STANFORD NEURODIVERSITY SUMMIT 2023
Day 1 Program and Speakers
Please note that times shown below are in Pacific Time Zone.
DAY 1 - Sunday, October 1, 2023
Lloyd B. Minor, MD
Dean, Stanford University School of Medicine
Lloyd B. Minor, MD, is the Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine. Under his leadership, Stanford Medicine has emerged as a leader in the Precision Health revolution, which emphasizes preventive, personalized health care and leverages advances in biomedicine to treat and cure complex diseases. His book, “Discovering Precision Health,” published in 2020, illustrates how Stanford Medicine and other health leaders are revolutionizing biomedicine. In 2021, he articulated a bold vision for the purposeful and equitable development of a life sciences innovation hub in the Bay Area. Dr. Minor also is a professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and a professor of Bioengineering and of Neurobiology, by courtesy, at Stanford University. With more than 160 published articles and chapters, Dr. Minor is an expert in balance and inner ear disorders. In 2012, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.
Laura Roberts, MD, MA
Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,
Stanford University School of Medicine
Dr. Roberts serves as Chairman and the Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She is an internationally recognized scholar in bioethics, psychiatry, medicine, and medical education. Over two decades, Dr. Roberts has received scientific, peer-reviewed funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and private foundations to perform empirical studies of modern ethical issues in research, clinical care, and health policy, with a particular focus on vulnerable and special populations. Her work has led to advances in understanding of ethical aspects of physical and mental illness research, societal implications for genetic innovation, the role of stigma in health disparities, the impact of medical student and physician health issues, and optimal approaches to fostering professionalism in medicine. Dr. Roberts, with colleagues, is leading an NIMH-funded project to examine ethical issues in highly innovative neuroscience work to advance understanding of mental disorders, substance-related conditions, and brain function, development, and enhancement.
Dr. Roberts has written hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and other scholarly works, and she has written or edited several books in the areas of professionalism and ethics in medicine, professional development for physicians, and clinical psychiatry. Dr. Roberts was recently appointed as the Editor-in-Chief, Books for the American Psychiatric Assocation. Dr. Roberts served as the Editor-in-Chief for the journal Academic Psychiatry from 2002-2019 and is an editorial board member and peer reviewer for many scientific and education journals. Dr. Roberts was recently selected as the incoming Editor-in-Chief for the journal Academic Medicine, one of two premier journals of the AAMC.
Dr. Roberts received the 2015 MacLean Center Prize recognizing her bioethics work. She was chosen to receive the Distinguished Psychiatrist award from the American Psychiatric Association in 2005 and 2010 and was recognized as the foremost leader in psychiatric education in the United States and Canada by the University of Toronto in 2008. Dr. Roberts has also received numerous awards for leadership, teaching, and science, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Academic Psychiatry in 2010 and the Nancy C.A. Roeske, M.D., Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Medical Student Education from the American Psychiatric Association.
9:00 AM-9:45 AM Introduction to the Stanford Neurodiversity Project. Speaker: Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD
Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD
Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Lawrence Fung is a scientist and psychiatrist specialized in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the father of a neurodiverse teenager with ASD. He is the director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, which strives to uncover the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and utilize their talents to increase innovation and productivity of the society as a whole. He directs the Neurodiverse Student Support Program, Neurodiversity at Work Program (recently funded by Autism Speaks), and Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic at Stanford. Dr. Fung is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. His lab advances the understanding of neural bases of human socio-communicative and cognitive functions by using novel neuroimaging and technologies. His team devise and implement novel interventions to improve the lives of neurodiverse individuals by maximizing their potential and productivity. For example, he is conducting a study to demonstrate that specialized employment programs such as Neurodiversity at Work program will result in higher retention rates and quality of life.
Glenna Wright-Gallo, MS, MBA
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
US Department of Education
Glenna Wright-Gallo is the assistant secretary in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the United States Department of Education. In this capacity, she serves as advisor to the U.S. secretary of education on matters related to the education of children and youth with disabilities, as well as employment and community living for youth and adults with disabilities. The mission of her office is to improve early childhood, educational, and employment outcomes, and to raise expectations for all people with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the nation.
