AWN Directory
Executive Board & Board of Directors
Corina Becker is from Kingston, Ontario, Canada. As a child, she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities, and then with Asperger Syndrome in her late teens. She graduated from high school as an Ontario Scholar in 2003 and was accepted into the English Honors program at Wilfrid Laurier University. While at school, she live both in dorm and in off-campus student housing, and fulfilled duties as Media Coordinator for an on-campus club. She graduated in Fall 2008 with a Bachelor's of Art in English and is now taking Distance Education courses in the Library and Information Technician Program at Mohawk College.
In 2005 and 2006, Corina worked at Kerry's Place Autism Services as part of the Community Education and Awareness Team, organizing the Spectrum Art Show. Now, she is the Autism Women's Network Forum Moderator, and runs her own blog No Stereotypes Here as well as giving autism awareness presentations with Kerry's Place. In between moderating, blogging and schoolwork, Corina writes two novels, one comic, writes and draws two webcomics (Lord of the Shepherd and Amhelaki Misadventures), paints, knits, plays flute, tries to read/watch as much manga/anime as possible, and occasionally plays a little DnD.
I am Lori. I am from New York and currently live in Baltimore, MD (US) with Karen, my partner of over 10 years.
I learned that I had Asperger's syndrome in 2005 after a lifetime of misdiagnoses. Since then, I have gone from thinking there was no one else like me in the world to finding a huge community of people who have had nearly identical life experiences as me. I have also been on a mission to help autistic people find each other on the internet.
I am a freelance web developer and spent the better part of 3 months building this website. It was a labor of love and it is a work in progress. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Autism Women's Network and hope that someday I will be able to do this type of work for the autism community full time.
Sharon has made her home in the Mid-West, USA for the past 15 years. She works for a publishing company and goes to Business College full time. Her dedication to advocate for victims of violence has led her to an additional interest in Women's Studies.
Sharon was one of the March 2011 recipients of the Learning Spring School LSS Spectrum Award. The other 2011 recipients were Dr. Fred Volkmar of Yale University Autism Research; Charlie Rose of PBS Television (series on the brain, episode featuring autism spectrum diagnosis); and Mrs. Janice Murray, the mother featured in Showtime Television's autism documentary, "Dad's in Heaven with Nixon."
Sharon recently completed filming for an upcoming documentary wherein she and her two youngest children will be featured. The United States of Autism Movie is slated to be released in 2012.
In April of 2010 Sharon was honored to receive an invitation to attend a special autism meeting at the White House on World Autism Awareness Day. On July 26, 2010 Sharon received an invitation to return to Washington D.C. to represent the Autism Women's Network at the White House celebration commemorating the 20th year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sharon has participated in autism focus groups comprised of individuals on the autism spectrum who develop ways to improve autism-related services. She is an active consultant for numerous research projects whereby she assists with furthering the understanding of challenges faced by autistic adults with employment related issues.
Sharon's extensive training and continued education as a Family Support Worker with VISINET, Inc. enabled her to assist families and their children with successful completion of court ordered goals throughout the foster care process for almost five years.
Sharon testified before the Nebraska Legislative Committee to advocate for the passage of a Bill to aid women with the inclusion of their children in Protection Orders. This Bill was enacted into law and Protection Orders can now be extended to minor children of mothers in abusive relationships in the state of Nebraska.
In an effort to further awareness pertaining to ASD's, Sharon produces and hosts the AWN Internet Radio Show. As an active member of the autism community, she shares with others her experiences as it relates to the unique qualities of females on the autism spectrum via conferences, support groups, and workshops.
In her spare time, she enjoys research, writing, and spending quality time with her family. She is a mother of two teenagers, as well as two adults with families of their own. Sharon is diagnosed with Asperger's and is parenting a child on the autism spectrum as well.
Sharon's Public Speaking Engagements
- Sharon was a guest speaker at the Annual Fundraiser for the League of Women Voters in Sarpy County, Nebraska. This was the Women As Storytellers Annual Luncheon where women share their personal accounts, experiences and stories of overcoming adversities.
