Jean Morrison, 5th degree black belt and assault survivor, talks about the confidence building and social skills development, among other benefits, that an adapted martial arts program can offer to any individual with special needs. She also debunks some common myths about marital arts and shares her stories of success. 

Thomas Iland, autism advocate, renowned speaker and author, shares the secrets to success contained in his book, Come to Life! Your Guide to Self-Discovery, as well as his philosophy on becoming your best self that he has talked about on stages all over the country, including a TedX talk and at the Untied Nations speaking as an emerging leader in the autism community. 

Dr. Karen Wilson shares her extensive knowledge about what it means to get the right kind of evaluation done for your loved one with special needs. Specifically, she underscores the value of a comprehensive neuropsychological exam to help determine the cause of the challenges someone is dealing with and what the appropriate treatments and approaches for achieving success might be. 

Assemblywoman Christy Smith discusses some of the biggest challenges facing the special needs delivery system and how they are being addressed, as well as the best ways to advocate with your local legislator. 

Dan Greenwood, former college professor, CEO of Greenwood Associates and creator of the Greenwood Career and College System, talks about how to match the right career and educational path with a person’s strengths, preferences and personality traits to increase the chances of success and enjoyment in one’s chosen field. 

Janet Price, the Director of Admissions and Outreach for College Living Experience, talks about their program and the importance of mastering certain skills to prepare for a more independent lifestyle and a successful transition from high school to college and beyond. 

Ifunanya Nweke, M.A., musician, behavior interventionist and founder of Jazz Hands for Autism, talks about the correlation between the arts and autism and how they combine to create a therapeutic tool that can be used to help these individuals show their strengths and flourish through expression in music and performance. 

Maja Watkins, founder of of Zip Zap Zop Enrichment, shares information about her unique program that helps build social skills through having fun with games and improvisation. Maja has worked nationally and internationally, bringing her creative set of therapeutic tools to people of all ages. 

Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, neuroscientist, neuropsychiatrist, award-winning author and clinician, discusses various causes and presentations of autism as well as supports that can be easily offered in the home as well as clinical treatments and common misconceptions about the diagnosis.