Wright-Gallo has more than 25 years of experience supporting students and adults with disabilities. She served as the assistant superintendent of special education in the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington from 2017–2022 and previously as the state director of special education for the Utah State Board of Education for seven years. In her state-level education leadership roles, Wright-Gallo provided expertise in the improvement planning, data analysis, and monitoring of public pre-K through 12th grade+ special education programs. Before her state-level education leadership roles, Wright-Gallo worked as a classroom teacher and administrator.
Wright-Gallo has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degrees in special education; special education teacher and administrative licenses; endorsements as a program administrator, principal, and superintendent; and a Master of Business Administration.
Elizabeth Bonker
Executive Director
Communication 4 ALL
Elizabeth Bonker is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to gain communication for the estimated 31 million non-speakers with autism worldwide. Elizabeth learned to type on a letterboard at age five. Soon after, she began writing poems that were published in I Am in Here. In 2022, Elizabeth wrote the lyrics for an I Am in Here album with the music by The Bleeding Hearts. Her decade of advocacy work has included a PBS feature, a TEDMED Talk at the Kennedy Center, and bipartisan support for communication equality on Capitol Hill. In May 2022, Elizabeth graduated as a Valedictorian from the Honors Program at Rollins College. Her Commencement Address went viral with more than 4 billion media impressions creating visibility and momentum for the mission. Communication 4 ALL’s strategic initiatives include C4A Schools to start typing programs for nonspeakers in schools and C4A Academy to provide free online instructional videos for families without the resources to pay for private lessons. Elizabeth is a member of Autism Society’s Council of Advisors and Justice Center Task Force.
Neurodiversity Resources Building
Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD
Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Lawrence Fung is a scientist and psychiatrist specialized in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the father of a neurodiverse teenager with ASD. He is the director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, which strives to uncover the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and utilize their talents to increase innovation and productivity of the society as a whole. He directs the Neurodiverse Student Support Program, Neurodiversity at Work Program (recently funded by Autism Speaks), and Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic at Stanford. Dr. Fung is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. His lab advances the understanding of neural bases of human socio-communicative and cognitive functions by using novel neuroimaging and technologies. His team devise and implement novel interventions to improve the lives of neurodiverse individuals by maximizing their potential and productivity. For example, he is conducting a study to demonstrate that specialized employment programs such as Neurodiversity at Work program will result in higher retention rates and quality of life.
Hindustani Musician. Ahilan Hatti, Santoor Performing Artist
Moderator: Robin Schader (Bridges Academy)
Ahilan Hatti
Santoor Player
Gandha Bandhan disciple of Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya
Ahilan Hatti is a senior at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California. He will introduce the santoor instrument – its origins and what makes it special –– and will outline Indian Classical Music with its two main disciplines (Hindustani and Carnatic), including the basic performance structure of the raag he will be playing.
He is a Gandha Bandhan disciple of Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, India's leading santoor player, and the only santoor disciple of the late, legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. The gandha bandhan is a sacred thread tied onto the wrist of a student who the teacher believes is bonded to music for the rest of their life. It is the highest honor for a student of Hindustani music, and he is only the second student of Pandit Bhattacharya to receive the gandha bandhan, symbolizing that he will nurture the art during his lifetime and then pass on knowledge to the next generation. He performs regularly throughout the United States. He’s also performed in Mexico. In India, he performed for All India Radio (India's national public radio station), Doordarshan (national television station in India), and for Prime Minister Modi's YouTube channel. Ahilan also trained under Rupesh Kotecha and Paul Livingstone. He hopes to explore the interplay of linguistics, anthropology, and technology as a possible career option.
