Libby Kristal MD was born in Iowa and raised in Northern California. She spent most of her adult life in the Midwest, before moving to Las Vegas in 2014.

She received her BA at Smith College, her MPH at the University of Illinois, and her medical degree from the Chicago Medical school in 1978. After a residency in ophthalmology, she returned to Ottawa, Il, where she was in private practice for 31 years. She continues to practice part-time in Las Vegas.

Dr. Kristal has 2 children and one grandson. At the age of 2, her son, Nathan, was diagnosed with autism, and over the past 28 years, as both a physician and a mom, she has sought and implemented any and all therapies to help him become a functional, independent, contributing member of society.

Although his autism means he is unable to live entirely alone, her son is a popular and hugely valued member of the local community thanks to Libby’s unwavering efforts.

He edits the local magazine, is fluent in sign language and is currently learning Spanish. He has a prodigious memory for dates and can play music from ear. Most of all, he enjoys an active, varied, and rewarding social life. Libby is a lifelong researcher for therapies that work and an advocate for inclusivity and a positive approach to autism.