About Connie & Harvey
Connie Lapin
For over 40 years Connie has been an internationally known lecturer and consumer/legislative advocate for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her work has involved testifying before governmental bodies and lecturing at universities and conferences. She was recently designated as an autism representative by California’s Department of Developmental services as a member of a budget advisory group to deal with one of the worst budget deficits California has experienced. Years ago, she was the first autism representative in California when the Regional Center System recognized autism as a developmental disability. During her presidency at Protection and Advocacy, Inc., the first state developmental disability de-institutionalization lawsuit was filed. Connie has provided consultation and appeared on numerous national and local television shows, including Oprah, where she objected to the use of shock as treatment for people with autism, defending their civil r ights. She chaired The Stallone Fund for Autism Research. She has been invited to attend all the “United Nations World Focus on Autism” celebrations in New York. In 2009 Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield selected Connie as “Woman of the Year” for his district for significantly contributing to the community. She has received an inspiration award from Vista del Mar and was honored at the White House by first lady, Nancy Reagan. The California State senate further honored her for lifetime achievement and meritorious service for autism. Lapin earned her B.A. from The University of Michigan in Speech Pathology.
Harvey A Lapin D.D.S.
Dr. Lapin has been a significant leader and strong advocate for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Disabilities for over 40 years. He has promoted disability awareness in lectures and publications and has authored and published articles. He has served as president of most organizations he becomes involved with including The Autism Society of America, California’s Developmental Disability Area Board X and Client Rights Advocacy for Disability Rights of California. He was one of the founding fathers of Jay Nolan Community Services as well as past president. He still serves on the board today. Harvey was a founder and organizer of the first U.S. Autism Telethon-”Save Autistic Children” from 1977-1984. Currently he is working in partnership with California State University of Northridge Business School to promote lifetime autism services. He has recently been honored by The California State Senate for lifetime achievement and meritori ous service for autism. He also received awards from Vista Del Mar Agency. Autism Society of America, The California State Developmental Disability Council, Disability Rights of California and Association of Regional Center Agencies for superior accomplishments for people with autism and developmental disabilities. He has been honored at The White House twice by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Nancy Reagan. He is a practicing dentist and lives by the belief that “Justice delayed is Justice Denied”.
About Our Children and Our Son with Autism
Connie and Harvey are the proud parents of their three sons. Brad, their oldest, has chosen to specialize in autism and works in the field. Erik, a former member of the US Aerialist Ski Team and is now a practicing attorney with JAG, Judge Advocate General Corps-U.S.Army. And Shawn, their now 40 (+) year old son with severe autism, lives in his own home with the support of Jay Nolan Community Services. Shawn has been involved with various business ventures, including a “hot dog stand” and a “messenger service.” He is our hero and very brave, considering all he has endured. Connie believes that as Elie Weisel states “the opposite of love is not hate but indifference.” She believes we can all make a significant difference -not only in the lives of our children but others as well.
