Zosia Zaks, PhD

Zosia currently consults with schools, companies, and organizations to develop neurodiversity-affirming practices and policies. Previously, he served as Rowan University’s first neurodiversity scholar-in-residence from 2023-2024 and managed programs and education at Towson University’s Hussman Center for Autistic Adults from 2013 – 2022. At Towson University, students in his diversity education course participated in meaningful service-learning experiences with autistic adults at the Hussman Center, challenging stereotypes and partnering to build a more inclusive society. Also at Towson University, he developed and ran a support program for autistic college students and an on-campus work adjustment program. He continues to teach autism courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels that examine autism and neurodiversity through a social justice lens. Dr. Zaks has advocated for legislation and public policies that ensure disabled people have access to the supports and services they need to live full lives and has served on the Maryland Commission on Disability, the Maryland Rehabilitation Council, and the Maryland Commission for Autism. He recently earned his PhD in human development from Fielding Graduate University, where his research focused on paradigm change in clinical support and special education. Dr. Zaks brings a unique mix of perspectives to his endeavors as a rehabilitation counselor, an educator, a parent of two neurodivergent young adults, and as an autistic transgender self-advocate.