When no one could explain her young daughter’s sudden death, Laura Gould went searching for answers. Now, a new field of medical research works to help protect future children. Laura Gould, MSc, MA, PT, is a Research Assistant Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains graphic photos of self-harm. Terminology and classification related to autism remains debated by experts and advocates working in this field. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfDiscussions about autism are abundant online…until the conversation gets uncomfortable. Autism advocate Kaelynn Partlow challenges the way our current support system is set up as it pertains to job training, and meaningful goals for those who are profoundly impacted by their autism.She introduces the metaphorical idea of the stepstool instead of the ladder — a new way to think about progress, contribution, and dignity for those who can’t meet society’s narrow definitions of success.If you care about inclusion, this is the autism conversation everyone needs to hear, but few are brave enough to have. Netflix’s “Love On the Spectrum”; Author of “Life On The Bridge”Kaelynn Partlow is an autistic therapist, public speaker, content creator, and author of Life on the Bridge. She shares autism insight through national speaking events, social media, and her work at Project Hope Foundation to promote real-world autism support and inclusion. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In un’epoca in cui le immagini generate dall’intelligenza artificiale sono sempre più realistiche, siamo davvero ancora capaci di distinguere ciò che è umano da ciò che non lo è? In questo talk, Giulia Panozzo ci guida tra neuroscienze, percezione e fiducia, partendo dal fenomeno della uncanny valley per arrivare a uno studio sperimentale che indaga come il nostro cervello reagisce, spesso prima della coscienza, ai contenuti creati dall’AI.I risultati mettono in discussione alcune paure diffuse: il cervello umano non è solo una macchina predittiva, ma anche straordinariamente adattabile. Un intervento che invita a ripensare il rapporto tra esseri umani e intelligenza artificiale, sottolineando l’urgenza di un uso etico e responsabile della tecnologia, soprattutto nei contesti di comunicazione e persuasione. Giulia Panozzo unisce neuroscienze e comunicazione per aiutare aziende e professionisti a comprendere davvero il comportamento dei consumatori. Ha fondato Neuroscientive, una società di consulenza che porta la scienza fuori dal laboratorio. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Why do some moments stay with us forever? In this talk, Theron Skees explores how emotionally resonant experiences become lasting memories through story, purpose, and design. Introducing the concept of Narrative Experience Design, he shows how storytelling can intentionally shape culture, engagement, and human connection—across brands, communities, and everyday life. A powerful reflection on how designing experiences with meaning can help people feel seen, connected, and part of something larger. Theron Skees, former Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, has over 30 years of experience transforming stories and narratives into engaging experiences for parks, destinations, and brands around the world. Through Narrative Experience Design, he shows how storytelling is an integral part of an organization's culture and strategy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Tra biotecnologie, trapianti sintetici e manipolazioni genetiche, stiamo davvero imparando a fermare — o invertire — il tempo?In questo talk, il sociologo Riccardo Campa ci accompagna in un viaggio provocatorio tra filosofia, religione e scienza: dal mito della Pietra Filosofale ai laboratori della Silicon Valley, dalle paure morali alle promesse del biohacking. Tre scenari si aprono davanti a noi: il corpo che si cura da sé, l’uomo-macchina che non invecchia, e una nuova specie, l’Homo ageras, l’uomo che non conosce più la vecchiaia.Ma siamo pronti a vivere cent’anni? Duecento? A scegliere per chi amiamo tra natura e eternità? Un talk che non offre risposte, ma ci invita a riflettere e a guardare dentro la più antica ossessione dell’umanità: vincere la morte. Riccardo Campa, mantovano di nascita e oggi professore ordinario di sociologia all’Università Jagellonica di Cracovia, incarna uno sguardo sul futuro lucido, curioso e privo di pregiudizi. Nelle sue lezioni di “Futures analysis” insegna metodi di previsione e guida a esplorare l’intero ventaglio degli scenari, inclusi quelli estremi come l’estensione radicale della vita e l’ibridazione uomo-macchina. Circa vent’anni fa ha fondato l’Associazione Italiana Transumanisti, che oggi presiede come presidente onorario. È chief scientist della rivista “Futuri” e membro del consiglio scientifico dell’Italian Institute for the Future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx