National Society of Autism Professionals Establishes Its First Board of Directors to Drive Change

National Society of Autism Professionals Establishes First Board of Directors

In a significant advancement for the autism sector, the National Society of Autism Professionals (NSAP) has officially assembled its inaugural board of directors. The formation of this board aims to harness diverse expertise from various fields including healthcare, education, advocacy, and research. Scheduled for its first meeting on November 17 in Dallas, the board intends to review governance documentation and establish operational protocols.

This establishment comes six months following NSAP's foundation, marking a key milestone in its mission to unify voices in the autism field and contribute positively to the lives of autistic individuals and their families. NSAP President and CEO Robin McLeod, Ph.D., emphasized that the complex challenges within the autism sector cannot be confined to singular professional boundaries. The solutions too need to be comprehensive, involving multi-disciplinary approaches that address a range of issues.

The eight inaugural members of the NSAP board bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization’s vision:

1. Jeff Beck is the co-founder and CEO of AnswersNow, which offers virtual, individualized autism therapy and caregiver support. His experience as a licensed clinical social worker equips him with insights into breaking down barriers to quality care.

2. Neil Hattangadi, M.D. serves as co-founder and CEO of Cortica, focusing on multidisciplinary, whole-child autism care. His educational background from Duke University and Harvard Medical School further enhances Cortica’s innovative approaches to care.

3. Megan Henshall, as the chief impact officer for The Neu Project, is also instrumental in shaping workplace design strategies at Google. Her work emphasizes design intentionality to improve connections within organizations.

4. Ben Pfingston is a researcher at Catalight, bringing his experience as an autistic self-advocate to enhance scientific rigor in autism research, focusing on well-being among autistic individuals.

5. Mai Pham, M.D., president of the Institute for Exceptional Care, has shaped national healthcare policies and advocates for improved services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

6. Amanda Philp, Ph.D., BCBA, coordinates autism programs for the New Jersey Department of Education's Office of Special Education, leveraging her research and education experience to bolster outcomes for students with autism.

7. Steven Merahn, M.D., is recognized nationally for his expertise in caring for children with complex needs. His leadership role in Perimeter Healthcare highlights the necessity for integrated care approaches.

8. Micheal Sandbank, Ph.D., an esteemed researcher focusing on early interventions for autistic children, directs Project AIM which aims to improve non-pharmacological interventions.

Collectively, this board will guide NSAP’s strategic direction, focusing on establishing professional standards, advocating for policy advancements, and improving outcomes throughout the lifespan of autistic individuals. The intentions behind NSAP’s creation are reflected in McLeod’s statement emphasizing the need for an organization shaped by the voices of the professionals it represents.

Supported by The Catalight Group, NSAP is pioneering as a professional society advocating for a cohesive autism care approach. It remains open to members who wish to contribute to its mission of fostering a unified voice within the fragmented autism landscape.

For those looking to navigate the complexities in autism support, NSAP sets a promising direction aimed at ensuring quality care and advocacy in this crucial field.