- Sharon was a Co-Speaker with Dr. Diane C. Marti at the annual Nebraska UNL ASD Network Autism State Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. Sharon's presentation focused on the unique qualities, strengths, and challenges of females with Asperger's Syndrome and the importance of early identification in order to provide the supports necessary to ensure autistic girls and women a healthy and productive future.
- Sharon was a guest speaker at the Team Meeting for Educators with the ASD ESU Team #3, Omaha, Nebraska Metro Region. Her presentation addressed concerns of girls on the autism spectrum flying under the radar and not receiving a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Sharon's presentation further stressed the need for educators to be proactive as it relates to early intervention and the ongoing need for diagnosing girls with ASD before they develop social & functional challenges which could be supported with early intervention.
- Sharon was a Co-Presenter at the Annual Autism Action Partnership Conference with Dr. Diane C. Marti. The information provided in this presentation focused on early identification of what is unique to females with Asperger’s Syndrome as essential in order to provide supports necessary to ensure her a healthy and productive future. Clinical data compiled by recognized experts indicate a need for increased understanding of the differences between males and females on the spectrum. Sharon also shared her personal experiences of learning to understand how her own Asperger diagnosis differed from her expectations of behaviors typically found with males on the spectrum.
- Sharon was a guest speaker at the Fremont, Nebraska ESU ASD Educator's Team Meeting. Her presentation stressed the need for early identification, and a greater understanding of female specific autism characteristics in order to prevent girls from flying under the diagnostic radar and not receiving a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Sharon's presentation further stressed the need for educators to take a proactive approach in leading the way as it relates to early intervention and diagnosis.
My name is Mara Fritts and I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in 2008. I have been married for fourteen years to my husband who was also diagnosed with AS in 2008. We have four children, three of which are currently on the autism spectrum.
I am currently a Stay-At-Home-Mom (SAHM) and homeschooling all of my children. I'd like to someday return to college for my degree in Anthropology. However with homeschooling I think I would be much better suited with a teaching degree at this point.
Before I became a SAHM I worked in Customer Service for 15 years with various insurance companies where I was involved with providing service for agents and customers in Life Insurance and Annuities where I gained extensive experience in finance.
I have been on staff at four Science Fiction Conventions, and I am in charge of registration travel arrangements with my husband's business, as well as having been in charge of the Hospitality Suite.
I enjoy a good challenge and also love working with people. Being diagnosed with Aspergers has taught me many things. One of them is to accept people for who they are and look for the “why” in all situations. It has helped me to help my children reach their potential and teach them how to get around what some consider a disability. In our home we recognize it as a different way of thinking.
Amanda was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She moved to the Boston area to attend Boston College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She continued her graduate studies at Boston College earning a law degree and a Masters in Business Administration.
Amanda started her legal career working on complex financing transactions involving real estate and assets around the world. From there she expanded her practice areas to include all aspects of commercial real estate.
At present, Amanda is an attorney with a law firm in the greater Boston area with a focus on commercial leasing and real estate. Her firm also advises small businesses and non-profit organizations on general corporate and business matters.
Amanda lives in Natick, Mass. with her husband and an incredibly cute labradoodle. In her free time, she loves reading, computers and photography. She and her husband love visiting Hawaii and make trips whenever possible. She was diagnosed in her 30’s with significant Asperger’s traits.
Advisory Board
Simon Baron-Cohen is Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Cambridge and Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge. Director of the Autism Research Centre (ARC) in Cambridge, he also holds degrees in Human Sciences from New College, Oxford, a PhD in Psychology from UCL, and an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry. He is Director of CLASS (Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service), a clinic for adults with suspected AS.
He is author of Mindblindness (MIT Press, 1995), The Essential Difference: Men, Women and the Extreme Male Brain (Penguin UK/Basic Books, 2003), and Prenatal Testosterone in Mind (MIT Press, 2005). Anthologies he edited include: Understanding Other Minds (OUP, 1993, 2001), The Maladapted Mind (Erlbaum, 1997) and Synaesthesia (Blackwells, 1997).
