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Karen Simmons
is the founder and
CEO of the internationally acclaimed Autism Today©, an organization,
established in 1996 and now one of the world’s leading resources for
all special needs, both online and at numerous conferences and
events around the globe. Karen’s passion for autism comes directly
from her own experience. She is the parent of six children, ages 12
to 21, one with autism and one with ADHD. Karen is also the author
of four widely cherished books, including Little Rainman,
Surrounded by Miracles and newest release, The Official Autism 101
Manual with 44 top autism experts from around the world and is a
Co-author of a forthcoming Chicken Soup For Special Needs Community
book with Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield and Heather McNamara.
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Stephen Shore
Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic
tendencies" Stephen Shore was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on
an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization.
Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers,
and others, Stephen Shore is now completing his doctoral degree in
special education at Boston University with a focus on helping
people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the
fullest extent possible.
In
addition to working with children and talking about life on the
autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on
adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment,
advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his books "Beyond the
Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome",
"Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism
Spectrum", and "Understanding Autism for
Dummies".
A board member of the Autism Society of America and president
emeritus of the Asperger’s Association of New England, Stephen
serves for the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism
Services Association of Massachusetts, MAAP, The KEEN Foundation,
and the College Internship Program. |
