When autistic kids grow up

Chapter 4: How did things unfold?

When autistic kids grow up

Show Notes

Tempest McDonald sues Vanderbilt University Medical Center through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her published NIH paper finds allies.

More from When autistic kids grow up

Jul 2, 2026

“You have to reshape the whole system.” Tempest McDonald earns a measure of peace.

Jun 18, 2026

Tempest McDonald takes a postdoctoral position at Vanderbilt University. Researching her paper accusing the National Institutes of Health of discrimination threatens everything she has built.

Jun 11, 2026

After her stint as a semi-professional pool player and the birth of her son, Tempest goes west to start her belated journey through higher education.

Jun 4, 2026

What leads an autism researcher to publish an intentionally inflammatory paper accusing the NIH of discrimination? Tempest McDonald’s turbulent childhood begins to provide some answers.

May 20, 2026

An autistic researcher’s paper called attention to a huge disparity in autism funding research between children and adults. It nearly derailed her life.

See all episodes →