Racial Disparities and Neurodivergence in Autism

Robert Naseef, PhD, is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, author, and speaker whose work has been influential in the autism and disability communities. As the father of an adult son with autism, he brings both professional expertise and lived insight to supporting families.

He is the author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together, and his TEDx talk, “How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human,” highlights his belief that autism deepens our understanding of empathy, connection, and acceptance.

Dr. Naseef serves on the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors and has been honored by organizations including Variety, the Children’s Charity. He presents internationally and collaborates with community groups to develop programming for neurodiverse youth and employment transitions.

Known for his warmth and clarity, he places special emphasis on supporting fathers and male caregivers and fosters meaningful connection across clinical, educational, and family settings.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Robert Naseef maintains a private practice and receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Robert Naseef is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Michael Hannon, PhD, LPC(NJ), NCC, BC-TMH, is an associate professor at Montclair State University and a licensed professional counselor whose work centers on the wellness of black fathers and families – particularly those parenting autistic children. An award-winning counselor, educator, and author, he brings extensive experience from K-12, higher education, and clinical practice into his research and teaching.

Dr. Hannon’s scholarship explores black fatherhood, autism, mental health, and the impact of systemic racism on family and community well-being. His work has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, Autism Speaks, Huffington Post, and Thrive Global. He has authored more than 35 publications, delivered over 150 professional presentations, and his research has been cited more than 800 times.

As a clinician, Dr. Hannon provides telemental health services to black and Latino boys, adolescents, and men, and co-leads the Montclair State University Fathers’ Autism Support Group. He and his wife are also co-founders of the Greater Expectations Teaching & Advocacy Center, a nonprofit supporting professionals who serve autistic and other marginalized families.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michael Hannon is the owner of MDH Counseling & Consulting, LLC. He has employment relationships with Montclair State University, GETAC and Alternative Choices, and is a research affiliate with Black Men's Research Institute. He receives royalties as a published author. Michael Hannon receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michael Hannon is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American School Counselor Association, the Association for Counselor Education & Supervision, the Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development, and the Association for Humanistic Counseling.