I have worked in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities in different capacities for many years: first as a direct service provider in a group home and psychiatric hospital, then as a graduate student, statistical consultant and researcher in this area, and most recently as a public policy fellow advocating for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Personally, I have a son who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.

In my experience, there is rarely a single ‘best solution’ to help individuals with autism and other special needs reach their full potential; it takes a dedicated support team of parents, family members, friends, therapists, physicians, teachers, and other community workers. I am excited to be part of the Autism Studies faculty at Saint Mary’s because there is a similar cooperative mentality here. We are working on this venture together, each contributing our own particular expertise with the common goal of offering students a training that is both comprehensive and integrated. This training will equip students to contribute to the autism community as team players as well.