The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but experts believe that it is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain genes may play a role in the development of autism, but no single gene has been found to cause the disorder. Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to toxins and or infections, may also increase the risk of autism.
Additionally, abnormalities in brain development and connectivity have been observed in individuals with autism, suggesting that neurological factors may also contribute to the disorder. What genes play a role in autism? There are many genes that have been associated with autism, but no single gene has been found to cause the disorder on its own. Some of the genes that have been identified as potential contributors to autism include, SHANK3, CHD8, and NRXN1.
Other genes that have been linked to autism include those involved in synaptic function, metabolism, and immune function. It is important to note that while genetic factors can increase the risk of autism, they do not guarantee that a person will develop the disorder, and environmental factors may also play a role. Both spontaneous and inherited SHANK3 mutations inhibit the role of the protein, which forms a scaffolding to organize other proteins at the synapse.
Among other functions, it secures a receptor for a chemical messenger called glutamate to the receiving end of the synapse. Glutamate signaling is needed to establish learning and memory. Imbalances in glutamate signaling have been implicated in autism. SHANK3 is located in the 22q13 chromosomal region, which is deleted in individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability and delayed speech, often accompanied by autism.
A study published June 2013 in Molecular Autism found that the majority of people lacking a functional copy of the SHANK3 gene have both autism and severe intellectual disability1.Researchers first linked the gene to autism in 2007, when they found several children with autism who carry SHANK3 mutations2. Several studies since then have found SHANK3 mutations in people with the disorder 3,4,5.
The mutations described so far range from deletions of the entire gene to subtle changes that substitute individual amino acids.Since late 2010, no fewer than five different lines of SHANK3 mutant mice have been established, with different parts of the protein disrupted in the various models6. This substantial effort reflects in part SHANK3’s importance in the brain, and in part its complex structure. Each mouse model exhibits different autism-like features, ranging from abnormal social interactions to obsessive self-grooming.
Laura Zukerman has a doctorate in Homeopathy and healing medical remedies. Laura Zukerman is a neuroscientist and neurosurgeon. Laura has a Social Sciences degree. Laura has a certification in being a Master Reiki Healer. As well as becoming certified to be a Master Reiki Healer. Laura is now getting a degree in Teaching Reiki as well. She is extremely familiar with neurology, cognition, quantum mechanics, quantum physics and studies the brain. She has a Nobel Pulitzer Prize 🏆 for deep conditioning on the subconscious vs the conscious mind. In 2023, Laura won the Laureate award. These awards recognize endocrinologists for seminal research, meritorious service, leadership and mentorship, innovation, international contributions, translation of science to practice, and lifetime achievement. She is also a professional life coach and certified drug counselor. She has degrees from Columbia, Yale,U-Penn Wharton School of Business, Harvard,Duke, North Carolina Chapel Hill, The University of Edinburg, Wesleyan as well as many others. She is a clinical Therapist and Psychologist as well. Laura Zukerman Owns the companies FWRD, NEXT and GAIA. As well as partners with many other companies and organizations worldwide. She was trained as a model for many years, first signing with Wilhelmina in Pennsylvania and then working with Wilhelmina throughout New York & Miami as well as many other modeling agencies. She did a bunch of shows with all the different agencies including Elite Model Management, One model, Bella models, New York Model Management and many others. Laura began walking for many designers & made many connections through networking at the shows she was doing. Laura became friends with many music artists while modeling and attending parties for fashion galas and began to network her way through the industry. Laura Zukerman did a worldwide commercial at the age of 20 for Mikki More with fox news broadcaster Megyn Kelly (Under L’Oreal). Laura Zukerman then met Al Mason, a man who ran this company called News Butterfly Television, and he signed her on to work for NBC, CBS, ABC & News Butterfly to be a TV anchor to host her TV shows on NBC, news channel 4, in NYC taxi cabs on Time Square billboards as well as many other outlets. During Mercedes-Benz Fashion weeks she would work months in advance prepping to call all of these designers so she could schedule interviews for behind the scenes footage at their shows. It was inspiring getting to know the ins and outs of the industry and paved her way into the fashion industry. Laura Zukerman then went on to become a freelance stylist & worked with many different celebrities on their wardrobes. She worked on styling