Services We Provide
AutismNERD operates to advocate, educate, and empower at the intersection of Neurodiversity, College, and the Colorado region. We are mission driven to increase access and utilization of learning accommodations, through a process that bridges essential skills for college-capable students to become college-ready and meet their graduation goals. Our clients include direct support for students and their families, partnership with fellow education consultants, and collaboration with organizations across private and public sectors.
Across all client types, with a research eye and project management mindset, we evaluate comprehensive circumstances, determine skill and program development possibilities, recommend appropriate resources, and oversee sustainable implementation towards a clear goal.
College Consulting for Students
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.
Learning Support Advising for 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 Business
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.
ABOUT US
Dr. Katie Vahey-Gaebler, PhD
Dr. Katie Vahey Gaebler, founder of AutismNERD- The Neurodiverse Education Resources of Denver- is a dedicated advocate for neurodiverse students and their families navigating the transition to college and post-secondary education. Her personalized, research-driven approach helps students access the accommodations, skills, and confidence needed to thrive. She collaborates with families, educators, and organizations to ensure each student finds their right path to college success.
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Experienced Higher Education Professional – Two decades of experience in academic advising, student support, and advocacy across various college settings.
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Holistic & Individualized Approach – Focused on essential college success skills, connecting students with targeted resources for skill development.
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Guidance for Families – Helps manage expectations and navigate challenges as students transition to college.
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Active Policy & Community Advocate – Engaged in local and national initiatives to reduce barriers and support ND/LD students in higher education.
Associations & Trust Seals
LGBTQIA
Who Do We Help ?
For over 20 years, Dr. Katie has advised thousands of college students on their academic plans. She has first-hand experience with the unique needs of neurodivergent learners, and knows what’s complex about standard education.
The current estimate for neurodivergent students who do attend college, only 40% will make it to graduation. For the other 6 out of 10 students, costs in terms of financial, experiential, and emotional can be high. This is the difference between students who are “college-capable” or admissions ready, vs “college-ready” or graduation capable. Our college-readiness evaluation explores 7 dynamics of essential components that bridge necessary skills to transition from college-capable to college-ready. This data driven approach in making choices for college supports a family during a critical transition period and supports a student to continue a path of progress in their education journey toward the goal of graduation.
Personal advising on post high school education options and college pathways
Recommended right-fit resources to boost interest exploration and skill development
Navigation to access and utilize learning accommodations
Family coaching on essentials for college prep, placement, and persistence
Expert guidance through applications and to maintain a progressive timeline to graduation
Direct support, partnership, and collaboration service models to assure efficient and effective support for where it matters most