Getting the Job / Recruiting the Talent
Moderators: Aparna Kommineni (Bay Area Fiduciary)
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James Gilbert
Store Manager
Kohl's Stores
I am a 28 year veteran of retail management, including the last 18 years with Kohl's where I am currently a store manager in our Central Pennsylvania market. I am a Neurodiverse Adult (ADHD), the Father of a Neurodiverse Child (Autistic) and am an employer of Neurodiverse adults. With Kohl's, I hold additional roles as a Chair for the Kohl's diverseAbilities Business Resource Group (BRG), am a member of the Kohl's DE&I Supplier Diversity Council and I am Head of the Autism Awareness and Advocacy Month Committee. I am fortunate that I have had the privilege and ability to be able to merge my personal life and my career with Kohl's to be able to be more involved with the Kohl's DE&I initiatives and to have been able to advocate and be a voice for the Neurodiverse Employee. When I am away from Kohl's, I love spending time with my family, my two boys Bradyn and Keeton and my wife of over 20 years, Megan. We are a soccer loving family, with both boys playing competitive club soccer. I am a USSF Licensed Coach and am currently a Head Coach and Staff Member for the soccer club Eagle Futbol Club in Central Pennsylvania.
Jenna Eberly
My name is Jenna Eberly. I live with my family in Mechanicsburg, Pa. I’ve worked at Kohl’s as the full time operations lead for a year. On any one day you can find me fulfilling customer orders, doing inventory management, merchandising, assisting customers, cashiering, and helping out wherever needed. I enjoy coming into work and seeing my friendly co-workers. In my off time I enjoy drawing, learning how to 3D model and spending time with animals, especially my dogs Geo and Puffin. Like many other women, I was not diagnosed with autism until the age of 18. Even though autism has caused many struggles for me, I like to think of it as a superpower because it has helped me excel at other things. I’ve been told I am very creative and have a good sense of design, as well as a great ability to recall detailed visual information.
Neurodiversity Communication Strategies in the Workplace
Moderators: Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD, (Stanford)
Objectives:
1. What are the main challenges for neurodivergent employees in the workplace?
2. How can employers support their employees to make the workplace neurodiversity-friendly?
3. How can neurodiverse employees advocate for themselves?
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Lauren E. Megrew LCSW PhD
Private Practice
Industrial and organizational psychologist and clinical therapist specializing in neurodiversity
As a neurodivergent industrial and organizational psychologist and therapist, I specialize in understanding and supporting adult neurodiversity both personally and professionally. I consult with organizations and management teams to create neuroaffirming and inclusive environments, teach them to decrease inherent barriers and biases surrounding neurodiversity and maximize their neurodiverse employee potential. As a therapist and neurodiversity consultant, I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and support of adult neurodiversity, especially in females and non-traditional presentations. I help people around the world learn to understand the reality of their neurodiversity from a scientific, strengths-based perspective and to differentiate themselves from the stereotypes and misconceptions of neurodiversity.
Dr. Sean Inderbitzen LCSW
Behavioral Health Therapist
Northlakes Community Clinic
Sean has lived 34 years with autism spectrum disorder and is an active clinical social worker within a community health center specializing in the treatment of Autism and co-occurring trauma. He graduated from Tulane School of Social Work in spring of 2023 and was awarded $40,000 by Mayo Clinic to investigate the impacts of increased pediatrician confidence on access to patients suspected of autism spectrum disorder in rural medical settings. Additionally, Dr. Inderbitzen’s research team (Katie Diebhold, LMSW and colleagues) are studying the effectiveness of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy on children with PTSD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in consultation with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, and under the guidance of Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. In addition to research, he maintains an active practice in a community mental health center working with persons on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Inderbitzen is mentored by such innovators as Dr. Stephen Porges and consults with organizations on autism spectrum disorder and Motivational Interviewing. He is an active member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and his writings can be found regularly featured on Differnetbrains.org, and has a forthcoming book from W.W. Norton, called Autism in Polyvagal Terms.
Neurodiversity and Trauma
Moderators: Rachel VanDaalen PhD (Stanford) and Gregory Yates (AASCEND)
Objectives:
1. Identify the mental health needs of neurodiverse people (teenagers, adults, families, late-diagnosed and non-diagnosed individuals) during wartime, especially in the Ukrainian contex
2. Learn about resources and tools for helping neurodiverse individuals and their support systems in Ukrainian warzones and in refugee resettlement contexts
3. Understand the experiences of working as a neurodivergent professional helping other neurodivergent people in wartime contexts
Anastasia Haieva
Teacher, public speaking trainer
Democratic Axe
Woman. Person. Ukrainian. Maybe should be in reverse order by inner importance. Theoretical Physics by education. Teacher and public speaking trainer by occupation. Volunteer, political activist, and space organizer by desire of my heart. Traveler and trekker since childhood. Harry Potter fan since school. An admirer of boardgames, quests, quizzes and all other types of intellectual fun since student times.
