Dr. Amanda DiGangi is a clinical associate professor of applied behavior analysis in Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. She has worked in the field for over 30 years, starting out as a teacher and therapist and moving on to specialist and consultant as she earned her graduate degrees. Most famously, she has the distinction of being the last doctoral student of Dr. Jim Gilliam (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale; Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale). As a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), she has served roles including consultant to public schools and community based centers, trainer, program supervisor, expert witness, researcher and university faculty. She has presented worldwide on ABA, autism, developmental disabilities, early intervention, and play. She has authored numerous peer reviewed professional publications, and authored/co-authored and/or edited several books, book chapters. Amanda’s research interests lie primarily with infants and toddlers, using play-based approaches to increasing functional skills. Amanda’s newest hobby is applied animal behavior and she currently volunteers with both shelter dogs and zoo animals! When not teaching, writing, presenting, researching or volunteering, Amanda can be found enjoying walks and outings with her husband and their two Great Pyrenees rescues.