Success Stories

My name is Claire Barnett, and I was diagnosed with autism when I was 19 years old and a second-year student at Vanderbilt University which led me to start the Vanderbilt Autism & Neurodiversity Alliance, a space for neurodivergent students, faculty and staff to connect. I graduated 'cum laude' in May 2019 with a degree in Human & Organizational Development. I have now been the Communications Coordinator at the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation for almost two years! I get to do autism advocacy on a daily basis, with an emphasis on neurodivergent adults in the workforce and women on the spectrum.

Alexander headshot

My name is Alexander Michael Reeves (They/He). I am a former foster kid, who is trans* masculine and disabled (autistic, type one diabetic, ADHD and dyspraxia). I have a wonderful and supportive partner and am fortunate enough to call her my fiance, she is there for me and supports me through everything I do. I am also a professional performer (actor/singer), vocal coach, public speaker, advocate, and playwright. I currently teach singing, trans femme, and trans masc vocal lessons with the tru voice lessons studio. Some of my favorite previous acting roles include; Tigger (House at Pooh Corner), Duke (The Great American Trailer Park Musical), and The Emperor (The Emperor’s New Clothes). I have also spoken at several collegiate conferences (Transgender Singing Voice Conference, 2017 and 2019 at Earlham College, College Inclusion Summit, 2019 at Vanderbilt) to advocate for both the Autistic and Transgender communities.

success stories

Success Stories