Thomas L. Whitman is a Professor of Psychology at The University of Notre Dame, USA and Co-director of the Graduate Research Training Program in Mental Retardation. He is the author of over 90 empirical articles, chapters and books. His research and teaching has focused on children at risk for developmental problems, with a special interest in studying children who demonstrate significant resiliency in the face of risk.

His most recent books include Interwoven lives: Adolescent mothers and their children (2001) and Lifespan perspectives on health and illness (1999). For the past 10 years he has worked with families, helping them establish educational programs for children with autism spectrum disorders.