Category: Autism in the News

Why was Asperger’s Syndrome Folded into Autism Spectrum Disorder?

July 30, 2019 in Autism in the News

As of May 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome was officially removed from the DSM.

How You Can Support the Autism Community Well After April

April 25, 2019 in Autism in the News

In one of our earlier blogs from this month, we discussed ways you can support the autism community throughout Autism Awareness Month. And from what we saw on social media and from new outlets, it looks like many of you …

How to Host a Sensory-Friendly Christmas

December 19, 2018 in Autism in the News Uncategorized

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” is something we hear often around the holidays — and for good reason. For many of us, the holidays are a magical time filled with family, food, fun decorations, and gifts. However, …

A Message to Employers Considering Hiring People on the Autism Spectrum

November 28, 2018 in Autism in the News Employment Financial Planning/ Budgeting

Despite many positive changes, underemployment remains high among adults on the autism spectrum. According to the National Autism Indicators report, only 14% of adults with autism had paid jobs within their community. A major reason why employers are so skeptical …

The Benefits of a Formal Autism Diagnosis

October 17, 2018 in Autism in the News

“Should I pursue an autism diagnosis?” — as information about the developmental disorder becomes more widespread, this is a question more and more people are asking after noticing atypical behavior in themselves or their children. While there are certainly a …

Research Finds Adults With Autism and Other Learning Challenges are at a Higher Risk for Depression

September 10, 2018 in Autism in the News

When discussing the rising rate of depression in America, people with autism and learning challenges are often left out of the conversation. According to the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, nearly half of all adults with autism will experience clinical …

Company Spotlight: Popcorn for the People

July 18, 2018 in Autism in the News

We can all agree that popcorn is delicious, but did you ever think it would have the power to change lives? We’re here to tell you, it does! After nearly three years of applying for jobs, Samuel Bier was finding …

Myths People with Autism are Tired of Hearing

July 6, 2018 in Autism in the News

Autism — it’s a word that many know but few understand. From society as a whole to the many people living with autism and their families, myths and misconceptions don’t do anyone any good. That’s why we’ve compiled a brief …

The History of the Autism Puzzle Piece Ribbon

May 2, 2018 in Autism in the News

With Autism Awareness Month ending just days ago, you’ve probably seen a good deal of t-shirts, Facebook posts, and bumper stickers donning a colorful puzzle piece ribbon recently. But while you’ve seen it many times over the past month, do …

How You Can Support the Autism Community Well After April

April 30, 2018 in Autism in the News

In one of our earlier blogs from this month, we discussed the ways you can support the autism community throughout April — Autism Awareness Month. And from what we saw on social media and from new outlets, it looks like …

We came to Debra at a point when my son, who has good career credentials, had nonetheless been struggling to land a job for a long time. Debra worked closely with him on his interview skills, giving him confidence and providing specific, practical advice. She was generous with her time and always responsive whenever I or my son had questions or needed a little reassurance. With her guidance, he was able to land the type of job in the entertainment field he had been looking for. We’re delighted!

Lori C

My husband and I highly recommend Debra Solomon of Spectrum Strategies. We have gained so much from the coaching she has done with our son, individually and in group sessions, and with my husband and I. Our son has high functioning autism or what was once termed Asperger’s Syndrome. Over a period of several years Debra has helped him develop a host of improved executive, networking, and interviewing skills as well as improved confidence. With her help he was recruited and completed several internships leading most recently to his being formally hired as a Junior employee in the IT division of a competitive publishing company in Manhattan. Debra has a wealth of experience as a business woman in her own right and in the field of high functioning autism. She is a sophisticated and tireless advocate with tremendous empathy and the ability to connect with her clients and work from where they are. In our case, she was there for our son when he experienced unfair and devastating treatment in a company that had no understanding of neurodiversity. Within a year, his confidence was built back better. Debra Solomon is a rare find and we feel blessed as a family to have met her. As future needs arise, our son and my husband and I will most certainly be consulting with her again.

Nina P

Debra has been working with our son, John, for over a year. It has made a huge impact in our lives. She is highly knowledgeable, always willing to help, and is an advocate for our son. She is able to assist in daily life tasks as well as his vocational pursuits. Her genuine warmth and skills have made the most difficult of situations a learning experience for our family. Debra supports John in ways that allow him to be independent and prepare for adult life. Debra Solomon has been a blessing to our family.

Mary P-W

I’ve worked with Debra in 2016, and since then she has made a huge difference in my life . I work as a freelance videographer, photographer and occasionally a film crew member in the industry and in the past it was easy for me to get overwhelmed by the demands of being organized, interpersonal, and calm under pressure. And it was a terrible feeling to be struggling to work in an industry of an artform I enjoyed doing. Debra was able to help me develop skills such as preparing myself in job interviews, figuring out how to communicate and work well with clients in the workplace--and under extreme pressure, becoming more proactive in networking, and learning how to make lists to become more organized. And that’s the tip of the iceberg. With her help I’ve been able to book a lot of freelance jobs, and over the years have developed more and more jobs. She has been more than supportive to help connect me with her friends and clients in need of my videography and photography services (such as photos for her website).

-Kerey Viswanathan

We have been working with Debra for a little over a year and she has been absolutely amazing! She is professional and knowledgeable and her commitment and energy know no bounds. She is extremely creative in thinking of possibilities and opportunities for my son and has supported and guided him every step of the way. An exceptional person with an exceptional gift.

-Candace Cohen

In a few short sessions with Debra, I had a better idea of what I wanted in a career and a detailed plan to help get me there. I would definitely recommend working with her.

-Jason Tibbetts

Debra has been a tremendous asset and has helped me organize and stream line my professional goals. Finding the right professional and career path can be overwhelming for anyone. Debra has helped me by creating a step by step process. Combined with the professional expertise, her personal experience, and warmth and compassion, she is the perfect job coach for me and for many other adults with A.S.D.

-Jennifer

We recognized from the very beginning coaching was the right way to go to help our daughter. Debra has given her the tools such as self-advocacy, time management, and organizational skills, in order to build a foundation in her personal life as well as her academic environment. Our daughter has built a trust with Debra and is more open to exploring the unknown. We are continually working together to build upon each goal.

-Robin

We have known Debra for the past year and have employed her as a life coach for one of our sons. It has been a pleasure for us to deal with her. We have found her to be a phenomenal coach who is genuinely interested and enthusiastic in helping her clients achieve their potential. She is patient, compassionate, creative and persistent in her efforts to accomplish her stated goals. Debra also arranges group outings and facilitates attendance at relevant educational programs.

-Perry & Sylvia

We have worked with Debra Solomon for more than a year and have been very pleased with her services. Debra has provided guidance and coaching implementing her exceptional knowledge of the business world. Debra is a passionate, dedicated professional who gives 150% to her clients.

-Alisa & Ben G.

I’ve been working with Debra since 2014. At the time I started working with her, I was at a low point in my job search having finished a graduate level degree two years prior. I had worked with other job coaches who didn’t specialize in or understand the Autism spectrum to minimal success on the job front. Debra understands that people on the spectrum need to take a different approach to the job search, and after working with her for two years on cover letters, elevator pitches, resumes and interview strategy, I landed a job in the exact field I wanted. I’ve continued to work with her since, and it has helped getting settled in a working environment.

-J. Simpson