Katherine Almendinger is a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman working to center her career in autism research and activism. She was diagnosed autistic at 38 and ADHD at 39 while mid-doctorate for her DrPH in health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University.

Amir Arami grew up struggling with dyslexia. After overcoming his learning disability, he was in a severe motor vehicle accident as a high school student. Following his recovery, he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and graduate degree in special education, with the goal of focusing on Autism and Inclusion.

Andrew Arboe is a self-advocate who has over five years of professional autism/special education experience. Andrew has job coaching, public speaking, outreaching, and even self-employment experiences that showcase his work on transition to adulthood for individuals.

Inspired by his son with Autism, Michael has become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant® with extensive training and continuing education on the complex topics and particular challenges of caring for a dependent with special needs, including the constant changes in federal and state laws.

Robert J. Bernstein, MA has devoted his career to improving the lives of children, teenagers, and adults on the autism spectrum. He developed his cognitive-based, developmental approach for more than thirty years with clients ranging from toddlers to older adults.

Ms. Birnbaum graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1996, she assumed her current position at the Nordoff-Robbins Center where her responsibilities include clinical work, supervision of fieldwork students and certification candidates, programming and the day-to-day operations of the Center.

Carter Bonas named his apparel Spectrum Golf because he ranks high on the Autism Spectrum Scale. He decided to showcase his apparel at the PGA Show 2022, which is one of the largest golf merchandising shows in the nation.

Sara Bradford is an autistic woman and a passionate advocate. She is the founder of SJ Childs Global Network Non-Profit, an organization that positively impacts the lives of many families. Sara is also the CEO of SJ Childs LLC, an autism consulting business that provides support to families.

Dr. Robin Brewer is an Associate Professor Emeritus from the School of Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado. Dr. Brewer’s emphasis was teaching students with Autism/Significant Support Needs.

Vicki Clarke is the CEO of Dynamic Therapy Associates, Inc (DTA Inc.), a speech language pathology clinic specializing in AAC.

Brittyn Coleman is a Registered Dietitian, Autism Nutrition Expert, and the Founder of the Nourishing Autism Collective. She helps parents of children with autism to nourish their kids confidently in a gradual, sustainable way.

Sameer Dahar is a gifted young adult with autism. As he is primarily non-vocal he is a strong advocate for those who have no voice.

After finishing her degree in Medical Anthropology, Kara Darling studied Midwifery and worked in maternal/child health as a Licensed Midwife for almost 15 years including running her own independent birth center, certifying in medical interpretation and translation, and providing prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.

Ms. Quatiba Davis is a distinguished Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with a remarkable career trajectory characterized by leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Dr. DeMio's practice focuses on the medical testing and treatment for you and/or your loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Andy is a Mental Health Therapist in private practice and a consultant with Bass Educational Services.

Dr. Winifred (Winnie) Dunn is Distinguished Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri. She is an expert for her work about sensory processing in everyday life.

Dr. Marcia Eckerd has been a licensed psychologist since 1985. She was appointed to serve on the CT Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council, serves on the Clinical Advisory Group of AANE and on the Board of Directors of NeuroClastic.org.

Jeanne Eichler, Ed.D., MOT, OTR/L, MT, US Autism Association Advisory Board Member, is a Music Therapist (BMT), Occupational Therapist (MOT), and Educator (Ed.D.). Her private practice TEMPEAUX, LLC/OT on Campus offers customized home, school, and workplace programs and services for adolescents, young adults, and their caregivers.

Jeffrey N. Freed, M.A.T has his Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University and a Master’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. He has specialized in working with both gifted children and people with autism for over 35 years.

Elaine Hall is an internationally recognized thought-leader on autism and inclusion and is a pioneer in the use of the arts to enhance quality of life for individuals on the spectrum, creating original content and celebrating neurodiversity.

Dr. Henderson brings a unique blend of expertise in psychopharmacology, neurobiology, and an understanding of human nature to the practice of psychiatry.

Lawrence P. Kaplan, PhD is the Founder and Chairman, Emeritus of the US Autism Association (formerly known as the US Autism & Asperger Association). He is the Author of Diagnosis Autism Now What? 10 Steps to Improve Treatment Outcomes. A Parent-Physician Team Approach.

Tracie Kelly is a mom on a mission to help parents of school-aged special needs children prepare for their IEP Meetings through her revolutionary new systematic step-by-step approach to IEP meeting prep.

Amy Kriewaldt is a writer, blogger, podcaster, musician, and autistic activist. She homeschools her three autistic children, who all present with different communication needs.

Akhil Lad, a nonspeaker neurodiverse adult, is an inspiration. He was diagnosed at 18 months with AUTISM with not much hope, and in spite of all the challenges he is taking an Associate Science Degree with Rowan College of South Jersey.

Manisha Lad is an Autism Coach, Holistic Health Coach, and the Founder & Executive Director of the Akhil Autism Foundation.

