Einstein Experts for Media
Autism/Learning and Developmental Disabilities
Robert W. Marion, M.D.
Professor, Pediatrics (Genetics), Einstein
Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Einstein
Genetic diseasesAutismSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and CardiogeneticsIntellectual and Developmental disabilities
Dr. Marion is an internationally recognized pediatric geneticist who specializes in diagnosing and treating children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic diseases. His work with the Aguirre brothers, twins who were joined at the head and then separated, made national news in 2004. He played a key role in establishing the CardioGenetics center of Einstein and Montefiore, which provides care for families of individuals who have suffered sudden unexpected cardiac death. He is also the founder of the Williams Syndrome Center and the Dermato-Genetics Clinic at Montefiore, and treats children and adults with neurofibromatosis, intellectual disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and spina bifida. read more...
Lisa H. Shulman, M.D.
Professor, Pediatrics, Einstein
Interim Director, the Children’s Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM)
Director, Infant and Preschool Services, CERC
Director, Autism Services, CERC
Director, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) at the Rose F. Kennedy Center
Autism early diagnosis/identificationLearning disordersAutism management/interventionDevelopmental delays
Dr. Shulman is a developmental pediatrician and a neurodevelopmental pediatrician with special expertise in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and learning disabilities. Her research interests include early identification of autism, evidence-based treatments, healthcare disparities in autism diagnosis and management, and complementary and alternative medicine usage in autism. read more...
Elyse S. Sussman, Ph.D.
Professor, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience
Professor, Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Director, Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Rose F. Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
Autism/learning disabilitiesAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Language development/language impairmentHearing
Dr. Sussman studies auditory scene perception, a crucial hearing skill that allows us to follow a single voice in a crowded room. Her research focuses on understanding how auditory cognition changes across the lifespan from infancy to old age and how it breaks down in individuals with developmental disorders (such as autism, language impairments and ADHD) and hearing impairments. read more...
Sophie Molholm, Ph.D.
Professor, Pediatrics
Professor, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience
Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Director, Sheryl and Daniel R. Tishman Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory
Co-Director, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC)
AutismBrain imaging (Electrophysiology and fMRI)Sensory processingMultisensory integrationExecutive functionPredictive processing
Dr. Molholm is a leader in the field of multisensory integration and focuses her research on developmental disorders, with an emphasis on autism, and on rare genetic conditions. She studies how the human brain processes and integrates sensory inputs—sight, sound, and touch—to impact perception and behavior. She also studies higher order processes such as attention and executive function, and how these interact with lower order cortical processes. Using non-invasive techniques, including brainwave electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dr. Molholm examines the link between deficits in information processing and autism, and how these relate to different neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions. read more...