Lisa Drake

About the Author

Lisa Drake is a dedicated child development specialist and author with over two decades of experience supporting families navigating the challenges of autism spectrum disorder and social communication difficulties. Holding advanced degrees in psychology and special education, she has worked extensively in clinical settings, schools, and community programs, where her passion for fostering imaginative play as a tool for emotional and social growth has transformed countless lives. In her acclaimed book, Put Pretending into Your Child's Play: Building Pretend Play for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Social Communication Difficulties, Drake offers practical, evidence-based strategies to empower parents and educators in creating enriching play environments that enhance cognitive and relational skills. Her approachable writing demystifies complex developmental concepts, making them accessible to all caregivers committed to nurturing neurodiverse children.