About Dr. Richard Simpson

Richard L. Simpson is Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He has also been a special education teacher, school psychologist and coordinator of a community mental health outreach program. Other professional experiences include directing several University of Kansas and University of Kansas Medical Center demonstration programs for students with autism spectrum disorders and coordinating numerous federal grant programs related to students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. He has authored numerous books, articles and tests on the topic of students with autism spectrum disorders. Simpson was the senior editor of the professional journal Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities from 1995-2003. Awards include the Council for Exceptional Children Research Award, Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Leadership Award, Autism Society of Kansas Leadership Award, and numerous University of Kansas awards. Read Dr. Simpson's Curriculum Vitae.

Current Grants/Projects

Simpson, R. (2002 - 2008) Masters Training Program for Personnel Preparing for Careers with Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and Aggression (VAB). U.S. Department of Education. $800,000.
Addressing the consistent failures to provide adequate accommodations for our nation's E/BD and VAB students, this program helps to prepare masters-level personnel in the related fields. Students are provided with stipends to allow them to engage in part-time or full-time study in an innovative field-based program in a highly diverse community.
Simpson, R. (2004 - 2008) Doctoral Training Program for Personnel Preparing for Careers with Children and Youth with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. U.S. Department of Education. $800,000.
This program addresses leadership shortages within E/BD and ASD education by combining general doctoral training in special education with specialty work in these areas. The grant develops teacher educators, researchers, and supervisors with consultation, personnel training, and research experiences in urban and suburban public schools within linguistically and culturally diverse communities.
Simpson, R. (2004-2009). Masters Training Program for Personnel Preparing for Careers with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. U.S. Department of Education. $1,250,000
This program addresses leadership shortages within E/BD and ASD education by combining general doctoral training in special education with specialty work in these areas. The grant develops teacher educators, researchers, and supervisors with consultation, personnel training, and research experiences in urban and suburban public schools within linguistically and culturally diverse communities.
Simpson, R. L. (2007). Description and Analysis of Alternative Educational Programs for Learners with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges in the Kansas City area. Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City, MO.
Simpson, R., & Myles, B. K. (2003-2007). Center for Educating and Providing Early Intervention Services to Children with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders. U.S. Department of Education. $475,000.
The Professional Development in Autism program is comprised of six universities in the United States, including the University of Kansas. This US Department of Education project has as its purpose the preparation of competent professionals in fields related to the education of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Teams of professionals from regional school districts receive training and support from the University of Kansas on effective practice and evidence-based methodology appropriate for educating individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Video: Dr. Simpson discusses his area of expertise

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