He authored the books: Autism: The Facts, Tourette Syndrome: The Facts, and Teaching Children with Autism to Mind Read. He also authored the DVD-ROM Mind Reading: an interactive guide to emotions (Jessica Kingsley Ltd, 2003) which was nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Off-Line Learning.
His awards include: the American Psychological Association, the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA), and the British Psychological Society (BPS) for his research into autism. For 2007 he is President of the Psychology Section of the BA, Vice President of the National Autistic Society, and received the 2006 Presidents' Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychological Knowledge from the BPS.
Kristina Chew is a Classics Professor at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, USA; a translator and teacher of Latin and ancient Greek; and the Director of Special Scholarships & Fellowships.
Happily married to Professor of Theology & Cultural Historian, James T. Fisher, and mother to 12 year old son, Charlie, who is on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum, she is currently writing a book about life on the long road with Charlie, and blogging about autism at: We Go With Him. Her web page is: kristina chew.com
Kristina has appeared on Good Morning America (June 10, 2008) and the Today Show (October 2008) to speak about autism. She was also interviewed by Newsweek for an online video (October 28, 2008), in connection with a report on autism and vaccines.
In addition, Kristina has been interviewed by, quoted and/or referenced in, Newsweek about the 2008 Presidential campaign; the Washington Post, and New York Times on the Autism Ransom Notes advertising campaign; and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on vaccines and autism organizations.
Science & Research Topics Addressed by Kristina:
David Kirby on “there is no autism epidemic” and Autism Vox on his rhetoric (January 3, 2007)
The Vaccine Theory Goes to Court (May 28, 2007)
Better Diagnosis and So-called Epidemics (October 30, 2007)
Two Hypotheses: Autism Epidemic and Diagnostic Substitution (April 8, 2008)
Vaccines and Autism: A Matter of the Heart (February 13, 2009)
Empathy, Imitation, and Mirror Neurons (May 20, 2009)
Inspired by Kristina's Son:
Easter Seals blog on “The Great Outdoors--inspired by Charlie” by Dr. Patricia Wright (5 January 2010)
Carlolyn Fuentes is an educator, author, developer of web games for students of all ages, and a self described "forever technology career student."
Her commitment to helping others understand ASD's is fueled by the inspiration she receives from her son Aeric, a young adult on the autism spectrum. Ms. Fuentes has tirelessly advocated throughout Aeric's life to ensure he received a progressive education alongside his peers. Currently, Aeric is attending classes for Culinary Arts after successfully graduating from High School.
Ms. Funtes was awarded US Honor Society in 2009. An accomplished author, Dr. Fuetes' book Autism has received critical acclaim as useful, relevant, and helpful for anyone looking into an introduction of autism.
Currently, Ms. Fuentes is a Private Computer Teacher for Orange Education and Recreation in Ohio. A dedicated educator, she previously instructed students at International Remington College and Orange Education Recreation Center for elite communities, Tri-C Community College-Eastern & Western Campus, Ford Motors, Inc., and St. Jerome Catholic School K-8.
Liane is an accomplished Writer, Editor, Communications Consultant for people with ASD at B.R.A.I.N.S. Inc. in Grand Rapids Michigan, a mother and wife. She helps others to understand the importance of accepting the diversities of people as an inspirational and motivational speaker. With a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, Liane seeks to help others realize their full potential by sharing with them how she learned to rise above the challenges of her life to settle into a new understanding of the person she is today. In her own words she describes herself as "Happy, healthy, and well balanced."
Liane has been featured in The USA Today, Psychology Today, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Kansas City Star, Register-Guard, The Grand Rapids Press, and many other major newspapers in addition to several on-line sites such as ABC News and Newsweek. She has been a guest on several national and international radio shows including Radio 4 BBC and Wisconsin’s NPR. Liane was also one of the experts on the Peabody Award nominated special produced by The Infinite Mind radio productions. Liane has also been featured in two videos ASPERGER SYNDROME: CROSSING THE BRIDGE (Michael Thompson Productions, 2001) and ASK ME ABOUT ASPERGER SYNDROME (Michael Thompson Productions, 2001). Her first book, Pretending to be Normal, was featured in the feature film Adam, and was an inspiration for the film Normal Folk (in pre-production).
