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 in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders and autism and has utilized cognitive behavioral approaches in a positive, unique way to target the needs of autistic youth and adults.
Dr. Maja Mataric is at the forefront of innovative therapies for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Combining her skills in engineering and her passions in helping people, she has worked for over 20 years to improve human quality of life. To improve human life, she has created human-centered technologies, including socially-assistive robots for those with ASD and anxiety. Making the world a better place one robot at a time, Dr. Mataric empowers. She not only empowers children with ASD, but she empowers her students and most importantly women. I am so excited to see the future of socially-assistive technology and Dr. Mataric is truly an inspiration for us all.
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. Liberatore founded Luv Michael, a non-profit organization “dedicated to training, educating, and employing autistic adults and improving the lives of the autistic community.” Her actions and full time efforts have been so impactful on thousands of individuals with ASD and will continue to be as Luv Michael grows and flourishes.
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 used in various communities. She has targeted communities that have been underrepresented in research to make sure everyone has equal access to treatments and other services.
The Real Spectrum 