Judith K. Carlson has over thirty-five years of experience in the field of special education in diverse settings ranging from autism assessment to juvenile corrections. She holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MS.Ed in Behavior Disorders and Learning Disabilities, and a Ph.D in Special Education, all attained from the University of Kansas. She joined the faculty at Rockhurst University, a private Jesuit institution in Kansas City, Missouri in 2009, after retiring from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she was on faculty since 1998.Carlson is best known for her work in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) while at the University of Kansas (1988-1998). She has multiple book chapters and publications in the field and continues to present on this and other topics at international, national, and regional conferences. Prior to her move into higher education, Carlson taught and directed the AYS Alternative School for juvenile felon offenders as part of a community corrections diversion program in Kansas City, Kansas (1975-1985). She values her work in the urban core and has continued to support this agenda throughout her professional career.
Carlson’s current research interests focus on dispositional attitudes and education of general educators to enhance support and acceptance of children and youth with exceptional learning needs in the inclusionary classroom. Infusing developing technology into both general and special education settings is a priority in her continuing professional endeavors.