initiative (ASDI) isn't just another line on my CV—it's a calling that emerged from the intersection of my life as a research scientist, a father, and an advocate.

This year, Forbes named Aspiritech to their inaugural Accessibility 100 list, recognizing them among the nation's leading innovators in disability inclusion (Forbes, 2025). Simultaneously, Crain's Chicago Business highlighted the organization as a key player in Chicago's evolution as an accessibility leadership hub, noting how the city continues its legacy from the early days of accessible curb cuts to today's cutting-edge neurodiversity initiatives (West, 2025). But accolade

Despite decades of accommodation laws and corporate diversity initiatives, 85% of college-educated autistic individuals remain unemployed or underemployed (Work Design Magazine, 2025). This stark statistic reveals a fundamental truth: traditional accommodations are failing neurodivergent employees at scale. After years of developing wearable technology for academic, workplace, and social inclusion, I've discovered why: we're solving the wrong problem with outdated tools th

Universities across the globe are investing billions in "smart campus" initiatives, promising enhanced learning experiences through cutting-edge technology and innovative design. Yet research reveals a troubling paradox: these same campuses are systematically creating barriers for about 15% of students—the neurodivergent population (Ebooks IOS Press, 2024).

We've been studying autism all wrong! 🤯 Picture this: You're trying to solve a modern cybercrime... using evidence from the 1950s. Sound ridiculous? Well, that's exactly what autism research has been doing for decades. The Shocking Truth 📊 Only 0.4% of autism research focuses on adults. Let that sink in. We've been trying to understand adult autism challenges by studying kindergarteners. Meanwhile, 90% of autistic adults are out there describing their

You're trying to focus on an important presentation at work, but the fluorescent lights are humming like angry wasps, your colleague's perfume feels like it's attacking your nostrils, and that person three cubicles over is clicking their pen with the rhythm of a demented woodpecker. For most people, these might be minor annoyances. For 90% of autistic adults, these everyday sensory experiences can feel like navigating a world designed to overwhelm them.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.