Over the years, I’ve spoken with schools, institutions, podcasters, policymakers, and foundations on a range of topics related to autism. Building on years of teaching in college lecture halls, I can entertain and inform audiences. Depending on logistics, I can give in-person presentations or talk to your group via Zoom.
For all groups, I enjoy relating parental experiences and discussing policy solutions. I’m happy to brainstorm topics that will appeal to particular audiences.
I often speak to parent groups on these topics:
What Are the College Options for Students with LD/ND/IDD? There are more options in colleges than ever before for students with learning differences, neurodivergent students, and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I discuss the different types of programs and focus on some great options available in New Jersey.
What Happens After High School? It’s a broad roadmap of all the possibilities, including transition programs, government support, day programs, colleges, and employment. It’s intended as a first step for families with children of all ages with disabilities. It hopefully reduces anxiety and introduces the adult lingo.
Want to book Dr. McKenna for your podcast or parent group? Reach out today.
Recent Presentations
June 3, 2026, Strategies for Wealth, Webinar, “Your Roadmap to Support: A Parent’s Guide to SSI, DDD, and the Disability Safety Net”
April 26, 2026, Ridgewood Rotary Club, “Beyond Autism Awareness and Acceptance”
January 2026 — My family was recently profiled for Ridgewood Living Magazine. 3935_RidgewoodLiving_March2026_CoverStoryPgsDownload
January 2026 — Podcast with The Autism Roundtable — “Autism to Independence”
October 8, 2025, The Cope Center of Autism Webinar Series: What Happens After High School?
October 24, 2025 CAPE Center Webinar: Your Roadmap to Support: A Parent’s Guide to SSI, DDD, and the Disability Safety Net
Podcast with Rebecca Resnik from Dr. Rebecca Resnik and Associates Psychological Care about colleges and autistic children on her podcast, Cultivating Excellence Podcast – Podcast – Apple Podcasts.
Our Life After High School Webinar Series is available on YouTube. Check them out!
Help Your Neurodivergent Child Prepare to Apply at a Four-Year College with Josephine Vonarburg, Transitions College Advising
“Six Areas of College Readiness: Building Confidence, Resilience, and Independence” with Beth Felsen, Spectrum Transition Coaching
“Planning a More Secure Future for Your Child With Special Needs” with Mike Ringel from Strategies for Wealth
“Navigating the Disability Safety Net”by Laura McKenna, PhD.
“College Options for Neurodiverse Students: Take The Great Leap” by Laura McKenna, PhD
Transition Programs: Bridging the Gap Between High School and Adulthood
Lawyers, Guns, and Money Podcast, Guest, March 12, 2024
Interviewed by Katelyn Li for Harvard Political Review’s “For Students with Disabilities, A Pandemic’s Threat to Hard-Fought Educational Rights“, October 2, 2020
Interview with The Colin McEnroe Show, WNPR News, March 2016 Listen
Interview with Media Matters, Sirius Radio, March 2013
Interview with NPR, Michel Martin’s All Things Considered, October 16, 2012, Transcript
Interview with Arnie Arnesen, The Attitude on WNHN 94.7FM in Concord NH, March 2012