The People Who Created Ryuu
Ryuu Endeavors, Inc.:
Ryuu Endeavors, Inc. is owned and run by Joel Shaul and Rebecca Klaw, and is devoted to helping children and teenagers on the autism spectrum learn about social skills through the compelling world of the Dragons of Ryuu.
The Authors:
Joel Shaul, LCSW, is a psychotherapist specializing in mental health services for children and teens on the autism spectrum at The Watson Institute in Sewickley, PA. He originated and markets The Green Zone; The People Points Project; The Conversation Train; and The CBT Mind Traveler, all available through Autism Teaching Strategies. These teaching toolkits are specially designed for speech-language therapists, teachers, counselors and involved parents. He earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Louisville in 1986 and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1979. Joel was a community organizer with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone where he helped to build a midwife clinic and develop a health education curriculum for primary schools.
Rebecca Klaw, MS, MEd currently works independently as a consultant, trainer, and advocate for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. Prior to this, she was the Program Director for the Center for Autism at Pressley Ridge where she ran a program serving over one hundred families. For over fifteen years, Rebecca has trained consultants, teachers, and direct care staff in techniques to foster developmental growth in children with ASD. Rebecca has run social skills groups for children of all ages and currently runs three parent support groups, a discussion group for adults with Asperger Syndrome, and a supervision group for mental health therapists who are treating individuals on the autism spectrum. Rebecca has written a book, From Goals to Data and Back Again: Adding Backbone to Developmental Intervention for Children with Autism, about writing goals and collecting data on children with ASD using a developmental approach. She has also produced two training DVDs: Relationship-Based Intervention and Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns. Rebecca was the recipient of the inaugural Grandin Award presented to her by The Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (ABOARD) for “maximizing the potential and possibilities of children with autism.” More information about Rebecca can be found at www.rebeccaklaw.com.
The Illustrator:
Aaron Parks is an artist living in Madison, WI. The Ryuu art, a product of hundreds of hours of work over eight months, is his first published work. Aaron’s creative influences include the artists Earl Keleny,
Chris Gargan, and Ed Binkley.
The Graphic Designer:
Elaine Kramer is an editor, visual journalist, and consultant in print and online journalism. She is married to Joel Shaul.
The Product Designers:
The Videohouse is a leading video production company located in Pittsburgh, PA. The Videohouse has over 15 years of experience serving local companies and national networks and offers a full range of services including high-definition field production, editing, animation, interactive media, and duplication. At The Videohouse, we are committed to our customers and understand their need to receive both exceptional quality and value.
The Web Designers:
Search Engine Optimization Pittsburgh (SEOPittsburgh.com) is a web design and Search Engine Optimization company located in Pittsburgh, PA. We offer web design, organic Search Engine Optimization, and web copywriting services. We specialize in building web sites that rank at the top of Google. We help your business succeed online.