About
Michelle Dean, Ph.D., is a Professor of Special Education at California State University, Channel Islands. Her work focuses on autism, inclusive education, teacher preparation, and the social experiences of autistic people across the lifespan. Her research examines school-based social skills interventions, gender differences in the social behaviors of autistic children, autism representation in film and television, and evidence-based practices that support students with disabilities. Dr. Dean is the Special Education Discipline Director for California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CA LEND) and directs an Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Personnel Preparation Grant (H325M) focused on strengthening the special education workforce. Before entering higher education, she taught special education in the Los Angeles Unified School District.