Liane is active in her community. She serves on several professional boards including Imperative Pictures, a Los Angeles based film company dedicated to the production of mainstream movies focusing on a variety of diversity issues; The Asperger Association of Michigan; The Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States (ASK-US); The Equest Center for Theraputic Riding, and More Able Autistic People (MAAP). In addition, she and her husband started a scholarship for psychology students interested in studying pervasive developmental disorders, at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
Liane has over fifteen years of experience teaching at the university level. She is currently the the owner of Kirkshire Farm, a consultant to Behavioral Resources And Institute for Neuropsychological Services (BRAINS), Senior Editor for Autism Spectrum Quarterly and the webhost of Aspie.com, a site dedicated to the understanding and support of Asperger Syndrome.
Mrs. Susan Moreno is the Founder and President of MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome, and a proud parent of two adult daughters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. With a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science from Valparaiso University, Susan is trained in Neurocognitive Rehabilitation.
Mrs. Moreno has 24 years of experience in working with parents, spouses, teachers, and others who are as she describes, "Individuals who care about developing new possibilities, and progress for individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and related challenges."
She is an International Lecturer as well as Motivational Speaker, a member of the World Autism Organization, and was awarded Autism Society of America’s Parent of the Year for 2006.
Ari Ne'eman is the Founding President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, where he initiates and directs efforts to increase the representation of autistic individuals in public policy discussions. He is an adult on the autism spectrum and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity movement, frequently briefing policymakers and speaking publicly on disability and autism policy issues. Appointed by Governor Jon Corzine, he served as Vice Chair of the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force, where he represented autistic adults in reviewing the state’s autism services. He also previously served on the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report on the topic of aversives, restraint and seclusion. He previously served as the Policy Workgroup Leader for the Youth Advisory Council to the National Council on Disability.
Ari is a board member of TASH and the Autism National Committee. In 2008, he served as the first ever Patricia Morrissey Disability Policy Fellow at the Institute for Educational Leadership. That year, he also received the HSC Foundation “Advocates in Disability” Award, and in 2009, he received the Expanding Horizons Award from United Cerebral Palsy and the New Jersey Association of Community Provider's Advocacy Award. He studied political science in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and graduated in May 2010.
Ari's nomination by US President Barack Obama to serve on the National Council on Disability was confirmed by the US Senate on June 22, 2010. Ari is the youngest person, and first individual on the autism spectrum to be appointed to a post by a US President.
Shana Nichols, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher and has worked in the field of autism spectrum disorders and child development for over fifteen years. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada and completed her internship and post-doctoral training at JFK Partners Center for Autism in Denver, Colorado.
She currently specializes in adolescence and growing up, dual diagnosis and mental health issues, and the experiences of girls with autism spectrum disorders. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she now lives on Long Island, NY and is Clinical Director of the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Her book, entitled Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents Should Know about the Pre-teen and Teenage Years was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in December 2008. She was a recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence in 2005 Award for her Ph.D. thesis work.
Dr. Nichols’ work with girls and women with ASDs and their families includes conducting diagnostic evaluations, consultation, individual and family therapy, running girls groups, and educating the field about issues facing females with ASDs. She is currently working on her second book, a guide to growing up for teen girls with ASDs.
Laura Paxton holds two Master's Degrees, one in Psychology and one in Guidance and Counseling, with an emphasis on Special Education. She has worked as both a Developmental Disabilities Case Manager and a Special Education Teacher.
Laura is the author of Borderline and Beyond, a book which shows similarities between personality disorders and autism spectrum disorders. She has created over 70 videos on the subject of autism on YouTube/White Tiger Dream's Channel.
