Dr. Jessica Schwartzman’s research goes above and beyond when it comes to helping improve the quality of life of the neurodiverse community. She has researched critical real-world problems, such as COVID and suicide, as they have affected adolescents with autism and studied them to find solutions to such serious current issues. She is a professional …
Whenever I’ve interviewed a researcher specialized in studying autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, most of them recommend that I continue my interview series with Dr. Grace Baranek, a globally renowned professional in sensory characteristics and occupational therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder. She has co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in several prestigious journals, …
Continue reading Occupational Therapy’s Role in Autism: Dr. Baranek’s Perspectives
Dr. Sneha Kohli Mathur is an ally. She created a company, Spectrum Success, to provide adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum with numerous services to improve their quality of life. They offer consultation services for parents, adults, colleges, and parents. A founding member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion SIG in ABA, Dr. Mathur …
Dr. Lisa Liberatore is not only a supportive Mom and talented doctor. She is one of the strongest advocates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has really taken the necessary steps to improve the quality of life for her son on the autism spectrum, Michael. With the help of her husband, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, Dr. …
Continue reading All for LUV – A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Liberatore
If you look up the most influential autism researchers, Dr. Connie Kasari Ph.D., Professor of Human Development and Psychology at UCLA is on that list. A founding member of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA, Dr. Kasari aims to develop new and evidence-based intervention strategies for children with ASD that can be …
Mrs. Jennifer Frist is not only a strong advocate for those on the autism spectrum, but she is also a loving Mom of an adult with the disorder. As her son grew older, her and her husband started to grow worried about whether he would be able to find meaningful work and live on his …
Continue reading Mom & Philanthropist – A Conversation with Mrs. Jennifer Frist
Dr. Kevin Pelphrey is a Harrison-Wood Jefferson Scholars Foundation Professor of Neurology at the University of Virginia. A leader in groundbreaking autism research, Dr. Pelphrey uses neuroscience to develop tools for detection and autism treatment and to continue helping people like his two children, who are both diagnosed with autism. His research aims to understand …
Continue reading A Perspective from a Father and Scientist – A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Pelphrey
This past October, Keith Wargo became the president and CEO of Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to aiding individuals on the spectrum and their families. Responsible for the management of Autism Speaks, Wargo works to guarantee that the mission of the organization is being fulfilled. Autism Speaks is working to promote greater understanding and acceptance, …
Continue reading Keith Wargo: Leading Autism Speaks Into a New Era
As a researcher, one thing I have always been fascinated with, is how the autistic brain differs from the neurotypical brain. How specific environmental stimuli in the brain of an autistic child compares to the response occurring in a neurotypically-developing child. Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Dr. Geraldine Dawson, the …
Continue reading Early Interventions in Autism: A Conversation with Dr. Geraldine Dawson
Unlike my previous interviews focusing primarily on autism research, I wanted to change things up and address the lack of neurodiversity in the workplace and what some organizations and universities are doing to develop new programs that address this issue. A staggering 75% of adults with autism are unemployed. The Frist Center for Autism and …