campaigns for E-News, MTV, Conde Nast, The Hearst Corporation and more. Laura also worked in many stores throughout New York City and networked with many amazing people who were in fashion, television, actors, actresses, singers, models, professional athletes; and also met many people who were in the entertainment world in other aspects. As this began to grow, she decided to figure out a way to put this all together and told Al she wanted to start doing her charity events for non-profit fundraisers. Al then introduced Laura to many Ambassadors of the United Nations and Laura began to have a love for philanthropy and helping the environment. Laura then got signed on as a Model to Jorgen Jorgensen who was the CEO of Heartland Model Management. This company was based throughout the US & worldwide. Jorgen was originally from Malmo, Sweden but knew the ins and outs of all of the ways to walk the catwalk. Laura would have classes every Sunday with her agency to show the girls how to walk for all these different designers from around the world. Laura began walking for many designers and did many charity events. One of the biggest events was for DIYA save the children where Laura and her modeling agency had many amazing people from around the world at the event to help out the charity and raise money for kids in India specifically. Another awesome charity event Laura did was The American Heart Association Walk. One of her clients and dear friends Cynthia Flood who runs the Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America also has a big show every year with many famous designers and had asked Laura to be part of her show. Laura has also done many editorial shoots as a model herself & has featured in many magazines. Laura has also interviewed on Good Morning America. Laura became excellent friends with Hilary Flowers who did a bunch of fashion shows for fashion week & they became business partners under Al Mason's company to get clients on all of these different media outlets. Hillary Also ran a bunch of fashion shows for many designers that Laura took part. Laura said "It was so much fun meeting new people and networking with all of these great designers whom all had different approaches to their designs. It's amazing how many people are out there trying to get their foot in the door in the fashion industry and how many talented and creative designers there are that aren't noticed enough but should be. I learned this when working at very high-end fashion houses to working with private labels. I grew up owning a store with my mother and sister in our house, so fashion was always a huge love of mine & having my mother and some other family members to look up to as models; I knew that was the right direction for me to go in. I then got interested in singing and am working on a new album with some amazing producers in the industry as well as singers with whom I had become great friends. I was so lucky to have worked with these great producers on my first single "I Can't Help Myself" copyrights under Mitch Moses Productions. These producers not only worked with the likes of David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Lenny Kravitz & the Beatles but they took a song from the 80s that they had the copyrights to and recreated it just for me. That was something so special and dear to my heart." Kevin Mccray also introduced Laura to many fashion designers, including the likes of Valentino, where he came up with his idea with Laura for Maison Valentino to create humanism & a story yet to be written. Laura inspired the Valentino Love collection. Laura met Kevin through a bunch of friends when she was working with hot 97 at the age of 19. Laura Zukerman was the CEO of a company called Double L Management where she managed up and coming artists, her business partner at the time was the Vice President of Hot 97, and she began learning all about the music industry and got to meet so many musicians doing that. Laura's older sister Jaclyn Zukerman has her magazine in Boston called Get Scene Magazine; Laura does fashion shows for the magazine all of the time! Jaclyn had a radio podcast out in Boston & that's when Laura first debuted the song I Can't Help Myself & sang it live from Boston Massachusetts. Jaclyn Zukerman works with many celebrities and up and coming artists and creatives. Laura's Mother is an author of two amazing books out on Amazon that every female even male should purchase it is called "Lessons for an Urban Goddess" the second book is called "The Urban Goddess Lesson." You can purchase these books through Amazon or on Kindle. They are life changing pieces of material! Laura's father is a Real Estate Developer worldwide and owns the company Whitestone Realty Capital. Laura says "There are so many awesome designers, actresses & singers that I have worked with and continue to work with because you build relationships with these people. They know what your dreams and aspirations are & they were once in your shoes so they understand and they want to help you. If you push yourself you can be anything you want to be, you have to know what you want and go for it." She goes on to say "Never give up on your dreams." Laura's motto for 2017 was "Work hard, Play hard & Slay Hard" Her new motto for the ending of 2018 is “The world is your oyster, go after it.” Laura Zukerman now has her own Instagram blog where she posts pictures of different styles she wears daily to help inspire others to dress to impress. You can find her on Instagram @lzukerman where she tries to keep it updated daily with many inspiring outfits. These are outfits that she wears out with friends & to events. Laura is complimented on her style, so she thought; why not create a blog where she can help not only friends but all young women to look & feel their best & be the best them that they can be. Laura's friends always ask for advice on how to dress & she asks a few simple questions: She starts with 1) where are you going? 