John Elder Robison

John Elder Robison is a Visiting Lecturer and Advisor to the Center for Neurodiversity at Landmark College, a role that reflects his deep commitment to neurodiversity advocacy and education. As an autistic adult, he brings lived experience to his work in autism research, policy, and public engagement.

His research interests span neurodiversity, autism spectrum disorder, medical ethics, autism policy, and the classification of functioning in autism. He emphasizes strengths-based approaches, language reform, and systemic change in autism research and services.

The recent scholarly articles reflect a strong focus on autism policy, functional assessment (particularly through the ICF framework), historical analysis of autism diagnosis, and advocacy for person-centered language. His work bridges academic research, government strategy, and public discourse.

• Advisor to U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Energy on autism and neurodiversity
• Strategist for the Autism at Work initiative
• Contributor to federal autism strategic planning
• Speaker and educator on neurodiversity in academic and national lab settings

Robison has advised on numerous federal initiatives and contributed to major publications, though no formal students or grants are listed. His influence is primarily through policy, writing, and public speaking.

He is associated with the Center for Neurodiversity at Landmark College, where he contributes to programming and convocation events, advocating for inclusive educational environments.