RE: Autism Community Mourns Passing of Dr. Ted Carr

Autism Community Mourns Passing of Dr. Ted Carr Pioneer Psychologist Transformed Understanding and Treatment of Autism Behaviors   Bethesda, MD (June 22, 2009) -- The autism community lost a great leader this weekend, Dr. Edward Carr, who was killed by a drunk driver the afternoon of June 20. Dr. Carr, the Leading Professor in the Department of Psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, was a top advisor to the Autism Society. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague and his wife, Ilene Wasserman, who was also killed in the crash, and we send our thoughts and prayers to their family.   Dr. Carr was recognized internationally for his research on new treatments for autism and related disabilities. He co-developed Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavior Support, a strategy for dealing with learning and behavior issues endorsed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Dr. Carr wrote numerous articles on autism treatment and authored the best-selling book, Communication-Based Intervention for Problem Behavior (Paul H. Brookes, 1994). He has received numerous awards, including the Applied Research Award in Behavior Analysis (American Psychological Association, 2001) and the Distinguished Research Award for Career Achievement (ARC, 1999).   Dr. Carr was a strong supporter, valued contributor and beloved colleague at the Autism Society. As a member of the Autism Society's Panel of Professional Advisors, he was a frequent contributor to the Autism Advocate, most recently co-editing an issue on ABA therapy (http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=autismadvocate_aba), which was one of his many areas of expertise. With Drs. Martha Herbert and Brenda Smith-Myles, Dr. Carr developed the Autism Society's Treatment Guided Research Initiative and was the main inspiration for the "Quality of Life" objectives the Society uses to develop and evaluate its programs. A frequent presenter at the Autism Society National Conference, Dr. Carr was scheduled to moderate this year's keynote panel on "The Future of Autism" on July 23. The panel will continue to be held in his honor.   "Ted was passionately committed to improving the quality of life for people with autism and their families," said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the Autism Society. "Those of us who were privileged to work closely with him will miss his insights, his humor, his deep compassion and advocacy for people affected by autism. We will miss him greatly but we will ensure his legacy lives on."   "Dr. Ted Carr was a pioneer in the field of positive behavior supports and autism spectrum disorders. His focus on enhancing quality of life and understanding of the systemic issues surrounding behaviors forced practitioners to think more broadly when designing interventions," said Dr. Cathy Pratt, Chair of the Autism Society Board of Directors. "He was a gentle man and quiet innovator with a quick wit and amusing perspective. His work will truly live on and serve as an inspiration for generations to come."   Dr. Carr was Past President of the Association for Positive Behavior Support and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.   In Dr. Carr's honor, the Autism Society has set up a Tribute page for colleagues, friends and admirers to post their thoughts and messages on Dr. Carr at www.autism-society.org/ted_carr_memorial. The page will be shared with his family and colleagues.     Carin Yavorcik Media Specialist The Autism Society 301.657.0881 x 115 cyavorcik@autism-society.org www.autism-society.org   NOTICE: This message is confidential, intended for the named recipient(s) and may contain information that is (i) proprietary to the sender, and/or, (ii) privileged, confidential and/or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable Maryland and federal law, including, but not limited to, privacy standards imposed pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA").  Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any applicable privilege.  If you have received this email in error, please delete it immediately.  Thank you in advance for your compliance with this notice.