---
title: Generative AI Levels the Playing Field for Neurodiverse Technologists | Stories From The Hackery
description: In this episode of Stories From The Hackery, we sit down with NSS alum, Shalane Proctor for an honest and insightful conversation about neurodiversity, learning to code, and generative AI as an assistive technology.
image: https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hubfs/Generative%20AI%20and%20Neurodiversity%20-%20Shalane%20Proctor.png
---

[![Nashville Software School Logo](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hubfs/Jan2018/Images/NSS-logo-horizontal-small.jpg)](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/)

- [Programs](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs) 
    - [Software Development Jumpstart](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/software-development-jumpstart)
    - [Analytics Jumpstart](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/analytics-jumpstart)
    - [Data Engineering Jumpstart](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-engineering-jumpstart)
    - [Full-Time Web Developer Bootcamp](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/web-developer-full-time/)
    - [Part-Time Web Developer Bootcamp](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/web-developer-part-time/)
    - [Full-Time Data Analytics Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-analytics-full-time)
    - [Part-Time Data Analytics Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-analytics-part-time)
    - [Date Engineering Bootcamp](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-engineering)
    - [Statistics For Data Science](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/statistics-for-data-science)
    - [Data Science Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-science)
    - [Professional Development](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/professional-development)
- [Community](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community) 
    - [Shop NSS](https://shopnss.creator-spring.com/)
    - [Our Team](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/instructors/)
    - [Alumni](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/alumni/)
    - [Mentors](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/mentors/)
    - [Employers](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/employers/)
    - [Veterans' Information](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/veterans-info/)
    - [Podcast](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/podcast/)
    - [Join Our Team](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/join-our-team)
- [Support NSS](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com) 
    - [Donate](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/ways-to-give)
    - [Corporate Giving](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/building-a-better-community-through-corporate-giving)
    - [Become A Volunteer](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/become-a-volunteer)
    - [Community Impact Report](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community-impact-report-2025)
- [Calendar](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/calendar) 
    - [Upcoming Events](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/calendar/events)
    - [Upcoming Programs](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/calendar/upcoming-programs/)
- [Blog](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog)

# Blog

# Generative AI Levels the Playing Field for Neurodiverse Technologists | Stories From The Hackery

Jan 15, 2026

 •

[Mandy Arola](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/author/mandy-arola)

In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, Nashville Software School (NSS) alum Shalane Proctor of part-time Web Development Cohort E19 and NSS instructor Dr. Teresa Vasquez (Dr. T) sat down with John Wark to talk about career change, neurodivergence, and how generative AI is supporting—not replacing—software developers. Their conversation was honest, insightful, and full of practical takeaways for anyone navigating the world of tech, but especially those who are neurodivergent.

### Finding Her Path, One Step at a Time

Shalane spent nearly ten years in customer service before reaching a breaking point. "I was getting really, really burnt out," she said. Her sister, a principal software engineer, encouraged her to consider coding. That nudge, combined with NSS’s hands-on teaching approach and evening program flexibility, gave her the opening she needed.

Balancing a full-time job while learning to code wasn’t easy, but she found momentum by networking early and applying for jobs before graduation. Three months before finishing the program, she landed her first role as a software developer. When a layoff hit 18 months later due to economic shifts, her network came through again—this time with an opportunity at MyDecisive, where she quickly moved from contractor to full-time team member. "It’s great pay and just generally an incredible vibe," she said, adding that finding the right culture was just as important as the work itself.

### Learning While Neurodivergent—and Supporting Others Who Are

During bootcamp, Shalane was diagnosed with ADHD and later AuDHD (autism + ADHD). That discovery helped explain why traditional learning environments had always felt off. With support from her instructors at NSS and her own growing self-awareness, she pushed through challenges and developed a clearer picture of the kind of work environment where she could thrive.

Dr. T, who leads the evening web development program and founded an organization called Repped in Tech, brought her own neurodivergent lens to the discussion. "Change is hard for all people; however, neurodivergent \[individuals\] struggle a lot more with it," she explained. Her work with Repped In Tech focuses on assistive technologies and creating structures that help neurodiverse learners build both technical and life skills. She leverages this experience in the NSS classroom where she often helps students unpack those moments of fear and doubt: "One of the things that I like to tell neurodivergent people... is to pay attention to what’s going on when that fear hits. That feeling might be telling you that you’re about to soar."