Danna Summers, PhD
Psychologist
Tele Help Ukraine
Dr. Danna Summers is a dynamic and accomplished individual whose journey from Kazakhstan to the United States has been marked by a deep commitment to learning, advocacy, and neurodiversity. Witnessing the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of newly independent countries shaped Summers's perspective on resilience and adaptability. A prodigious achiever, Danna earned a Ph.D. at the remarkable age of 24, distinguishing them as the youngest Ph.D. in their homeland. Her life took a new trajectory five years ago when they discovered their son Johnny's autism. This revelation catalyzed personal growth, prompting her to explore her neurodiversity, which includes ADHD and dyslexia. Drawing from her experiences as a dedicated parent, Danna Summers immersed themselves in supporting other families, serving as a Washington State Parent Ambassador, IEP Parent Partner, and active council member of various State and Federal programs. Her unwavering dedication led them to reach out to organizations and universities, helping relocate families from Ukraine with special needs. In April 2022, Dr. Summers became a valued volunteer in the esteemed Stanford Child Mental Health Project for Ukraine, demonstrating her passion for integrating cultural values and beliefs into trauma-informed mental health care through the lens of neurodiversity. This led them to join Tele Help Ukraine in October, furthering her commitment to providing essential resources and support. With a genuine zeal for understanding neurodiversity within cultural contexts, Dr. Summers continues to make a profound impact as an advocate, volunteer, and dedicated professional. Her journey inspires, exemplifying the power of knowledge, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Dariya Orlova-Zhernovaya
Autism advocate
Dariya Orlova-Zhernovaya is autistic adult, self-advocate and public speaker. Since 2016, she has been engaged in educational social activities in the field of autism. Writes articles about autism and neurodevergent life. Conducts lectures for parents of children with special needs and correctional service specialists. Speaker at international conferences on autism: IPAC 2020, IPAC 2021 (Ukraine), Autism Europe Congress 2022 Krakow. Author of therapeutic mini-stories for children with autism. Team member of Stanford Child Mental Health Projects for Ukraine. Mother of autistic kid.
Diana Gordiienko
Psychologist
Diana Gordiienko is a dedicated mental health provider and psychologist with a passion for helping others. Currently volunteering with the Stanford Telemedicine Project, she extends her expertise to provide support and guidance to those in need. Diana's commitment to improving child mental health in Ukraine is evident through her volunteer work with the Stanford Child Mental Health Project. With a strong foundation in psychology and counseling, Diana has also contributed her skills as a volunteer psychologist and social worker at BBS Stadthagen in Germany and the City Children's Hospital 5 in Kharkiv. Her proficiency in SPSS and JASP, combined with her fluency in Russian, English, and Ukrainian, enables her to interpret and translate effectively. Diana's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University and a Master's in Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy from Kharkiv Aviation Institute. She continually enhances her knowledge by participating in various courses and workshops, such as CCT therapy at Stanford University. As a co-founder of the Social Organization "National Development," Diana initiates and leads grant, educational, and charitable projects to make a positive impact on society. Her efforts span diverse projects, ranging from supporting parents through the "Happy Parenthood" program to addressing bullying in schools with the "Stop Bullying" initiative. Diana's dedication to her profession and her genuine desire to create positive change make her an asset to any organization or community she serves.
Higher Education Panel 1: An Insider’s Perspective on Disability Services: What Incoming Students Need to Know
Moderators: Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD (Stanford), Marci Schwartz, PhD (Stanford)
Objectives:
1. Understand the adjustments that students with disabilities will need to make as they transition from high school to college
2. Hear about the experiences of college disability staff from their years of partnering with students
3. Gain an understanding of the advice they have to offer for current and prospective students
Ashley Cooper
Transition Specialist
STEPP Program at East Carolina University
Ashley is a dedicated educator committed to positively impacting the lives of her students. Currently serving as the Transition Specialist for the STEPP Program, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Graduate Certificate from East Carolina University. Ashley obtained her teaching credentials and master's degree from Western Carolina University and has years of experience working as a teacher. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, discovering new places, and listening to music. As an animal enthusiast, she hopes to visit every zoo and aquarium in the United States.
