Barbara Firestone, Ph.D., is President, CEO and founder of The Help Group, the largest and most comprehensive non-profit organization of its kind in the U.S. serving children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs. Widely recognized for her leadership, vision and innovation, Dr. Firestone was appointed Vice Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, and The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance was recently launched in conjunction with UCLA's Semel Institute. At state and national levels, she actively promotes autism awareness, early identification and intervention and the expansion of education and treatment opportunities for children, adolescents and young adults.