### AI as an Assistant, Not a Shortcut

Both Shalane and Dr. T reflected on how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, have become key parts of their workflows. Shalane first started using it during bootcamp to help her understand back-end concepts in Python and Django. For someone who learns visually and by asking questions, the ability to ask ChatGPT question after question was a big breakthrough.

But she also learned there’s a line. "I can’t be a good engineer and use AI to write my code," she said. "It is a tool, not a substitute for being a dedicated and curious developer." Dr. T echoed that sentiment—and added that AI also helps her as a software development leader and educator, giving her new ways to break down complex ideas or check tone in written communication.

Where AI shines, they agreed, is in helping reduce friction—especially for neurodiverse developers. "AI is really giving us access to things that we have not had access to before," Dr. T said. Whether that’s reframing dense Jira tickets, explaining unfamiliar terms, or helping prepare better questions for a 1:1, these tools can act as a bridge—supporting, not replacing, the human learning process.

Shalane and Dr. T’s experiences remind us that assistive tools, like generative AI, can level the playing field, but they can not take the place of working alongside others. When paired with strong community and thoughtful mentorship, tools like AI can help more people find their way in a tech career. Their stories are a powerful example of what’s possible when technology is used to lift, not shortcut, the work.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com/nashville-software-school/06fa6b01-2614-4edc-9ecd-b0fed924b47e?si=9c8ba6e1b3764824ad97705613762934&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) or wherever you listen to podcasts.

 

<iframe class="hs-responsive-embed-iframe" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;" title="YouTube video player" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" xml="lang" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zK_Xun4P-74?si=MPhv7UqL_kNP7upo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen data-service="youtube"></iframe>

 

#### Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

01:17 Meet Shalane: From Customer Service to Software Engineer

03:05 Networking and Landing the First Job

06:35 Challenges and Discoveries in Software Engineering

08:23 Navigating Neurodiversity in Tech

14:08 The Role of Generative AI in Learning and Development

17:23 Balancing AI Assistance with Personal Growth

20:59 Lessons Learned and Future Directions

22:39 Limitations of ChatGPT in Software Engineering

25:53 The Role of AI in Automation and Job Creation

26:38 Practical Use Cases for AI in Software Development

30:35 AI's Impact on Neurodiverse Software Engineers

35:41 Personal Reflections on AI's Assistance

39:02 Technology Guilty Pleasures and Gaming

40:31 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

 

##### Links:

[The 70% Problem - By Addy Osmani](https://addyo.substack.com/p/the-70-problem-hard-truths-about)

Topics: [Alumni](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/alumni), [Community](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/community), [Web Development](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/web-development), [Software Engineering](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/software-engineering)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Generative%20AI%20Levels%20the%20Playing%20Field%20for%20Neurodiverse%20Technologists%20%7C%20Stories%20From%20The%20Hackery) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Flearn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com%2Fblog%2F2026%2F01%2F15%2Fgenerative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

### Upcoming Programs

Explore our upcoming programs to begin your journey towards a career in tech! Classes begin year-round.

[![EXPLORE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4020755/e0f6232d-25e4-456d-a386-a0cf09a776dd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4020755/e0f6232d-25e4-456d-a386-a0cf09a776dd)

### Want to know more?

### Support NSS

[![Donate Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4020755/6faecbd3-f6a1-4a5b-9256-fa436de1e5ef.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4020755/6faecbd3-f6a1-4a5b-9256-fa436de1e5ef)

### Post by Topic

- [Student Stories (369)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/student-stories)
- [Web Development (279)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/web-development)
- [Hiring? (233)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/hiring)
- [Analytics + Data Science (210)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/analytics-data-science)
- [Community (126)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/community)
- [News (115)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/news)
- [Learning (111)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/learning)
- [Alumni (78)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/alumni)
- [Software Engineering (61)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/software-engineering)
- [Technology Insights (39)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/technology-insights)
- [10 Years | 2000 Journeys (27)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/10-years-2000-journeys)
- [Get Involved (24)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/get-involved)
- [Meetups & Community Events (22)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/meetups-community-events)
- [UI/UX (22)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/ui-ux)
- [Data Engineering (17)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/data-engineering)
- [Mind The Gap (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/tag/mind-the-gap)