Laura has Asperger Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and Bipolar Disorder.
Directors and Contributors
My name is Katharine Annear I am an artist, writer, counselor, empath, visionary and student of many things. I am Autistic. I am a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Counselors and the Disability and Rehabilitation Professionals Association.
Within the disability community I am an active voice for change and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities particularly girls and young women. I have presented at state, national and international conferences. In 2006, presenting the paper entitled "Providing opportunities for the development and maintenance of friendship and life skills to girls with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative analysis" at the World Autism Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. This paper was a report on the qualitative information gathered from three years of work designing and implementing programs for girls who are a minority population on the Autism Spectrum being outnumbered 4:1 in Autistic disorder and 10:1 in Asperger disorder. In 2008 I travelled to Eugene, Oregon, to take part in the 4th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) where I was immersed in leadership culture and met many amazing women with disabilities from across the globe.
I am co-convener of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network Australia (ASAN AU), lobbying the Federal Government for recognition of Autism Spectrum Disorders and better access to services.
I am also an active leader in the Gay and Lesbian community and have just completed a two year theatre project exploring experiences of sexuality and disability in which I acted as a mentor, writing tutor and performer. I have previously been involved in community theatre creating works with young same sex attracted women who experience depression.
In November 2010, I was appointed as the Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) representative on the Board of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.
Elesia Ashkenazy is from Portland, Oregon. Diagnosed on the autistic spectrum and profoundly deaf, she is devoted to Disability Rights and self-advocacy, and seeks to promote widespread understanding of the needs and rights of Autistic individuals. She is also a parent of a son on the spectrum.
Elesia is the Chapter & Outreach Coordinator for Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and is also a former Board member. She is the Community Council Chair and Research Assistant for Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE), as well as a member of a Subcommittee for the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is also on the Community Advisory Board for the Partnering with People with Developmental Disabilities to Address Violence Project. Elesia is a member of the Editorial Board of Self Advocates As Leaders (SAAL).
Outside of her advocacy and public speaking work, Elesia aspires to be a published author of Young Adult fiction, in addition to short stories for adult audiences. She is a classically trained ballet dancer who perseverates on ballet, taking class several times a week and performing whenever the opportunity arises. Be sure to check out her blog, Aspitude.
My name is Libby Board, I am a 24 year old mother to two girls, who share with me many of the wonderful yet difficult at times, traits of Asperger's and ADHD.
Over the last few years I have been working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fragile x. with my interest focused on abuse prevention and advocating for early intervention and family supports.
I have come to be involved with AWN after attending the 'Girls and Women with an Autism Spectrum Disorder World Inaugural Seminar,' held in Brisbane in 2009. From there I met some amazing women who have encouraged me to learn more about myself, to accept and love the person I am, and to strive to achieve, not despite my differences but because of them!
Lydia Brown is passionate about autism advocacy in the area of autism and criminal justice issues. She writes about a wide variety of topics, including: Autism, Christianity, Islam, Civics, and Ethical Issues.
Lydia is dedicated towards ensuring fairness, equality, and appropriate accommodations for autistic individuals who interact with the criminal justice system or first responders. She has been working towards passage of a bill in Massachusetts that would mandate autism training for law enforcement and corrections officers.
Lydia is also a member of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network New England. She had an article published in the May 8, 2010 Boston Herald entitled Asperger's Doesn't Create Miscreant, and is currently conducting a research project on autistic characters in literature.
LezLee (Elle) Victoriah Bushfield, resides in Houston, Texas US and holds a Master of Science degree from the University of North Texas in the field of Counseling & Student Services. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University in the field of Psychology. Through diligent study and published research, she distinguished herself in her academic career, graduating with honors and serving as the representative for the Psi Chi National Honor Society at both the graduate and undergraduate level. For postgraduate training, she attended the C.G. Jung Educational Center of Houston and was certified in Play Therapy. She went on to obtain professional credentials as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and State of Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Elle's vocational experience includes individual and group therapy in day center, in-patient, and out-patient psychiatric facilities; family intervention with high-risk teens and families, personality assessment, treatment planning services and marketing referral. She has conducted numerous seminars utilizing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for improvement in interpersonal relations, served as Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Psychology for San Jacinto College for over 10 years and provided many years of creative input within the non-profit employment sector. She is an accomplished writer, lyricist and editorial photographer with experience in Media Relations, Radio, Television, and Print Advertising.
