List of contributors xvStephen Shore, diagnosed with “atypical development and strong autistic
tendencies” and “too sick” for outpatient treatment, was recommended for insti-
tutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents,
teachers, wife, 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. In addition to working with children and talking about life on the
autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues
pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure
as discussed in his books Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and
Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism
Spectrum, and the critically acclaimed Understanding Autism for Dummies, and the
newly released DVD Living along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to Have
Autism or Asperger Syndrome. President emeritus of the Asperger’s Association
of New England and former board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore
serves in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, Asperger Syndrome
and High Functioning Autism Association, United States Autism and Asperger
Association, and other autism-related organizations.
Phillip Strain, PhD is Professor of Early Childhood Special Education at the
University of Colorado Denver. He is the author of over 300 scientific papers with
a specific focus on autism, inclusive services and prevention of challenging behavior.
Iva Strnadová is an Associate Professor in Special Education at the University
of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She is also an Honorary Member of
the University of Sydney, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Australia. Her
research aims to contribute to better understanding and the improvement of life
experiences of people with disabilities. Iva’s previous research and ongoing research
interests include well-being of people with developmental disabilities (intellectual
disabilities and autism) and their families over the lifespan; lifespan transitions as
experienced by people with disabilities; women with intellectual disabilities; and
mobile learning for people with developmental disabilities.
Caitlin van der Walt is a Bachelor of Education (Primary) Honours graduate from
the University of Sydney. She completed her honours in the field of Asperger
Syndrome and Social Identity. Caitlin now works as a teacher of primary school–
aged students with ASD. The construction of identity for persons with ASD is an
area of research that continues to hold her interest and in which she is keen to
continue with further investigations.
Kanokporn Vibulpatanavong is currently a lecturer in Special Education at
Faculty of Education, Srinkharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. She received
her PhD in Education from the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the
University of Sydney. Prior to her PhD study, Kanokporn was a project officer at