All

### Blog Archives

- [September 2026 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (15)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (19)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (16)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (17)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (13)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (11)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (13)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (11)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (10)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (6)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (12)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (9)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (8)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (7)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/12)
- [September 2016 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (5)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2015/12)
- [June 2015 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2015/06)
- [January 2015 (4)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2015/01)
- [December 2014 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2014/12)
- [February 2014 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2014/02)
- [January 2014 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2014/01)
- [October 2013 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2013/10)
- [June 2013 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2013/06)
- [May 2013 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2013/05)
- [April 2013 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2013/04)
- [November 2012 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/11)
- [October 2012 (2)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/10)
- [July 2012 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/07)
- [June 2012 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/06)
- [May 2012 (3)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/05)
- [January 2012 (1)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/archive/2012/01)

All

### Recent Posts

Nashville Software School is authorized by the [Tennessee Higher Education Commission](https://www.tn.gov/thec/). This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

- [NSS](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/)
- [About](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/about)
- [Press](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/press)
- [Contact](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/contact)
- [Virtual Tour](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/virtual-tour)
- [FAQ](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/faq)
- [Blog](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog)
- [Policies & Regulations](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/policies-and-regulations)

- [Programs](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs)
- [Software Development Jumpstart](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/software-development-jumpstart)
- [Analytics Jumpstart](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/analytics-jumpstart)
- [Data Engineering Jumpstart](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-engineering-jumpstart)
- [Full-Time Web Developer Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/full-time-bootcamps)
- [Part-Time Web Developer Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/part-time)
- [Full-Time Data Analytics Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-analytics-full-time)
- [Part-Time Data Analytics Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-analytics-part-time)
- [Data Engineering Bootcamp](https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-engineering)
- [Statistics For Data Science](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/statistics-for-data-science)
- [Data Science Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-science)
- [Professional Development](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/professional-development)

- [Community](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community)
- [Donate](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com)
- [Shop NSS](https://shopnss.creator-spring.com/)
- [Our Team](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/instructors/)
- [Alumni](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/alumni/)
- [Mentors](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/mentors/)
- [Employers](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/employers/)
- [Veterans' Information](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/veterans-info/)
- [Podcast](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community/podcast/)
- [Join Our Team](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/join-our-team)

- [Support NSS](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com)
- [Donate](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/ways-to-give)
- [Corporate Giving](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/building-a-better-community-through-corporate-giving)
- [Become a Volunteer](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/become-a-volunteer)
- [Community Impact Report](https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/community-impact-report-2025)
- [Upcoming Events](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/calendar)

 

[![Leaders-in-Diversity-2023](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Leaders-in-Diversity-2023.png?width=120&height=60&name=Leaders-in-Diversity-2023.png)](https://bizj.us/1qj9h1)[![Best In Business 2020 Winner](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BIBA-2020-logo-Winner.jpg?width=120&name=BIBA-2020-logo-Winner.jpg)](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2020/03/10/nss-awarded-best-in-business)![Nashville Scene - Ditch Your Crappy Job 2016](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nashville-Scene-Award.jpg?width=120&name=Nashville-Scene-Award.jpg)

 

[![NACC Proud Member](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NACCProudMember.png?width=120&name=NACCProudMember.png)](https://www.nashvillechamber.com/)

[![NTC Member](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ntc-member.png?width=250&name=ntc-member.png)](https://technologycouncil.com/)

 

 

<https://www.linkedin.com/school/nashville-software-school/> <https://www.facebook.com/nashvillesoftwareschool.com> <https://www.instagram.com/nashvillesoftwareschool> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCKj04Fy5V4zAjWSIqdqScw> <https://www.x.com/nashsoftware> <https://soundcloud.com/nashville-software-school/sets/stories-from-the-hackery-1?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing>

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Mandy Arola",
    "url" : "https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/author/mandy-arola"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-01-16T16:18:14.935Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-01-15T20:46:09.000Z",
  "headline" : "Generative AI Levels the Playing Field for Neurodiverse Technologists | Stories From The Hackery",
  "image" : [ "https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hubfs/Generative%20AI%20and%20Neurodiversity%20-%20Shalane%20Proctor.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2026/01/15/generative-ai-levels-the-playing-field-for-neurodiverse-technologists-stories-from-the-hackery",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/hubfs/NSS-logo-horizontal-large.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Nashville Software School"
  }
}
```