Elizabeth Hamblet
Consultant
LD Advisory
Elizabeth C. Hamblet has worked as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices for two decades. In addition to working at a university, she is a nationally-requested speaker on preparing students with disabilities for successful college transition. Hamblet is the author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities and a concise guide on transition, and her work has appeared in numerous journals and online platforms. She offers advice and information on her website at www.LDadvisory.com and shares resources on numerous social media platforms.
Emily Raclaw
Director of On Your Marq
Marquette University
Emily is the director of Marquette University's Neurodiversity Support Program, On Your Marq. She is a Nurodivergent affiriming ADHDer and brings 15 years of disability in education expertise to the project. She has presented at several conferences and trained other college success programs on the topics of disability as diversity, neurodiversity, and programming. Prior to coming to Marquette, Emily taught high school special education, worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and coordinated a college success program for students with disabilities. She is an expert in program creation and development, as well as a disability advocate and professional. She is also a licensed professional counselor and utilizes those skills to ensure her approaches support the whole student.
K-12 Panel 1: Building Functional Teams Working with Neurodiverse Students
Moderators: Lakshmi Balasubramanian, PhD (Stanford), Yael Valek (REEL)
Objectives:
1. Investigate and implement collaborative strategies that facilitate effective teamwork among educators, parents, students, and therapists to enhance student success at both elementary and secondary levels
2. Understand how to foster collaborative partnerships between families and professionals to create equitable and inclusive learning environments that utilize parents'/ guardians valuable insights about their students.
3. Understand what it means to utilize proactive design when designing learning environments so disabled students are not always an afterthought who need to be “accommodated” for.
Jessica Friedman
Parent and Educator
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation's Capital
Jessica Kresky Friedman earned her Secondary Education Degree from Towson University and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College in Maryland. She continued her education to become a Veteran Mentor Teacher through the New Teacher Project in New York City. Jessica has been working with neurodivergent children for over 25 years, including her own children. Jessica currently teaches third grade at Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital in Washington D.C. She has mentored both students and teachers in the public and private educational sector, supporting both neurotypical and neurodivergent thinkers. Just like the saying, It takes a village to raise a child, Jessica believes that it takes a team of curious, supportive, patient, and knowledgeable team members to best support neurodivergent learners, to help them discover how they function best, and to guide their growth and development in creative ways to help them meet their potential. Jessica currently lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, and is appreciative of all the team members who supported and continue to support her, her students, and her own children as she navigates the complex, confusing, often frustrating, and always intriguing world of neurodiverse thinkers.
Kanaka Kannan
Director of Evaluation and Learning
Family Resource Navigators
Kanaka Kannan is the Director of Evaluation and Learning at Family Resource Navigators (FRN). Kanaka holds a master's degree in computer science from the National Institute of Technology, India. As a parent of a teenager with a disability, Kanaka knows firsthand the challenges families face in navigating special education. She is committed to supporting students and families with high expectations and building community. She passionately advocates for inclusive education with high expectations for educational outcomes. She has presented on topics related to inclusive education, data-driven decision-making, and parent advocacy at various conferences and panels. Kanaka joined FRN in 2016 as a Program Manager after a decade of working as a Development Architect at SAP Labs, LLC. She brings a wealth of experience in data management and systems design to her role at FRN. As the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Impact, Kanaka provides overall leadership in designing protocols that ensure FRN data integrity. She is also responsible for developing impact reports that measure FRN's progress in achieving its goals. Kanaka is passionate about using her skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
Krystle Wright
Speech Language Pathologist, Assistive Technology Professional
Something to Say AAC Language and Speech Therapy
Lauren Pearson is a neurodivergent teen advocate from Ontario, Canada. Due to her own experiences with having ADHD and autism, she aspires to use her knowledge in the field to increase academic efforts surrounding neurodiversity. She is also the founder of “DiverseNero”, an international non-profit created to distribute educational neurodiversity content. While she is currently in a gap year, Lauren plans to attend college in the US next fall and hopes to study neuroscience with a minor in computer science.
