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Strategies for Back-to-School Transitions: School-based

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9337 Katy Freeway Ste B112, Houston, Texas, 77024 - USA
info@spectrumlinx.com
281-826-6020

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An online community and resources for autistic and neurodiverse individuals.
We welcome everyone! If you need help navigating call 281-826-6020.5
*Spectrum Linx does not provide legal advice or mental health counseling.

WENDY DAWSON - FOUNDER & CEO
Hi! As an award winning business leader and a proud stepmother to a young adult diagnosed with autism at two years old, my journey into the world of autism has been an eye-opening and transformative experience. Over the years, I've had the privilege of meeting countless inspiring mothers who walked the autism path before me. Their invaluable insights, tales of determination, and lessons on harnessing the immense potential of children with autism - even in the face of limited resources - opened up a new universe to me.

I wholeheartedly hope that my personal journey and the experience I've gained can light your path if you're on a similar special journey. When my stepson received his diagnosis almost a quarter-century ago, the autism rate was about 1 in 1000 children. The lack of resources in our area was unacceptable, which motivated me to create Social Motion Skills, a non-profit with a mission to equip children and young adults in our community with vital social skills.

The growing demand for what Social Motion Skills offered led to its merger with The Center for Pursuit in 2022, ensuring sustained and invaluable services. Over the decades, I've been part of numerous research endeavors concerning the social skills development of neurodiverse individuals. Additionally, I offer consultation services and present talks on varied topics, from special needs journey maps, the importance of creating your "village" and transition to independence, to non-profit management and strategic planning.

With Spectrum Linx, our ambition is to present our amazing team's collective knowledge in a manner that's digestible, affordable, and within everyone's reach. We aspire to be the go-to for families offering them the wisdom of those who've gone before. I sincerely hope Spectrum Linx can be your guiding light, ensuring you find the much-needed support and love on your path.

I invite you to connect with me directly at wendy@spectrumlinx.com or touch base on LinkedIn.

BRANDI TIMMONS, MED, BCBA, LBA
Hi! I’m a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a TEA-certified special educator. My passion for working with autistic individuals started in the classroom when I realized how much kids could accomplish when we are looking for their strengths and providing the right supports. I now have almost 20 years of experience working with individuals with autism – 15 of those in public school classrooms.

I enjoy writing social skills curricula and producing educator and parent trainings. I particularly love creating new programs to serve those in the autism community. I have been published in Autism Parenting Magazine and served as co-principal investigator on several research initiatives in conjunction with the University of Houston and AMA National Conference speaker.

I believe in creating a climate of high expectations for individuals with autism and similar neurodiversity. We must work together to reduce judgment, bias, and bust the stereotypical myths that are all too common. I love sharing knowledge and having breakthrough successes because my data is better than opinion! I love coaching, teaching and training! Welcome - you've found your village!

STEFANIE RODRIGUEZ, ED.D.
Hi! I'm Dr. Stefanie - a former special education teacher and campus administrator for grades K-12. My education background taught me how to support various learning styles and the social-emotional needs of individuals with Autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavior disorders. I am passionate about helping those with autism and similar special needs because I have family members and loved ones with similar diagnoses and struggles. I personally understand the need for services outside of education and after formal education ends. I fill this on-going need through my Coaching program!

My coaching prepares individuals (and their families) for post-secondary education opportunities, employment, and independent living. Through coaching, I help individuals achieve independence and self-advocacy so they can enjoy a life that is most meaningful to them. The coaching experience guides individuals to learn practical skills necessary to thrive independently in the world around them - at a pace that is comfortable and in conjunction with other supports that may exist. Currently, coaching is provided to individuals transitioning out of high school and in other stages of adulthood.
In addition to providing individual support, Dr. Stefanie partners with school districts, early childhood centers, and non-profit organizations to spread awareness on neurodiversity through education and training. Stefanie is committed to assisting neurodiverse individuals achieve personal success!

I’m Lorraine Klim, an educator passionate about supporting families and communities seeking to increase inclusivity and acceptance while implementing support systems to bring out the best in everyone. My career path has led me through opportunities and experiences that have developed a personal affinity and capacity to successfully develop programs, training, coaching, and support to carry ideas from design to execution. In my last two positions, I expanded existing Autism support classrooms and public school district programs using research-based practices and protocols. This includes being the co-author and developer of a Texas Education Agency grant to provide services to students with Autism. This million-dollar grant involved a co-op of school districts along the Texas Gulf Coast that were identified as needing weekly support and coaching to develop an Autism program that did not exist. We were awarded the grant and successfully implemented services! My passion around the design, development, and execution of training projects, especially regarding focus, action, and accountability for those with neurodiversity is now available to you!

DANIEL DURANY
Daniel is a dedicated advocate, speaker, author, and editor specializing in Autism Spectrum (AS). Drawing from his personal experience with AS, he has become a passionate voice for those living with the condition and those interacting with them. Daniel actively contributes to the community by volunteering with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment), where he initiated an adult support group for those with Asperger’s.

