Consulting Services

 
“Karen is clearly very experienced in helping families with autism. She understands the highs and the lows of the endeavor, offering inspiration as well as practical advice and resources. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us during Autism Awareness Month, Karen.”
— Elodie Lorenz/ DiverseABILITY Events Chair at First Republic Bank

I am currently based in Northern California, providing consulting and training for schools, adult programs, residential communities, community support agencies, families and professionals concerned about understanding and developing their capacity to support those on the autism spectrum and similar differences.

I had the opportunity to open the first elementary and secondary public-school programs for autism in 1973 and then design, develop, implement and expand my very own private residential school in 1980 in the Sacramento area.

Since 2011, I have supported the development and expansion of two non-public schools in the San Francisco Bay area, serving as their Director from 7 to 10 years at each site. I also spent 10 years traveling to Indonesia, Africa and Mexico, educating and mentoring in non-governmental centers and schools for special needs under the non-profit Offerings, that I had founded and directed.

I worked on designing and implementing the Autism Specialist Credential for two California Universities. 

I enjoy consulting with families, helping them work with schools in obtaining the supports and services their student requires and needs. I also am passionate about helping families design programs that nurture independence in their teens and adults. 

I customize workshops for schools and centers and evaluate the organizations' current needs, in the areas of professional development, parent support, educational and therapeutic models, building a positive work environment and designing positive educational settings.

“We just want to thank Karen for speaking to our organization during Autism Acceptance month. Her dedication to the autism community is beyond anything I have seen before. I will always say yes to partnering with Karen.”
— Cat Lopez, Social Impact Director/Bill.com

SAMPLE OF CONSULTING TOPICS

    • New Aging and Autism

    • New Sex Education and Autism

    • New First Responders Understand and Support ASD

    • New Mental Health Practitioners Understand ASD

    • New Sport Fitness Coaches Support ASD

    • Understanding and supporting autism

    • Addressing communication, social, sensory, or executive functioning challenges

    • Addressing behavior challenges

    • Developing pre-vocational and life skill curriculums

    • Nurture Independence

    • Parent training (building independence)

    • Wellness (parents and staff)

    • Understanding your co-worker with ASD

    • Developing a school for the student with ASD

    • Everything a student wishes you knew about their autism

    • Creating an effective learning and working environment for faculty, staff, and students

    • Developing your child's educational team and advocating for his or her needs.

    • Mainstreaming the student with autism

    • Interest-based learning

    • See Capabilities

    • Supporting College Students with Autism

    • Strategic Planning

    • Girls on the Spectrum

My fee structure

This is a guideline for Karen Kaplan Consulting, which is designed to be customized to meet each unique individual, organization, program or family’s need.

  • Introductory call: Initial 20-minute call to get a basic understanding of concerns (complimentary). Follow up calls to obtain extensive details are based on an agreed hourly rate.

  • Documentation Review: This step in the process is generally a review of any historical documentation (schedules/ legal documents/evaluations/educational plans/progress reports) to better understand the current situation/model/program.

  • Observations: This step is generally a face-to-face meeting or observation of the individual, program, agency, center or meeting. Observation notes are provided on all. Travel fees, depending on location may be passed on to client.

  • Workshops: These are individually designed presentations based on needs. Fees will be based on preparation time, materials, presentation time, travel and accommodation costs.