In her spare time, Elle enjoys traveling, road biking, music, film, art and biographical reading. She is an active supporter of many humanitarian causes such as the alleviation of world poverty and hunger. Elle was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2009.
Amy resides in Hermitage, Pennsylvania with her son Sebastian, husband Ken, and three feline children. She is a mother and advocate to a son with Asperger's Syndrome. After dealing with the local school district's inability to educate her son, Amy has become a devoted advocate to all children with special needs.
Recently Amy was hired as Pittsburgh Special Education Examiner for the Examiner.com where she reports on Special Education issues as they pertain to the Western Pennsylvania region.
In the past, she has worked with the following advocacy groups: ARC of Pennsylvania Systems and Governmental Affairs, Early Childhood and Education subcommittee member, Pennsylvania Gaskin Settlement Agreement, Overall Implementation subcommittee member, Right to Education Local Task Force, Green Grannies and Friends for Clean Air, Healthy Kids committee, Mothers of Asthmatics Member (AANMA), American Lung Association Parent Outreach, Pennsylvania Families Together for Autism, Autism Society of America Member, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and Families Against Restraint and Seclusion (national).
Carol Greenburg, Executive Director of New York Special Needs Consulting, is a special education consultant and professional non-attorney advocate in private practice serving the five boroughs of NYC and beyond. Her unique perspective as an adult with Aspergers Syndrome, and as the mother of a severely language-delayed autistic child, informs all of her work.
In September 2010, she was appointed the East Coast Regional Director of Autism Women's Network. In January, 2011 she was honored to join the merry band of editors at The Thinking Persons Guide to Autism blog/book project.
A prolific writer of essays on autism and frequent speaker at National Conferences, area universities, parent support groups and community based organizations, she is a member in good standing of Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).
Hi, I'm Karen, and I am diagnosed with Aspergers & ADHD. I am a married mom of two girls, one has autism.
Rachael Harris is a qualified counsellor whose practice Kaleidoscope Counselling Services is able to provide a unique contribution to Asperger Counselling Services from her perspective as a women who, herself, has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and as the mother of a son also on the Autism Spectrum.
Rachael is the first person in Australia with Asperger’s Syndrome to qualify as a counsellor specializing in the area Asperger’s Syndrome, counselling both adults and children, their carers and partners, which, drawing on her life experiences, gives her a unique ability to bridge the Neuro-typical and Asperger perspective.
Rachael’s search for self understanding led to her travelling in Europe and living and working in England, exploring her creativity through experiences as diverse as Beauty Therapy and Monasticism. She is passionate about improving the quality of life of those on the Autism Spectrum and is dedicated to raising awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome in the wider community.
She was a guest speaker at the 2009 International Asperger Day in Brisbane, Australia and was also a guest speaker at the World Inaugural Seminar “Girls and Women with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome”.
Rachael looks forward to supporting the Autism Women’s Network as a contributing writer in an ongoing collaboration, to the advantage of the Autism/Asperger Women’s Community.
Hi, my name is Karen Hillman and I am the NT partner of Lori Berkowitz who created this website. I live in Oakland, CA and am a clinical social worker in San Francisco. Learning that Lori is on the autistic spectrum was life-changing for me - it explained so much and opened up a whole world of information, especially online. I feel privileged to share Lori's journey as she continues to navigate her own life path with words and ideas to put to her experience. I hope one day to be able to work with adults on the spectrum as there seems to be very little in terms of services and support. It is truly wonderful to see that the younger generations of people on the spectrum getting much more support and understanding and I hope this trend continues to grow.
