New Projects, New Directions

Helping my son became my career. Now, I help others.

Over the past year, I’ve been thinking deeply about how families navigate autism, education, transition planning, and adult life. Again and again, I kept coming back to the same question:

How can we make this journey less overwhelming for families?

That question has inspired several new projects that I’m excited to share.

This spring, I launched McKenna Autism Consulting, a private consulting practice that helps families navigate diagnosis, school placement, IEPs, transition planning, college options, and adult services. My goal is simple: to provide practical, informed guidance that helps families make confident decisions about their child’s future.

I’ve also been building ABA Options, a searchable directory designed to help families quickly identify ABA providers that meet their needs and accept their insurance. Finding services shouldn’t feel like a full-time job for parents.

At the same time, I’m continuing to expand my writing projects, including The Great Leap, which explores autism, disability, transition to adulthood, and family life, and Apt. 11D, my long-running newsletter on education, culture, politics, and everyday life.

All of these projects are connected by the same mission: helping families access clear information, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful support.

Thank you to everyone who has followed my work over the years. I’m excited about this next chapter.

My writing — including this substack — took a back seat to other priorities last year. I’m excited to be able to be back here again.