Leann Smith DaWalt, PhD, is a senior scientist at the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also the director for the Waisman Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on the role of the family and community in supporting development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. With funding from Autism Speaks, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health, Dr. DaWalt has investigated life course trajectories for autistic individuals and individuals with fragile X syndrome as well as examined the impact of psychoeducation interventions during adolescence and adulthood.