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!

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.

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.

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.