Margaret Fletcher
Special Education Teacher, Twice Exceptional Program
Montgomery County Public Schools
Special Educator working with neurodivergent students for 12 years. I believe that cooperative case management and parent communication is the cornerstone of a strong, successful, and supportive program.
Human Rights Panel 1. Neurodiversity, Discrimination, and the Legal System
Moderators: Shannon Rosa (Thinking Person's Guide to Autism)
Objectives:
1. Explain why functioning labels like “high-functioning” or “profound autism” get in the way of providing useful supports and understanding
2. Discuss how stigma contributes to elevated trauma and suicidality rates in autistic people
3. Illustrate how stigma prevents neurodivergent people from accessing appropriate medical care, including gender-affirming care
Joseph Krauter
Neurodivergent returned citizen; advocate for incarcerated Neurodivergent
Joseph Krauter is a 41 year old autistic man; they were diagnosed at the age of 32 while incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. Currently Joseph is pursuing his bachelor’s degree for Creative Writing at San Francisco State University. Joseph advocates for their fellow neurodivergent peoples still incarcerated and also for adults on the spectrum out here in society. He works with the AASCEND network non-profit to share his story about incarceration and life after to raise awareness about the lack of support there of. Joseph works continuously to pursue his dreams of becoming a writer, and finding peace in his life.
Larkin Taylor-Parker
Legal Director
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Larkin Taylor-Parker is the Legal Director of ASAN and an attorney licensed in North Carolina. They earned a B.A. in history at Agnes Scott College in 2014 and a J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2017. Before joining the ASAN staff, Larkin worked at Disability Rights North Carolina, where their practice areas included Titles I-III of the ADA and guardianship. Larkin is particularly interested in guardianship, autonomy, and supported decision-making issues as well as medical rationing and crisis standards of care. They live in North Carolina with their dog, Leo. Larkin enjoys playing the tuba and working on their project car.
Sam Crane
Legal Director
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
Sam Crane is the Legal Director at Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities in Washington, DC. She operates the Jenny Hatch Justice Project, which helps people with disabilities access independence through supported decisionmaking.
Entrepreneurship Panel 1. Neurodiverse Founders Helping the Community.
Moderators: Cathy Farmer (Autism Angels) and Maureen Dunne, PhD
Objectives:
1. Understanding building a business around your ND experiences
2. Understanding the value of entrepreneurship and helping the ND community
3. Helpful hints when ND and having a startup
Oliver Thornton
CEO and Founder
The ASD Company
Vincent Zimmer
Founder
Hypt Health
As the founder of Hypt Health, a stealth mode startup that aims to offer a one-stop solution for ADHD, I am passionate about harnessing the potential of this condition and empowering people to thrive. With over 13 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, I have pioneered revolutionary solutions and built a brighter future in the fields of digital health and education technology. I am also an external advisor and member of the Health Tech Network at McKinsey, where I leverage my expertise and network to help the next generation of European unicorns scale and grow. I specialize in personal branding, fundraising, business models, and valuations, and I have shaped the growth and value of several impactful ventures, such as Kiron, Ada Health, and ICME Invest.
Vitali Karpeichyk
CEO and Founder
PigPug Health
I was diagnosed with autism when I was just 6 years old. Through my personal experience, I have gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges that children with ADHD and autism face. I have a dream that one day, all children with ADHD and autism will have access to the support they need to live fulfilling lives. PigPug Health is my way of making that dream a reality. As the CEO and Founder of PigPug Health, I am dedicated to improving the lives of children with ADHD and autism through our innovative AI telemedicine drug-free brain-training platform. Drawing on my extensive experience as a developer and serial entrepreneur, including as CTO of Nito, which was acquired by AOL in 2016, I am passionate about leveraging technology to create positive change. At PigPug Health, we are committed to creating a world where all children have access to the resources they need to thrive. Join us on this journey to transform the lives of children with ADHD and autism through the power of innovative technology.