ABOUT US
AutismNERD started from our family experience
About Katie Gaebler, PhD
In 2022, Dr. Katie Vahey Gaebler founded AutismNERD - The Neurodiverse Education Resources of Denver - to support neurodiverse students and their families in navigating the transition to college and post-secondary programs. As a parent of two children identified in preschool with “Autism-plus” labels, Katie has spent the past eight years advocating for their medical, educational, and social-emotional needs. Her personal experience, combined with over two decades in higher education, drives her commitment to helping families find the right educational fit for their students.
At AutismNERD, Dr. Katie specializes in college prep, planning, placement, and persistence for students who require learning accommodations and social-emotional support. She takes a high-touch, hybrid approach, offering both in-person and virtual guidance to help families navigate the complexities of college readiness, accommodations, and skill development.
Before launching AutismNERD, Dr. Katie spent 20 years working on college campuses in undergraduate advising, student support services, and campus programming.
She holds a Master’s (2007) and PhD (2011) in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership and has worked at institutions including CU-Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, University of Northern Colorado, and Beloit College. Beyond campus roles, she has contributed to legislative policy and nonprofit leadership, advocating for students with disabilities in higher education.
Dr. Katie remains actively involved in national and local advocacy efforts. She has served on the board of The Autism Society, participated in policy advisory initiatives to improve college disability services, and collaborates with educational consultants specializing in neurodiverse and learning-disabled students. She also contributes to professional organizations such as IECA and CCC, staying at the forefront of best practices in post-secondary transition planning.
With a deep understanding of both the higher education system and the unique needs of neurodiverse learners, Dr. Katie is dedicated to helping students and families navigate the path to college with confidence, clarity, and the right support.
Why Work With Dr Katie?
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Two-decade career & PhD Expertise in Higher Education
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Personal Experience & Passion to do what’s right for our students
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Specialized Focus on Accessing Right-Fit Learning Accommodations for ND/LD Students
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Holistic, Individualized Approach
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Collaborative & Transparent Process
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Advocacy Beyond Consulting
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Commitment to Long-Term Success
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Community Service & Philanthropy Consulting
Advocacy, community service, and philanthropy are at the heart of my work. As a parent, educator, and consultant, I am deeply committed to ensuring that neurodiverse students have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive in higher education. Beyond individual consulting, I actively engage in policy initiatives, nonprofit leadership, and collaborative efforts to improve college accessibility and disability services. I believe that real change happens when we work together—families, educators, and advocates—to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all learners. If your organization could benefit from my work, let’s talk about the possibilities.
Core Beliefs & Values of AutismNERD
Every Student Deserves a Clear Path to Success
I believe that all students, regardless of ND/LD needs, deserve access to higher ed and post-secondary opportunities that align with their strengths, needs, and aspirations. Success looks different for every student, and my role is to help families find the right fit.
Collaboration Creates Stronger Outcomes
The best results come from working together. I value open communication and partnership among students, families, educators, and disability support professionals to create a plan that ensures students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in their post-secondary environment.
Resilience and Self-Advocacy are Key to Long-Term Success
College readiness isn't just about academics; it's about fostering self-awareness, self-advocacy, executive functioning skills, and confidence. I guide students in developing the skills they need to persist and succeed in their post-secondary journey and beyond.
Individualized Support Leads to Empowerment
Each student is unique, and their college journey should reflect that. I prioritize a personalized approach, ensuring that students and families receive tailored guidance, skill-building resources, and advocacy strategies to help them confidently navigate the transition to higher education.
Informed Advocacy Drives Systemic Change
Understanding how colleges operate—from accommodations to financial aid to support services—empowers families to advocate effectively for their students. Beyond individual consulting, I stay engaged in national policy initiatives and individual campus trends to improve accessibility, streamline services, know current best practices, and navigate barriers to success for neurodiverse learners.
A Personal Message from Dr. Katie
I know firsthand how complex and emotional the transition to college can be, especially for students who need learning support. That’s why I approach this work with the same care, honesty, and persistence that I use for my own children—because every student deserves that level of commitment.
My goal is to help your family navigate this journey with clarity and confidence. There’s no one-size-fits-all path, so I take the time to truly understand your student—their strengths, challenges, and aspirations—and we can collaborate on a plan that fits. I believe in setting realistic goals, finding practical solutions, and fostering open communication to make the process both manageable and meaningful for everyone involved.
You don’t have to do this alone. When we work together, I’m here to support and guide your family every step of the way.
Committed to Inclusivity, Expertise,
and Advocacy
At AutismNERD, we prioritize professional excellence, community collaboration, and an inclusive approach to supporting all students. These trust seals represent our dedication to ethical consulting, ongoing professional development, and creating a welcoming space for neurodiverse and all types of students and families. help families find the right fit.