Noel is passionate about writing and continues to freelance for numerous publications throughout the country including: Atlantic Publishing. She is the creator of Lipstick Magazine and is currently publishing the PinkDivaCafe.Com
In 2008 she began freelance writing and public speaking after selling Lipstick Magazine. Her speaking engagements focus on various topics including women's issues, marriage, modern feminism, green living, finances, Christianity, Asperger Syndrome and Autism. Noel's daughter and spouse are both on the autism spectrum.
Valery is an accomplished artist living in the Southwest, USA. You can see her art work at Broken Toyland. Valery is on the autism spectrum.
Dawnita is an Extended Family Home provider, and works with individuals with developmental disabilities. She has more than 10 years of experience as a Program Writing Specialist in DD Services. Currently, Dawnita serves as AWN Nebraska Contact, Executive Assistant, and Contributing Writer.
Taylor Morris is a High School Senior who was diagnosed as on the Autism Spectrum when she was 2 years old. She began her journey as an advocate for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome at age 17 with a simple 10-minute video about what it was like to have Autism as a young child and how it is for her today. Her intention was to bring a vision of hope for parents. The youtube video was passed around so many times, it was clear that her viewers wanted more videos. Taylor began her video blog at Meet Taylor Morris soon after.
Today, with more than 82,000 views of her videos, Taylor is a professional speaker who holds educational webinars and is a guest writer for blogs and magazines. On October 1, 2010, she will make her debut as a runway model for the First Annual New York Autism Fashion Show in Time Square. She will also speak at the event.
In addition to having a 4.4 GPA in the highly rigorous International Baccalaureate program, completing her sixth year studying Spanish online with a tutor in Mexico, and running track year-round, she holds a part-time job helping children on the spectrum develop their social skills.
Taylor is currently on a college search, with several top schools on her list. In her role as Collegiate Spokesperson for the Autism Women's Network, Taylor will share videos about the life of a collegiate on the spectrum, including her year in the college application process.
With respect to her appointment as AWN Collegiate Spokesperson, Taylor commented, "I am honored to be invited to be part of the AWN. I hope to be able to reach out to other autistic people my age through this partnership. Thank you to Sharon daVanport and the other Directors of AWN for such an amazing opportunity."
“If you focus on the problem you can’t see the solution.” Patch Adams
My name is Arlene Taylor. I am a doctor based in Adelaide, South Australia.
During my intern year, following my graduation from medical school, I was diagnosed as autistic. My diagnosis followed years of misdiagnoses from professionals who failed to recognise my many autistic tendencies that were veiled by my intellectual capacity. Since being diagnosed I have been able to learn new skills, and enjoy life in a way I didn’t think was possible.
My special interests include pharmacology and toxicology, Rubik’s cubes, and now, autism spectrum disorders. I am presently studying two Masters. The first is in ‘Clinical Epidemiology’ and the other in ‘Disability Studies’. I will also be commencing a Masters in Forensic Studies (Toxicology specialisation) in 2011. As part of my Masters in Disability Studies I am doing a qualitative research project on the experience of depression in women with autism spectrum disorders: I hope to extend this research into a higher degree later on.
In my spare time I enjoy writing (blogs and books), playing music (I play a variety of instruments and styles), participating in ‘Company@ Autistic Theatre’, figure skating, swimming, cooking good food and relaxing.
In the future I hope to become a combined clinical pharmacologist/clinical toxicologist with a side-line in forensic toxicology. I am also working towards completing a diploma in counselling so that I can combine that with my work in disability studies and assist women on the autism spectrum. Finally, I have a particular passion for increasing the awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders and how they affect women in particular, within the medical profession.
My blogs can be found at:
Carol is employed with the Dan Marino Autism Foundation.
Lydia Wayman is a 23-year-old who loves cats (especially her own Elsie Penelope), swimming, and writing. Diagnosed with autism at age 21, Lydia has found her voice through typing and combines her personal experiences with her degree in education in order to write books, do presenations, and offer consulting services for families of children with autism. She believes that a girl with a keyboard can change the world and sets out to do just that.
