March 31, 2015

March 31, 2015
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO – April 2 marks the 8th World Autism Awareness Day, established in 2008 by the United Nations to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder.

The following Laurier experts are available to speak about autism:

Laurier Associate Professor Margaret Schneider is an expert on disability and chronic illness. She is available for comment on World Autism Awareness Day topics at mschneider@wlu.ca or at 519-888-9266.

Schneider’s research focuses on understanding the experience of having a disability or chronic illness, such as autism, from the perspective of the individual, their family and their support network. She also studies the ways in which areas of their life may be improved through effective programs.

Schneider’s other areas of expertise include:

• Caregiving
• Spirituality and health
• Quality of life
• Adapted physical activity and programming

Laurier Professor Pam Bryden is an expert on motor development and developmental disabilities. She can be reached at pbryden@wlu.ca.

Bryden’s areas of expertise include:

• Motor performance and perceptual abilities in children with autism
• Manual asymmetries
• Motor control, learning and development
• Skilled movement
• Neuropsychology

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