Patty Laushman is the founder and head coach of Thrive Autism Coaching. She is a Certified Autism Coach through AANE, a 14-year program that has coached 3,000+ teens and adults on the autism spectrum through their LifeMAP (Life Management Assistance) program.

Dr. Wenn Lawson of Australia, autistic lecturer, psychologist, researcher, advocate, writer, and poet, has passionately shared professional and personal knowledge of autism over the past 3 decades.

Dr. Megan Locke is the Executive Director of the Able Kids Foundation in Fort Collins, Colorado where she also serves as one of the Foundation’s audiologists. The Able Kids Foundation specializes in the diagnosis and management of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and has evaluated individuals from 49 states and 28 countries since 2006.

Joleena Louis, Esq. is a premier New York attorney who focuses her practice on helping families in high conflict or complex situations. This often includes helping parents with special needs children create a plan that helps the child thrive during the change in the familial structure.

BG Mancini is an Acupuncture Physician, a leader in Neurodevelopmental education and a Functional Medicine Practitioner.

Dan McManmon is the President of the College Internship Program (CIP).

Dr. Michael McManmon founded the College Internship Program (CIP) in 1984. Prior to Founding CIP, he worked for state, private and non-profit organizations in several states and was certified as a family teacher through the Boys Town Center in Nebraska.

Ethan Miller grew up in a family with parents dedicated to serving those children with severe to mild autism or other cognitive disabilities. Ethan's father and mother were pioneers in the field and developed The Language and Cognitive Development Center school and clinic, which Ethan Miller is director of today.

Alexander (Alex) Morris-Wood is the Dean of Admissions, Transition Programs, & Strategic Outreach at Beacon College.

Nigel Rising has worked in the financial services industry for thirty years, specifically compliance and surveillance. Past employers include Charles Schwab, USAA and AIG. Among her proudest accomplishments is creating an entire compliance department for a national financial services firm essentially from scratch.

Bren Payne is a veteran teacher of over 25 years having taught multiple subjects across multiple grades in both special education and general education classrooms.

As President of College Living Experience (CLE), Amy Radochonski is a champion for supporting neurodiverse students in higher education, careers, increasing independence in their community, and finding meaningful relationships.

Dr. Patrick J. Rydell recently retired as the Founder and Director of Rocky Mountain Autism Center (RMAC), Inc. in Lone Tree, Colorado, in 2018, and is currently the Founder and Director of Autism On Call, LLC, the training and consultation affiliate of RMAC.

Ron Sandison works full time in the medical field and is a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He is an advisory board member of the Art of Autism and the Els Center of Excellence.

Dr. Rachelle Sheely serves as the President of RDIconnect, as well as the head of professional training and supervision and adults with developmental disabilities.

Katie Shepherd is a speech-language pathologist and DIRFloortime expert training leader with the International Council of Development and Learning - ICDL.  She has been using the DIRFloortime model throughout her career to help her understand the individuals and families she supports and to promote communication, language, and overall development through meaningful interactions and relationships.

As the Executive Director of Education at ACE, Erika Anderson is responsible for individual RPM sessions, curriculum planning, goal setting, and instructing parents and professionals.

Holding doctoral level degrees in both School Psychology and Special Education, Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman currently sits on numerous advisory boards and is the President and Chairwoman of the US Autism Association.

Gil Tippy, PsyD is a Clinical Psychologist with a developmental practice offering support to parents and professionals around the world. He is one of the founders of the Rebecca School in NYC, along with Stanley I. Greenspan and others.

Magazine publisher and US Autism Association Advisory Board Member Amy KD Tobik, BA, is an award-winning editor with over 35 years of publishing experience.

David Wall began the late-identified autistic journey at age 49 after a life-changing conversation with a neurodivergent comedy class teacher led to working with an expert in adult autism. David has since seen a significant improvement in quality of life and has advocated for autism.

Carol Weinman is an attorney, autism expert, international speaker, mediator, author and parent.

Yasmine White, US Autism Association Advisory Board Member, is CEO and founder of Voices Together, a statewide music therapy organization reaching individuals and students across North Carolina.

Kate C. Wilde has spent the last 30 years working with children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as with therapists, educators, and schools.

Richard O. Williams spent 25 years in the medical sciences in academia, doing research and teaching around the word. He is the author of 85 peer-reviewed research articles on the molecular genetics and microbiology of infectious diseases. His interest in the world of autism started with his daughter, who was adopted in 1979 from Thailand at the age of two.

Rabbi Dr. Tzemah Yoreh is one of the intellectual leaders of Jewish humanism and the head of the City Congregation in New York city.

Ron Zimmerman is a lifelong journalist working for CBS, ABC, Fox and CNN. His live reporting has appeared on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, 20/20 and the BBC’s Horizon and Panorama.