An author in two diverse genres, former marketer, website developer, documentary filmmaker and banjo player, Craig Evans is fascinated by both Traditional Music and autism. His latest book about Traditional Music and the Community that celebrates it, based on his 3 DVD documentary series: Conversations with North American Banjo Builders, Conversations with Old-time Performers and Old-time Conversations. The Banjo Builders is now at Smithsonian Folkways. The later two series can be viewed at oldtimeconversations. Craig's latest book: Old-time Conversations: Finding Health, Happiness and Community Through Traditional Music can be purchased here. ******Earlier in his career, Craig wrote two books about autism, both with Dr. Tony Attwood, a leading, world authority on the condition (see below). Craig was first exposed to Asperger's in 2003 through his stepchild. At that time, autism research contained little information on how to not just "survive" with the condition, but "thrive." The focus was more on cures and causes. But for the 12-17 million directly affected by the 300,000+ living with the condition, insights into daily living were sorely needed. Experienced in building websites for corporate brands (USBank, 3M, Peace Corps), in 2008 Craig decided to build a personal site dedicated to finding positive news, research and tips on "thriving with autism." For the next 8 years, Craig operated Autism Hangout* - a resource dedicated to this cause.*Autism Hangout was an online community of 2,500 members designed to bring timely, relevant information on how to live with autism to family, care-takers, educators, medical professionals and others dealing daily with those with the condition. Autism Hangout also offered social networking opportunities similar to Youtube and Facebook to those on the spectrum. During the 8 years Autism Hangout was active, Craig Skype interviewed over 300 experts including researchers, authors and other thought leaders for their advice for how best to thrive with autism. Most of those conversations can still be found on the Autism Hangout channel on youtube along with close to 70 segments of the Ask Dr. Tony Question and Answer video series that ended in 2024. -------In 2015, Craig Evans, Dr. Tony Attwood and Anita Lesko produced "Been There. Done That. Try This!" - The book contained the first-hand wisdom of an all-star cast of Aspie Mentors on how they dealt with the 17 most stressing, pressing issues in the life of someone with Asperger's. Here's a write up:If you only buy one book to improve your life this year, make it this one.Temple Grandin, Liane Holliday Willey, Anita Lesko, Stephen M. Shore, and many other Aspie mentors, offer their personal guidance on coping with the daily stressors that Aspies have identified as being the most significant, in order of urgency - anxiety, self-esteem, change, meltdowns, depression, friendship, love, and much, much more. Based on years of personal experience, this book is packed with advice from Aspie mentors who have all been there and done that!World expert Dr. Tony Attwood rounds up each chapter with professional analysis and extensive recommendations. He includes essential information on destructive strategies that may look attractive, but that have counter-productive effects.Including full color artwork from Aspie artists showing visually how they interpret each stressor, this is THE inspirational guide to life for young adults, the newly diagnosed, and as a life-long reference for anyone on the spectrum - written by Aspies for Aspies.-------In 2018, Craig Evans and Dr. Tony Attwood produced "Ask Dr. Tony" - a second book of Dr. Tony Attwood's invaluable advice on how someone with autism could best deal with life's daily issues. The book was recognized by BookAuthority as a Winner of the "Best Autism Books of All Time." Here are two write-ups:Dr. Tony Attwood and Craig Evans are pleased to introduce "Ask Dr. Tony", their second book together. The book is a compilation of 50 episodes of the Autism Hangout question-and-answer program video series in which Dr. Tony Attwood directly addresses the most pressing questions of those touched by autism. It also included Bonus Sections of questions and answers from specific groups such as parents, teachers, public servants, social workers and more. This book is an invaluable resource to keep helpful information present and available to the public. Their mutual goal? Thriving with Autism! — Future Horizons Publishing “Distilled from years of discussion on the “Ask Dr. Tony” show, Craig and Tony gift the autism community with easy-to-understand explanations combined with practical solutions for addressing some of the most vexing challenges facing in- dividuals on the autism spectrum. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking greater appreciation of ASD individuals as an expression of the diversity of the human gene pool. In summary, the best of Dr. Tony Attwood brought to you by Craig Evans!”— Stephen Mark Shore, EdD, internationally known educator, author, and presenter on topics related to autismRead more about this authorRead less about this author