Leann Smith DaWalt, PhD, is director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a senior scientist at the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on the role of the family and community in supporting development for individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. Dr. DaWalt has received funding from Autism Speaks, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Institute of Mental Health to investigate developmental processes and psychoeducational interventions for youth and young adults with ASD and their families.