Episode 21: Brad Cox

On this episode we welcome Dr. Brad Cox, a professor at Florida State University and the Founder and Executive Director of the College Autism Network (CAN). Brad begins by explaining what CAN is and what they do, specifically why the transmission of information from academic journals to those in position to make change is important. He explains some ways in which a college environment may make for new challenges for individuals on the Autism spectrum, and how the legal support systems through K-12 drop away when they reach college. Lee and Brad discuss how much of the growth in this area begins when leaders or donors in higher education have a personal connection to someone with Autism and want to make their institution a better atmosphere for them to succeed. Brad tells Lee his origin story of involvement, when his son was diagnosed with Autism, and he set out to make colleges better equipped. The two discuss how the conversation around college students with Autism has changed over the last twenty years and what new goals they are setting for student success in college and finding jobs in which they can thrive.

Lee and Brad discuss the company Speciaalisterne and their strategy to help individuals with Autism find careers in which they can be an asset.