Dr. Patricia McDaid, Ed. D. has worked in the field of Special Education for 25 years, teaching and learning from students with a wide variety of complex learning and behavioral needs. Dr. McDaid completed her undergraduate degree in Learners with Severe Special Needs at Boston College, followed by Masters and Doctoral studies at Boston University with a special focus on students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behavior. Dr. McDaid has supported students with complex learning and behavioral needs across a range of settings and strongly believes that, given the proper type and intensity of individualized support, students with complex needs can and should be educated alongside their peers in general education classes as much as possible. Dr. McDaid currently consults to rural and urban school districts in the areas of autism and positive behavior support and to the TIES National Technical Assistance Center on Inclusive Practices and Policies.