2) what is it for? & 3) how do you want to be perceived? Then she tells them exactly what they should wear for the special occasion. Laura always gets great feedback afterward that they got so many compliments on their outfits & that always makes her feel good! Laura as well as her mother sister and family, in general, are all huge on female empowerment. Laura says "We strive to be our best selves & to present to the world the most amazing person you can be. To believe is to achieve & to dream it you have to do it. I have some great advice from one of my best friends who always said, whatever it is you're doing, always give it your best. You never know where that could take you & you always want to present your best self to the world. Not only for you but to show others that you can and are doing what you were made to do." Acting is something that Laura loves doing, and eventually, she would like to start acting more. Laura recently made her second song off her first album coming out summer of 2017 called " Listen to Me" Laura Zukerman is now the Brand Ambassador for Pookie and Sebastian. She will be up on Amazon Worldwide where you can find her wearing all of the fall 2017 merchandise that you can now shop for from anywhere in the world very soon! Pookie and Sebastian stores located in the heart of New York City. Laura Zukerman currently works with Fashion Designers all over the world and loves it so much; she has no begun to travel to meet these designers and do photo shoots, fashion shows, and interviews wherever they may be! More to come soon! Laura studied Fashion Design at FIT & is now taking what she knows and putting everything to good use. Get ready for Laura Zukerman's Fashion Line to Drop. <3 Laura Zukerman is a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR for CREATIONS FOR A CAUSE. With this, Laura can make a difference both globally and locally. Laura is inspiring others to make a difference in the world by volunteering and giving back to the community and the world around her. Laura is working with many fashion & skincare brands internationally to bring you awesome products. Sometimes even FREE GIVEAWAYS.
Lauras Marketing Career keeps expanding as her imagination runs wild with new ideas on and off the Television. Movies, Billboards, Advertisements for many companies, Songs for celebrities, she has done it all. Moreover, she's doing more! As she becomes the Marketing Manager of a big Global marketing firm, where she will be the project manager for the North American region! Get excited because the Marketing Business is about to explode. (in the right way of course)
Laura Zukerman also has many experiences in Public Relations and Event Management. Her brother Steven Zukerman along with his wife Sharon Zukerman own the event space, Life the Place to Be in Ardsley, New York. Her mother was the head of The March of Dimes for over 15 years.
Laura Zukerman has also been the Brand Ambassador for the New York Rangers Love Collection Ambassador for Valentino Givenchy Tiffany & CO
Fashion Manufacturer for:
YSL, D&G & MacBook AIR Escada Badgley Mischka Tory Burch Rebecca Minkoff Michael Kors Free People Anthropologie Urban Outfitters Steve Madden Zara & more
Laura Zukerman was the Fashion Editor in Chief at No.3 Magazine, and now she is working on a second magazine to the be the creative director for the no.3 magazine's second edition that will be all fashion based. www.number3mag.com
Laura Zukerman is now working on a big project with some of the most empowering women in the world. Laura can not wait to tell you all about it; it is going to be amazing. If you or anyone you know who might be interested, Laura and her team of 3 other women are looking for tons of new faces to hit the modeling realm. Laura has taken ownership of Heartland Model Management, and this means she could have you walking for any designer in the world in just a few weeks, with some practice, some great photos and from the help of some of the most significant models in the world! We will coach and train you on how to walk the catwalk; we will bring in designers who will pick and choose who they want to be in their shows! We will be coordinating a ton of events for fundraisers on many organizations. We know Instagram is fantastic, but unless you have the right connections and the right people to help you get to where you want to be, you cant achieve it all alone! You need our help to BRAND you! With Laura and her team, you are going to be unstoppable! GET IN THE NOW, AND START WHAT YOU DREAM OF DOING. We bring you styling, professional portfolio shoots, designers worldwide, TV and advertising worldwide, magazine editorials, the fashion awards and much more!
