Dr. Stephanny F.N. Freeman is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Child Psychiatry at UCLA and a licensed clinical psychologist. She directs the Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization (ECPHP) Program at UCLA. Dr. Freeman received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Special Education. Early training included working with autistic and other exceptional children as an elementary school teacher, designing individualized curriculum and behavioral plans. In graduate school, she conducted assessments with children in families in a clinic environment establishing expertise in cognitive, academic, language, and adaptive behavioral instruments for children aged 2 to 18. Early research interests included the social (peers and friendship) and emotional (recognition, empathy, and problem solving) development of children with developmental disabilities. During a National Institute of Mental Health post-doctoral fellowship she coordinated and carried out research-based intervention services for preschool children with autism. In her current position as Director, Dr. Freeman directs the day-to-day activities of the Early Childhood program staff and coordinates the evaluation, treatment, and development of appropriate multidisciplinary programs for school-aged children and severely impaired children with autism. She assists parents in developing appropriate educational programs and school-based modifications, behavior education and training, cognitive development, and social/emotional/play development. Current research areas include targeting core deficits and intervention in children with autism, best practice interdisciplinary interventions for children with autism, and play/social skills development.