SERVICES
How we help families and organizations
Services We Offer
AutismNERD advocates, educates, and empowers at the intersection of neurodiversity, college readiness, and the Colorado region. Our mission is to increase access to and utilization of learning accommodations through a process that bridges essential skills, helping college-capable students become college-ready and achieve their graduation goals. We work directly with students and families, partner with fellow education consultants, and collaborate with organizations across both private and public sectors.
With a research-driven approach and project management mindset, we assess comprehensive circumstances, identify opportunities for skill and program development, recommend the right resources, and oversee sustainable implementation to achieve clear goals.
College Consulting For Students And Families
Dr. Katie helps families plan for individualized education pathways beyond high school. When a student has learning support needs, finding a right fit of resources according to their unique situation can be complex. With our process, we evaluate each student's situation across 7 areas of college-readiness and guide through a personalized plan to reach viable education goals. With empathy and attention to communication and social-emotional challenges, we primarily serve with a hybrid virtual/in-person approach to students and their families that are Colorado based and bound.
LD/ND Consulting On Accommodations For Other Ed Consultants
Given the many aspects among the college admissions process, it’s understandable that the nuances of ND/LD student support needs may not be within the realm of some consultant’s expertise. Dr. Katie’s evaluation for college-readiness, or a single session to triage case recommendations, can be added in partnership with another consultant who offers their own client package or additional specialty knowledge. The expert guidance Dr.Katie provides assures that an ed consultant offers their client holistic ND/LD support in context with their own package delivery for college admissions.
ND Consulting For Organizations
Dr. Katie works with businesses and nonprofits, and among research and legislative policy teams, to support inclusive environments and grow client experience through strategic program development and recommended policy implementation. From tailored onboarding policies and staff training to making space recommendations or serving as a community ambassador, we help organizations foster a culture of inclusivity. Let’s connect to explore approaches to collaborate.
Who Do We Help?
Many neurodivergent students are academically capable of attending college, yet only 40% will make it to graduation. The gap between being college-capable (admissions ready) and college-ready (graduation capable) can result in high financial, emotional, and experiential costs for students and families.
At AutismNERD, we bridge this gap by evaluating seven key dynamics of college readiness, helping students develop the essential skills needed for a successful transition and long-term persistence. With over 20 years of experience advising thousands of college students, Dr. Katie understands the unique challenges neurodivergent learners face and provides data-driven guidance tailored to each student's needs.
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We work with:
Families navigating college planning, accommodations, and student readiness.
Neurodivergent students who need structured support to build essential college skills.
Education consultants seeking expert guidance on complex student cases.
Organizations & businesses working to improve accessibility for neurodiverse individuals.
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What types of students and families do you work with?I support families of neurodiverse high school students across all ND/LD profiles who need learning accommodations in college or post-secondary education. With personal experience across autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and executive functioning challenges, I help motivated students navigate their next steps.
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How does your consulting process work?Once we sign our agreement to work together and the initial retainer deposit is paid, I review key documents (IEP/504, neuro-evaluations, transcripts) and schedule an in-person visit (Denver metro area). Using a qualitative approach, I assess college readiness across seven key areas in a relaxed setting where students and families can ask questions. I then provide personalized recommendations and ongoing support as needed.
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Do you offer guarantees?I cannot guarantee outcomes, secure college admissions, compel participation, or ensure graduation. I do not have a magic wand. But my knowledge is your power, and I am highly knowledgeable on all aspects of college and support for learning challenges. Therefore, if your family is unsure where to start, overwhelmed by options, or worried about the financial risk of “trying college” without a clear plan, our conversation can help you navigate the best path forward.
