Zosia Zaks is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) working with adults on the autism spectrum, their families, and professionals to deliver and to improve services and supports that have a direct positive impact on quality of life. 

Zosia provides counseling, family education, vocational training, professional development, advocacy, and consulting to individuals, groups, schools, organizations, and businesses. 

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• Adjunct Professor, Towson University, Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

• Board Member, Itineris

• Self-Advocate, Maryland Commission on Autism

• Member, Autistic Global Initiative

• Panel of Persons on the Spectrum of Autism Advisors (PSA) Member, Autism Society of America

• Author, Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults

• Columnist, Autism After 16

Zosia was diagnosed with autism as an adult in 2001. Although Zosia struggled with numerous issues throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. a correct diagnosis and appropriate services and support were wholly unavailable. Vocational challenges led to an official diagnosis at age 31, and it was a relief to at last understand what had been a mystery for so long.

Zosia hoped to receive vocational assistance with an official diagnosis but was shocked when turned away by agencies - for either having too many skills or not enough! 

Zosia plodded along in any case, and began developing strategies and systems for coping with autism-related issues. Along the way, Zosia began discovering many autism-related strengths and gifts. 

At the encouragement of family and friends, Zosia began speaking and writing about autism. Hoping to make a difference in the lives of children and adults on the autism spectrum, Zosia decided to receive advanced training in rehabilitation and disability services, and now works full-time as a counselor, teacher, writer, speaker, and consultant.