Terrylynn M. Tyrell, of Southampton, recently graduated with a Doctor of Education degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Tyrell, whose dissertation research focused on early detection of autism spectrum disorders, received her degree on May 17, 2007.

She is the daughter of Helena and James Tyrell and is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, the University of East London and Bermuda High School.

Attending the graduation were her parents, siblings Keisha. James Jr., Zalika, Africa, and Takiyah; nieces Keshuntay, Ta'James, and Rejunae; nephews; James III and Jamori; cousin: David Thomas; friends Lisa Blackwell, "Boy", Monique Caesar, Roxanne Christopher, Lara Clark, Russell Clark, Zina Edwards Malcolm, Cherie Edwards, Shannon Gaines, Ni Green, Sonia Mckoy, Solomon Ofori-Acquah, Diunde Smith, Chrissy Tait, George Tait, Steadman Tait, Busby Titus, Joan Weston and Kanti Winters.

Dr. Tyrell is the Director of Education Policy at Advocates for Children and Youth Inc. and an associate of the Johns Hopkins University teaching facility in the graduate Department of Special Education.

She develops education policy, conducts research and data analysis to advocate on behalf of low-income and minority children throughout the state of Maryland.

Dr. Tyrell also provides pro bono advocacy services to families to negotiate quality special education service for children with disabilities.

Dr. Tyrell's dissertation research focused on early detection of autism spectrum disorders.

She designed and implemented a training program for the early identification of autism in the Bermudian community.

Dr. Tyrell's activities included authoring a legislative bill for the Maryland General Assembly to identify autism early and improve developmental screening practises. This bill was passed in 2005.

Dr. Tyrell also worked at the Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, was an active participant of the Johns Hopkins University Autism Network and the Early Detection and Intervention Network at the Krieger Research Institute.

She also served as a programme consultant and evaluator for the United States District Court in review of instructional and inclusion services in the Baltimore city public school system.