Stephen Shore
Stephen was diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong Autistic tendencies" and nonverbal until age four, at which time he was recommended for institutionalisation. He has since become one of the worlds leading and renowned specialists in the field of Autism. Stephen is a Director on the Board’s of the Autism Society of America, Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts, the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States and is board president of the Asperger’s Association of New England.

In addition to working with children and talking about life on the Autism spectrum, Stephen presents internationally on adult issues pertinent to relationships, employment, and disclosure as discussed in his book ‘Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome’, currently in its second edition.

“With the innocence of a child and the insight of a mature social scientist, not to mention a great deal of courage, Stephen Shore provides us with a major contribution to our understanding of and appreciation for the experience of Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Even more his insights humble us and urge us to once again re-think the power of the human brain and the human spirit.”
– Thomas J. Cottle, Professor of Education, Boston University

“Stephen’s ability to articulate how it feels to be diagnosed on the Autism spectrum is a perspective no parent or professional should be without. His way of translating the Autistic mind so as to debunk the disability and truly understand what’s going on is truly remarkable. Both professionally and personally Stephen’s contribution to the Autism community is a gift to all who know him.”
- Alex Michaels, Executive Director, Educational Consultants of New England Inc., and an adult with Asperger Syndrome

Ann Donnelly
Chief Executive Office
New Life Learning

Ann Donnelly is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Life Learning, a new and innovative online learning company specialising in health and wellbeing. The company has a particular focus on learning disabilities and works with leading international specialists to deliver e-learning courses via the internet for people on the autism spectrum, their family and carers, health and education professionals.

A mum of two, with over 25 years international business experience, Ann is also a lifelong learner particularly in the areas of health and personal development. Studies include Philosophy at the School of Philosophy and Economic Science, Dublin, Ireland; Psychology & Social Science through distance learning with Open University, Transpersonal Psychology, as well as mind/body/spirit therapies. As a mother of two she has a personal interest in Special Needs Learning after her son was diagnosed at the age of 7. Her interest now lies in making specialist information and training accessible through new technology, enabling more people to reach their potential, regardless of geographic or other barriers.

Cormac Rennick
Chairman on the Executive Committee
Irish Autism Alliance

A native of Newry, Co Down, Cormac Rennick is a driving force on autism issues in Ireland today. On discovery that his daughter, Catherine, was autistic, Cormac spear-headed a group of like-minded parents to establish the Cabas Dublin school offering the ABA system of intervention for 12 children in 2001. The school now has 24 pupils and Cormac is Chairman of the Board of Management. In 2001, Cormac was a founder member of the Irish Autism Alliance, an Umbrella Organisation established in order to represent on the national stage its 22 member groups across the 32 counties. Through his position as Chairman on the Executive Committee Cormac will continue to actively campaign on autism issues in this island. With colleagues from the Solas Project Cormac has recently returned from the Kilimanjaro Charity Hike to raise funds towards the building and staffing of a Centre of Diagnostic and Assessment Excellence for people with autism. In his spare time Cormac enjoys a relaxing career running the Point Depot in Dublin and ferrying his son, Conor, to Taekwon-do events around the country.