Allen Crocker's research focuses on human exceptionality. In this respect, he has pioneered the study of systems of medical care for children with special needs and of healthful living for persons with Down syndrome. His interests include therapeutic decision-making for patients with inborn errors of metabolism, Down syndrome and Rett syndrome.

In recent years he has been studying the conceptualization of happiness.

• Derive and publish clinical care guidelines for children with special needs.
• Gather data from experience with bone marrow transplant and enzyme infusion therapy in the mucopolysaccharidoses and lipidoses.
• Encourage the celebration of disability and differentness.

Allen Crocker is a graduate of Harvard Medical School. He completed his postgraduate training--an internship, residency, and fellowship--at Children's Hospital Boston.

He has received numerous honors and awards, including the C. Anderson Aldrich Award, American Academy of Pediatrics; Presidents' Award, National Down Syndrome Society; and the Martha H. Ziegler Founder's Award, Federation for Children with Special Needs.