At McKenna Autism Consulting, we help autism parents with information and support at all ages and stages.

Understanding Your Child and Their Options
An autism diagnosis often leaves parents with more questions than answers. I help families understand evaluations, educational reports, and recommendations so they can make informed decisions with confidence. Rather than simply handing you a list of resources, I explain what they mean, which options are worth pursuing, and how to prioritize your next steps.

• Review psychological, educational, speech, and behavioral evaluations
• Explain diagnoses, recommendations, and school reports in plain language
• Discuss therapy options and community resources
• Help families understand special education services and IEPs
• Create a personalized roadmap based on your child's strengths and goals
  

Planning for School, College, and Adult Life
Transition planning should begin years before graduation. I help families develop a long-term strategy that prepares students for success after high school, whether that path includes college, vocational training, employment, or adult day programs. Together, we build a realistic plan that evolves as your child grows.

• College and transition program guidance
• School readiness and executive functioning strategies
• Transition planning beginning in middle and high school
• Postsecondary education, employment, and vocational options
• Independent living and life skills planning
• Recommendations tailored to each student's abilities and interests

Navigating Government Benefits and Adult Services
The transition to adulthood involves numerous government agencies, applications, and deadlines. I help families understand these complex systems and prepare for each step, reducing stress and helping them avoid costly mistakes. My goal is to ensure families know what to do, when to do it, and why it matters.

• SSI and Medicaid preparation
• DDD eligibility and adult services planning
• DVRS and vocational rehabilitation guidance
• Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
• Special needs planning and coordination with other professionals
• Ongoing consultation to answer questions as new challenges arise

We support families with autistic children in a variety of ways:

Consulting (private pay; free 30-minute initial consultation)

Newly Diagnosed Support
We know firsthand the traumatic experiences of that first doctor’s autism evaluation. It’s not just you. Research shows that many parents experience signs of PTSD after that initial diagnosis.

We’re here to help. We’ll talk you through new definitions and terms. We’ll talk about autism and ABA. We have our own tools to help you find a local ABA company — ABA Options.

Resource Consulting
Get a tailored list of services that is appropriate for your particular child, in a location that is close to your home. Need a speech therapist or a school evaluation? We’ve got all that information. I can also create a strategy for accessing help in a way that works for your family.

School Connections and Coaching
Team Building: Get recommendations for tutors, learning consultants, and evaluators

IEP Review: Learn more about the key elements of your child’s IEP. Fine-tune goals to create measurable outcomes. Discuss ways to improve services.

Special Education Basics: Get parent-friendly definitions of education terminology. Discuss the role of the child study team. Learn how to be a better advocate for your child. Build positive relationships with your school district.

Transition Basics
Discuss and prepare for post 21 pathways, including Transition Programs, College Programs, Day Programs, and Vocational Programs.

Expert Referrals: Get referrals to medical experts who can write reports for SSI and DDD; lawyers for guardianship and trusts; and CPAs for financial matters.

SSI and DDD Applications: Get help completing the paperwork for key government services, which saves time and money.

College Pathways
The List: Work with the consultant to create a short list of appropriate traditional and alternative colleges. Perhaps the student might benefit from a transition program or a gap year. Learn tour strategies.

Referrals: Get recommendations to evaluators who might provide additional data to choose the right programs.

Placement Help: Work with the admissions teams for a seamless transition to college.

Adult Services Connections – For the 21+ crowd
Connections to day programs, support coordination agencies, housing, employment, local social gatherings, and more.

Last Updated: 07/06/26