Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
=====================================================================================
EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
All content for Kessler Foundation Podcasts is the property of Kessler Foundation and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
=====================================================================================
EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
1 hour 21 minutes 27 seconds
3 weeks ago
Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn
In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental observations during epidural studies, his work combines computational modeling and clinical research to show how spinal anatomy and pulse duration affect tSCS effectiveness. Now FDA-approved, this approach offers new hope for neurorehabilitation by enhancing spinal function without surgery. Tune in to discover how these findings are advancing spinal cord injury treatment.
Intro & Welcome: 00:04
Lecture: 01:06
Q&A: 55:01
Closing remarks: 1:20:37
=====================================================================================
Learn more about:
Karen Minassian, PhD, https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=karen_minassian&cHash=e1a4705d6c154272ca49e231996ec501
Associate Professor
Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
=====================================================================================
VIEW Dr. Karen Minassian's presentation:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Karen%20Minassian-Presentation%20tSCS-OCT25.pdf
EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
=====================================================================================
EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
