Expert autism guidance for families and organizations
Expert strategic support for families navigating diagnosis, ABA, schools, transitions, and next steps — with a trusted advisor by your side.
When autism decisions feel overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate them alone. I help families make confident, informed choices about services, providers, schools, and long-term planning.
Trusted guidance. Clear recommendations. A plan forward.
Families seek support when they need help with:
Navigating services after diagnosis
Evaluating ABA quality and providers
Understanding school, IEP, and placement decisions
Navigating complex family decisions
Transition planning for teens and young adults
Choosing College and Transition Programs
Finding clarity during overwhelming moments
McKenna Autism Consulting
When the Stakes Feel High, Expert Guidance Matters
Families come to me when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what to do next. I provide clear recommendations, trusted referrals, and strategic guidance so you can make confident decisions quickly.
I help families and organizations navigate the complexities of autism—from diagnosis through school systems and long-term planning. With decades of experience building programs and educating families, I provide clear, practical guidance when it matters most.
knowledge is Power
Help for Parents for all Stages of the Autism Journey
Expert help for when you need it most.
01.
First Steps
Parents are often overwhelmed in the weeks and months after their child is first diagnosed. I provide clear, strategic guidance for diagnosis, services, therapies, and next steps.
02.
Resource Connections
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.
03.
School Connections and Coaching
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.
04.
Transition Basics
Discuss and prepare for post-21 pathways, including Transition Programs, College Programs, Day Programs, and Vocational Programs. Get referrals to medical experts who can write reports for SSI and DDD; lawyers for guardianship and trusts; and CPAs for financial matters. Get help completing the paperwork for key government services, which saves time and money.
05.
College Pathways
Work with Dr. McKenna 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. Get recommendations to evaluators who might provide additional data to choose the right programs.
06.
Adult Services Connections
Connections to day programs, support coordination agencies, housing, employment, local social gatherings, and more.
More Than Advice — A Trusted Autism Partner
There is no shortage of opinions in autism.
Families often come to me after feeling overwhelmed by conflicting recommendations, long waitlists, unclear providers, or systems that feel impossible to navigate.
I offer something different:
Calm, honest, experienced guidance grounded in real-world expertise. Together, we create a clear path forward.
What People Say
Thank you so much for the plethora of information in our short phone call! I finally feel like I have found the right person to support my son and me in this very confusing process! Thank you!
by Julie R.
Thank you for being so generous with your time and advice. It was very helpful for us to have that conversation with you and to know how you can be helpful to us as we enter into this next phase in my son’s life. We will definitely reach out when we need help as we plan his future!
by Joann N.
Laura is a very experienced educator and a true advocate. She has been so helpful in connecting us with important resources. I found her help invaluable.
by Robin F.
Posts
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply want experienced guidance from someone who understands the autism landscape, I’d be honored to help.
McKenna Autism Consulting 