Tis’ the Season to Remember: The Life of Dr. Edward Carr
By Nicole Hegewald
Too often we forget to remember those important individuals who made an impact in our everyday world. This article is a reminder, to remember.
Dr. Edward (Ted) Carr, 61, was an internationally recognized pioneer in autism treatment research. On Saturday, June 20, 2009 he and his wife Dr. Ilene Wasserman, 58, were killed in a head on collision in Wading River, N.Y. They were both air lifted to Stony Brook Hospital in critical condition. Carr was announced dead on arrival to the hospital.
Dr. Edward Carr
Michael Koss, 66, was believed to be intoxicated when he swerved into oncoming traffic and hit Carr’s Honda Civic. After being tested, his blood alcohol content was only .01. He was not charged with a D.U.I. being .07 points under the illegal limit. Koss broke his femur in the collision.
Carr accomplished a lot for the autism community. He was a co-developer of two strategies: “Functional Behavior Assessment” and “Positive Behavior Support” used by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. He was also the Director of the Research & Training Center on Positive Behavior Support for Autism & Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University.
After about four months after his death, a memorial for the beloved doctor was held on Sunday, November 8, 2009. It took place at 2 p.m. in the Student Activities Center (SAC) Auditorium at Stony Brook University. Around 200 people gathered to celebrate the life of Carr. People traveled from around the country to listen to stories about the quirky doctor’s accomplishments.
In a message of thanks to the public for their sympathy and unwavering support Carr’s sister, Dr. Rochelle Carr Burns, says on the SUNY website, “To families struggling with the effects of autism, know there will be a cure and a prevention because the organizations you have created.”
With the holidays upon us, let us connect to extend special condolences. To send messages of condolence or read messages from colleagues, friends, and family about Edward Carr visit http://psychology.psy.sunysb.edu/psychology/.
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R.I.P, Dr. Carr.