“People come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities and they deserve the same opportunities to succeed and have a seat at the table.” It was this belief that motivated Debra Solomon to create Spectrum Strategies, a life and career coaching service for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and other learning differences.

When someone in her own family was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome Debra learned firsthand what it meant to guide someone through life’s challenges and how important the right team of professionals can be in achieving success. Debra recognized the tremendous value coaching could bring to young adults with Asperger’s.  It was in 2013 that she left her job in sales and marketing and started Spectrum Strategies.

Though her practice formally started in 2013, her interest in helping people with social and learning differences began well before then, as she was a pioneer in the field of understanding Asperger’s and the key interventions needed for a person to have a solid foundation. She first learned about Asperger’s Syndrome in 1995. At the time, there wasn’t a psychologist or specialist in the area that really knew about the disorder, let alone how to help people with it lead healthy, independent lives.  Debra took it upon herself to research the subject and put together a team of people who were educated and passionate about helping those with Asperger’s thrive.

One person who was essential to the practice was Debra’s mentor, Dr. Lynda Geller. During her 25 years at Stony Brook University and NYU Medical School, Dr. Geller developed clinical centers that provided an extensive array of services for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Although she had only a handful of clients initially, Debra started to make a name for herself in the community. What set her apart from most other coaches was that she wanted to take her clients out of the classroom and into real world situations.

With every passing year, Spectrum Strategies has expanded. Debra now works with dozens of clients, has a practice in Manhattan and Long Island, speaks at conferences, consults with school counselors, and runs Strategies for Life – a program that brings young people together to learn skills that will help them live independently.

Since its birth in 2013, Spectrum Strategies’ goal has always remained the same – to support and train young adults who are on the autism spectrum to achieve their life and career goals.  Spectrum Strategies provides guidance and support to both parents and young adults who are looking to enter the next phase of their life – whether it’s additional schooling to a vocational program, and onward into the workforce.

Are you or someone you know looking to find your path to success while having a learning disability? Debra Solomon of Spectrum Strategies helps young adults with autism and other learning disabilities identify their strengths and challenges to help find a job or school that best fits them!