Understanding the difference between Autism and Intellectual Disability
As a member of the Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics team at the OSUCCC – James, Rene Anand, PhD, along with his laboratory, has recently developed human adult stem cell (iPSC) derived models of cancer, autism and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, Dr. Anand’s work focuses on understanding how genes and the environment give rise to such debilitating brain diseases.

Seeing Autism from a different perspective
Dr. Kartikay Saini the helm of affairs of Special Olympics Bharat, comprising of 1 million athletes. His association with Special Olympics goes back to 2003 when he worked for SOB as a volunteer and later inducted into the Advisory Board of SOB. In addition; he was thenappointed on the Board of Trustees of SOB, then the Vice President of the Board and 12 years later appointed to the Chairman of the Board, along with being the Vice Chairman-Special Olympics, Asia Pacific Leadership Council, Chairman-Asia Pacific Unified Sports Advisory Committee and the Head of the Autism Research Centre of India.

What is Autism?
Dr. Stephen Shore is an autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University. He has written the books
that include: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies and Beyond the
Wall. Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks, and is one of the first two autistic board members
in its history, looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. Shore lost language skills
before the age of four, then started getting them back at four years old. He supported taking mercury out of
vaccines.Later he obtained a doctorate in Special Education.

Intervention and Therapy Options
Connie Kasari’s current research focuses on infants and toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
minimally verbal and highly verbal children with ASD, and children with complex neurodevelopmental
disorders. Interventions are mediated through therapists, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents and
in community contexts, such as schools and homes. Much of her work focuses on under-represented
populations in research (low income and minority children, girls with ASD, minimally verbal children), and
she uses sophisticated intervention methodologies, such as sequential multiple assignments randomized
trials (SMART designs) and community partnered participatory research methods (CPPR).

Changing Employer Expectations on Autism
Jeff Rotmeyer founded LOVE 21 Foundation because he saw a great need for higher expectations and
emphasis put on health and nutrition for the Down syndrome and autistic community in Hong Kong. He is
passionate about creating a community that is focused on improving their health and fitness while having
fun with friends. He also runs a variety of sport and exercise classes as part of the new health and nutrition
programme.