Laura Zukerman is the regional sales manager for Street Fashion Week worldwide!
http://streetfashionweek.net/
For any designers that are interested in learning more about Street Fashion Week and want to become involved in SFW, contact Laura Zukerman at her email - lzukerman58@gmail.com
Laura Zukerman is the Brand Manager and Buyer for Season-Seven and Hilite, we just opened on sept 9th, however we have been around since 2012 as Bou7ique. They are one store combined into two stores. Season-Seven is for women and is on one side and Hilite is for men and is on the other side. Bou7ique is the name of our other two locations which are in Lancaster, PA and Newark, DE. You might have known us well in Miami as well, however, that store was bought out by a hotel. We are looking to expand to more locations within the next year. If you follow our instagram or facebook page, all of the brands we follow are brands we work with and you will be able to see some of the awesome brands we sell. The best part about it is that SS19 is going to be an even bigger array of brands that you won’t want to miss out on! So come shop our stores - Season Seven for women and Hilite for men on 47 Delancey Street NY NY 10002, the lower east side, it is closest to forsyth street and chrystie street, however it is right on Delancey. Just a heads up if you don’t know the area well. Believe me, you will walk out with an amazing new wardrobe! The season seven instagram page is @seasonsevenboutique give us a follow or just check us out! We are open as of now Monday-Friday from 10-7 Eastern Standard time.
Laura Zukerman is also a member of ASCAP- the American Society of Composers, Authors and publishers. It is a not for a profit performance rights organization that protects its members musical copyrights.
Laura Zukerman is also a partner at WHITESTONE REALTY CAPITAL. You can also follow Laura Zukerman's Instagram account where she updates daily her outfits & outings at www.instagram.com/lzukerman
Laura Zukerman also has a new clothing company called AL
https://zukerup88.wixsite.com/alcollection
Laura Zukerman's work is also updated as she makes her portfolio debut:
http://lzukerman58.wixsite.com/laurapaigezukerman
Laura Zukerman will begin grad school to be finished at USC, University of Southern California, to major and finish in hospitality management.
Laura Zukerman is now signed to UK Models located in London, United Kingdom. Based worldwide globally.
Laura Zukerman is also now the NEW Brand Ambassador for ESIO - https://esioelegance.com/ - shop the items, I will be giving out free merchandise and discounts on my Instagram account! follow my Instagram @lzukerman
Laura Zukerman also works in collaboration with @johnnywas www.johnnywas.com - shop the items below.
Laura Zukerman is now working on a huge event in collaboration with the United Nations, internationally, it will be fashion based. STAY TUNED!
Brand AMBASSADOR for - Boca Jewelry, Vocete, Adorela Jewelry, Wore & Charles Quality fitness as of right. There are more coming xo.
Season Seven & Passion for Fashion Buyer 2015-2020 and Merchandising Manufacturer 2015- Current for brands of Escada, Balenciaga, Haute Hippie, Free People, Trovata, Isabel Marant, Current Elliot, Sprwm, Velvet, Raquel Allegra, Mr.Mittens, Free City, Christian Dada, Etre Cecile, Priory, Chinti and Parker, Jean Atelier, Mr. Self Portrait, Loyd Ford US, Studio Nicholson, Markus Lupfer, Numero Ventuno, Equipment, Danselente, Moschino, Doc Martens, Yuulyie, Xirena, La Prestic Ouiston, Baldini & More.
PROFESSIONAL MODEL & News Butterfly Television 2011-Present
I walked the runway, interviewed and modeled for; Burberry, Versace, BCBGMaxazria, Stuart Weitzman, Zang Toi, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Valentino, Givenchy, Chanel, LVMH, LIU JO, ALO, Stuart Weitzman, Apple Music partner, Long Champ, Tiffany and CO, Giambattistavalli Paris, h&m, Reserved, Moon Partner,Ksubi,Adidas, AlexanderWangNY, Victoria Secret, Proactiv, Roberto Cavalli, REVOLVE, OCHIRLY, OFF white, Chopard, Tods, Skyfish Swimwear. Corey Rogers. Tom Ford, Missoni, Dsquared2, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Laperlalingerie, Estee Lauder, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella Maxwell, Balmain, Ana Popa, American Heart Association, the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center, Photoshoot for Fusion Magazine. Walked New York Fashion Week. Modeled in The American Heart Association Fundraiser. Mark by Jo-lie, Czar Galindo, Collette Couture, Battle Designs , Tesoro Boston Jewelry - GETSCENE MAGAZINE, Red Carpet Events - Model.
Laura Zukerman is a Creative Director, Fashion Designer, Marketing Strategist, Fashion Merchandiser, Media Innovator, Fashion Icon, Music Manager, Television Host, Public Relations Coordinator and Events Coordinator.
Laura has her PHD in psychology and neurology as well as communications.
If you want to reach me at my real email address it is laurazukerman4@gmail.com
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Becoming The Goddess You Were Meant To Be 