In his public talks, Daniel delves into his own life story, navigating audiences through his childhood, romantic challenges, and professional hurdles. His presentations are punctuated with practical advice, utilizing approaches such as ALT (Appreciation, Listening, & Trusting), Branching Out, and Non-Branching Out to help people on the autism spectrum relate to others. Daniel's insights offer valuable perspective on the complexities of autism spectrum disorder, providing both awareness and hope through his personal narrative.

In 2013, Daniel was recognized for his contributions when he was appointed by the Governor to the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. He also served as the Keynote Speaker for the Texas State Autism Conference. Since then, he has expanded his speaking engagements throughout the country, spreading knowledge and understanding about AS.

Through listening to Daniel, individuals gain a more nuanced comprehension of the challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s, including communication barriers, transition from high school to college, sensory issues, and emotional difficulties. Equipped with the knowledge that Daniel imparts, educators and parents are better prepared to create robust support networks and effective strategies that facilitate academic, emotional, and physical well-being.

Brandi's Current and Past Roles:

Education Director at Incuentro, LLC, Houston, TX
Educational Consultant/Education Director at Social Motion, Inc., Houston, TX
Educational Consultant at The Center for Pursuit, Houston, TX
Consultant/Subject Matter Expert at Birkman International, Houston, TX
BCBA Program Specialist at Houston ISD
Autism Specialist/Special Education Teacher at Hudson ISD
Honors:
District Teacher of the Year 2014, Hudson ISD, Lufkin, TX
Contributions to Science and Innovation
Evaluating Community-Based Social Skills Intervention for High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (Tan. S., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., et al.), presented virtually at the American Psychological Association Convention, August 2020.
Perspectives on Building a Community-Academic Partnership to Evaluate a Social Skills Intervention (Tan. S., Garcia, A., Hut, A.R., et al.), showcased at the same convention in August 2021.
Evaluating a Community-Based Social Skills Intervention Program for Youth with Autism during COVID-19 (Tan. S, Timmons, B., Dawson, W., et al.), also presented in August 2021.
Teaching ADLs to Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Gardner, S.M., Sakyi, G., Mire, S.S., et al.), shared at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in June 2023.
Cost Analysis of a Social Skills Training Program for Autistic Youth (Tan, S.; Keller-Margulis, M.; Mire, S.; et al.), conducted by the Department of Psychology, University of Houston in 2023.
Published Articles:
Regular contributor to Autism Parenting Magazine

Achievements and Recognitions
NEEDS program : Safe School Award, Crime Stoppers Heroes Luncheon 2024
Woman of Substance, Mission of Yahweh, 2022
Community Icon Award, Swoon Magazine, 2019
Community Partner Recognition, Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, 2018
Harvard Business School Executive Education, American Express Scholarship, 2018
Senate Proclamation 926, Texas Senate, 2016
City of Houston Commendation, 2016
Women on the Move, Texas Executive Women, 2016
50 Most Influential Women, Houston Woman Magazine, 2016
Community Contribution Award, Easter Seals, 2013

Professional Affiliations and Speaking Engagements
I am a proud member of the Women Presidents Organization and an active participant in Educators in VR, reflecting my commitment to leadership and continuous learning. My speaking engagements have covered a range of topics, from disability etiquette and inclusion in the workplace to managing ADA compliance and supporting Texans with special needs.

Career Highlights
Co- Founder and Sole Member, Incuentro LLC, 2019-Present
Founder and Executive Director, Social Motion, Inc., 2010-2021

Contributions to Science
Over the past 12 years, I have been dedicated to creating programs and services for autistic individuals and their families. As the founder of the nonprofit Social Motion Skills, our team provides services to over 200 autistic students weekly. In collaboration with the University of Houston, led by Dr. Sarah Mire (now at Baylor University), we have conducted a thorough evaluation of the Social Motion program's curriculum. This evaluation spurred several research projects:

Evaluating Community-Based Social Skills Intervention for High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Tan, S., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., Gonzalez, J.E., Kim, H., Mire, S.S. (Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, August 2020; virtual).
Perspectives on Building a Community-Academic Partnership to Evaluate a Social Skills Intervention: Tan, S., Garcia, A., Hut, A.R., Sanchez, B., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., Gonzalez, J.E., Mire, S.S. (Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, August 2021; virtual).
Evaluating a Community-Based Social Skills Intervention Program for Youth with Autism during COVID-19: Tan, S., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., Gonzalez, J.E., Kim, H., Mire, S.S. (Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, August 2021; virtual).
Teaching ADLs to Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Gardner, S.M., Sakyi, G., Mire, S.S., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., Ragan, K. (Presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, June 2023).
Cost Analysis of a Social Skills Training Program for Autistic Youth: Tan, S., Keller-Margulis, M., Mire, S., Timmons, B., Dawson, W., Gonzalez, J., Kim, H., Hassett, K. (Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 2023).

Edutech Innovation
In addition to my nonprofit work, I co-founded Incuentro LLC, an edutech company designed to deliver autism expertise to families lacking access to resources. Through Incuentro, we launched Spectrum Linx, a platform offering microlearning courses and parent coaching through a website and app (iOS/Google), making it accessible worldwide. Spectrum Linx is a comprehensive tool involving extensive research and development, including the creation of journey maps for parent guidance and over 80 microlearning courses.