Mark H. Yeager, Ph.D., FAAIDD
Biography

Often referred to as the "Father of the Mississippi Autism Movement", Dr. Mark Yeager has been in service to person's with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1975. His experiences range form being a classroom teacher to program developer creating new and innovative community based programs. Dr. Yeager has dedicated his professional career to bettering the opportunities for families affected by autism spectrum disorders through his advocacy and leadership in this field. He is considered the foremost authority in the State of Mississippi on the topic of autism spectrum disorders. His contributions are not limited to Mississippi. He is the author of the Autism Bill of Rights. A document that guides the service delivery system as to the obligation they have in serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is also the lyricist for “A Life with a Different View”, an autism awareness anthem that is used to promote a broad understanding of the challenges and hope for persons diagnosed with an autism spectrum.

Dr. Yeager is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and serves as a adjunct professor both at the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. Dr. Yeager both developed and taught the first classes solely dedicated to the topic of autism spectrum disorders at any Mississippi institution of higher learning. His teachings are greatly sought after and include a lecture series provided to the Minister of Education of India. This training series continues to be used as the foundation training program for teachers of children with autism in New Delhi and across the country of India. In addition to his many lecture offerings and presentations, Dr. Yeager is well published in several languages and consults with schools, universities and other autism programs across the United States.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Yeager has worked with the icons in the field of autism. He has worked with and been on program with notable professionals such as Dr. Ruth Sullivan, Dr. Guy Berard, Dr. Ivar Lovaas, Dr. Raun Melmed, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Vincent Carbone, Anabel Stehli, Dennis Debaulbt, Georgianna Thomas, Raun Kaufman and the late Dr. Bernard Rimland. His broad experience and connection to the national and international autism community continues to grow as the field of autism evolves.

Dr. Yeager and his wife, Bridgette, have five children, two girls, Tiffani and Jordan and three boys, Garrett, Mason and Drew. The Yeager's reside in Smith County, Mississippi and work as a family to further the opportunities and causes for persons with an autism spectrum disorder.

Dr. Yeager's career benchmarks include;
Chair of the First Autism Task for in Mississippi
Co-Founder of TEAAM (Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi)
First President of TEAAM
First Executive Director of TEAAM
Founder of Kamp Kaleidoscope
Support Advisor to the Caring for Mississippi Children with Autism Task Force
Author of the Autism Bill of Rights
Co-Founder and CEO of The Yeager Group
First Director of the Division of Autism Spectrum Disorders with the MS Department of Mental Health
Board of Directors, American Association in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Washington, D.C.

Awards and Recognitions;
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, Pine Burr Area Council, 1973
Lt. Governor, Hi-Y Youth Legislature, 1976
Mississippi State Lions Band, 1977
University of Southern Mississippi, Spirit Director, 1979-80
Wood Badge Certified, Boy Scout Leader, 1982
Nominated for Karate Instructor of the Year, USA, 1985
Outstanding Young Men of America, 1986
Sixth Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, 1994
Expert Marksman, Law Enforcement Association of America
Distinguished Expert Marksman, National Rifle Association
Camp School Certificate, Summer Camp Programming, BSA
Staff, Civitan Camp for Children with Mental Retardation
Facility Instructor, Techniques for Managing Aggressive Behavior
President’s Citation, American Association on Mental Retardation
Governors Citation, Governor Kirk Fordice, CPM Model Project
Paul D. Cotten, Ph.D. Leadership Award, Mississippi AAMR
Partnership Award for Autism Services, TEAAM, 2001
STAR Award for Autism Services, TEAAM, 2001
TEAAM Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002
Fellow, American Association on Mental Retardation, 2002
Larry D. Scott Award for Individual Service, SEAAMR, 2003
TEAAM Executive Appreciation Award, 2006
James Stubbs Volunteer Award, MS MH/MR Commissioners Group 2007

License and Certification;
Licensed Special Education Teacher (Ed. Hand.) Mississippi
Licensed Special Education Teacher (Mild-Mod HC) Louisiana
Certificate in Basic Gerontology, 1992 University of Mississippi, Medical Center
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, 1993 MS Nursing Home Adm. Board
Certified Auditory Integration Training Practitioner, 1992 Georgiana Foundation,
Licensed Clinical Mental Retardation Therapist, Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Licensed Mental Health Administrator, Mississippi Department of Mental Health

About Dr. Mark H. Yeager, Ph.D., FAAIDD | Services Offered | Discovery Toys | I&S Consultants