'Curious Conversations' podcast: Lavinia Uscatescu and Hunter Tufarelli talk about neurodiversity and the holidays
Lavinia Uscatescu and Hunter Tufarelli joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent individuals in various environments, particularly social gatherings during the holiday season. The pair shared the impact environmental factors can have on neurodivergent individuals as well as the significance of predictability and communication in social settings. As a person with autism, Tufarelli also shared her firsthand experiences and the importance of embracing self-care.
About Uscatescu
Uscatescu is research assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and oversees the Personalized Prediction Lab. Her research interests include using neuroimaging and eye tracking data to better understand autism, psychosis, and related conditions with a focus on developing more inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly environmental settings and psychological testing strategies.
Tufarelli is a sophomore studying psychology and a research assistant in Uscatescu’s lab.
Takeaways
Different environmental factors, such as lighting and sound, can significantly impact neurodivergent individuals and create overwhelming conditions.
Creating predictable environments, communicating expectations clearly, and providing quiet spaces can help neurodivergent guests feel more welcomed during social gatherings.
A neurodivergent person’s need to avoid or exit a situation is most often not a personal slight, but an act of self-care.
Learn more
Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research
About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Travis Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for the Office of Research and Innovation, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
