Shepherdstown Autism Coaching

Steve Gundy Offers Practical and Effective Coaching to Enhance Strengths, Creating Clarity and Productivity for Individuals in Shepherdstown Living With Autism.

Have You Found Yourself Thinking These Thoughts?

  • “I’m frustrated with the lack of follow-through.”
  • “I’m exhausted doing all the follow-along.”
  • “I worry about his future without me.”
  • “It breaks my heart to see him overwhelmed and discouraged.”
  • “I want him to be more self-supportive.”
  • “I want him to learn and do the skills that accomplish what he most wants to do.”
  • “I want him to realize his potential and navigate life more effectively.”
  • “I want him to develop his identity in his value instead of his disability.”

Do you share these frustrations?

Do You Share These Frustrations With Other Parents Of Special Needs Young Adults?

There is no shadow of a doubt we love our children—absolutely none.

However, special needs parents who are the primary caregivers to a special needs young adult (who is capable of self-support) share with me how frustrated they get when their young adult appears not to listen or put any effort into a task after they’ve been shown what and how to do something.

How are you doing, really?

  • Are you exhausted doing all the follow-ups?
  • Are you frustrated with the lack of follow-through?
  • Are you worried about them navigating the future without you?

It’s a heavy load for parents to be frustrated and exhausted doing the same caregiving routine over and over while deprioritizing their own needs when they could be guiding their young adults to be self-supportive and gain more energy and time for their own lives.

Special Needs Parents Lack The Support From A “Team Player”

As special needs parents, we hold a conviction deep down that our special needs young adult children are meant for more than hiding, attached to being a kid, and living in fear of engaging an adult world. Because we hold that conviction, we know a uniquely productive, self-supportive path in life is waiting for them.

Hi, I’m Steve. I help parents guide their special needs young adults to be self-supportive while the parents focus on the best use of their energy to reduce frustration and exhaustion. This will be achieved through a process of learning what is practical and predictable for them and their young adult.

At this stage of life, your young adult is withdrawing and uninterested or fearful of engaging in the adult world. I will help you:

  • Identify the source of anxiety and lack of interest,
  • Focus on how his special needs brain works uniquely, and
  • Nail down a realistic context for teaching a self-supportive skill.

After working with me, parents are:

  • Less frustrated
  • Have increased energy, and
  • Gain incremental progress toward what their young adult wants to do.

3 Simple Steps To Get Support

Step 1: Schedule Appointment

Schedule an appointment with me now to begin your 3-Step Support Plan.

Step 2: Identify & Focus

We will identify the source of anxiety and lack of interest and focus on how his/her unique brain works. 

Step 3: Get Teachable Context

We will nail down a realistic context for teaching a skill to help your young adult practice self-supportive skills.

Coach Steve Gundy: The Professional Team Player To Lighten Your Load

Coach Steve Gundy is a “Team Player” walking with you to lighten the load.

Steve is a “Professional Partner” whose life has been touched by developmental challenges by supporting his young adult special needs son.

Steve has lived with his own developmental challenges, worked it out in his life, and figured out how to coach himself and uses that to coach special needs families.

Praise From Parents

What We Want For You

We want you, as a parent with more focused energy, to be a guide for your young adult.

We want your young adult to be self-supportive and learn skills that accomplish what he wants to do, realize his potential, navigate life more effectively, and develop his identity in his value rather than his disability.

What We Don’t Want For You: We don’t want you to stay frustrated, exhausted, and stuck doing the same caregiving routine repeatedly over and over. We don’t want you to stay a caregiver, feeling exhausted, frustrated, and guilty about prioritizing your needs at the expense of your special needs young adult.

We want to come alongside you, support you, and see your transformation as a parent who guides your young adult’s self-supportiveness, gaining energy and time for doing personal activities while prioritizing what’s also important to them.

Schedule a Strategy Session with Coach Steve Gundy Right Now

Fill out the application to schedule a strategy session. You are under no obligation. Come prepared to discuss a plan tailored to your special needs young adult.

Check Out Our Blog

Autism coaching is a specialized form of support designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. It is a collaborative and individualized approach that focuses on enhancing the strengths and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism. Here’s a closer look at what autism coaching entails and why it is an essential service for many individuals and families.

Understanding Autism Coaching

Autism coaching involves working one-on-one with a coach who has expertise in autism and related developmental disorders. The coaching process is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual, whether they are a child, teenager, or adult. Coaches use a variety of techniques and strategies to help clients develop critical life skills, improve social interactions, manage stress, and achieve greater independence.

Key aspects of autism coaching include:

  • Personalized Goal Setting: Coaches work with clients to set realistic and achievable goals based on their individual needs and aspirations. These goals can range from improving daily living skills to achieving academic success or enhancing career development.
  • Strength-Based Approach: Rather than focusing on deficits, autism coaching emphasizes the strengths and abilities of the individual. Coaches help clients leverage their unique talents and skills to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
  • Skill Development: Autism coaching addresses a wide range of skills, including social communication, time management, organization, self-regulation, and problem-solving. Coaches provide practical tools and strategies to help clients build these skills in real-world settings.
  • Support and Accountability: Coaches offer ongoing support and encouragement, helping clients stay motivated and accountable. Regular coaching sessions provide a structured environment for clients to reflect on their progress and adjust their strategies as needed.

Why Autism Coaching Matters

Autism coaching plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Here are several reasons why it matters:

  • Promotes Independence: One of the primary goals of autism coaching is to help individuals become more self-sufficient. By developing essential life skills, clients can achieve greater independence in their daily lives, whether it’s managing personal care, navigating social situations, or succeeding in the workplace.
  • Enhances Quality of Life: Autism coaching can significantly improve the overall quality of life for individuals with autism. Through personalized support and practical strategies, clients can experience reduced stress, increased self-confidence, and improved emotional well-being.
  • Supports Transition Phases: Major life transitions, such as moving from high school to college or entering the workforce, can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism. Autism coaching provides targeted support during these critical periods, helping clients navigate new environments and expectations.
  • Strengthens Family Dynamics: Autism coaching can also benefit families by providing guidance on how to support their loved one effectively. Coaches can work with parents and caregivers to develop strategies for managing behavior, enhancing communication, and fostering a positive and supportive home environment.
  • Bridges Gaps in Services: While there are many educational and therapeutic services available for individuals with autism, there can be gaps in support, especially as individuals age out of school-based programs. Autism coaching helps bridge these gaps by offering continuous, individualized support across different stages of life.

Conclusion

Autism coaching is a valuable service that empowers individuals with autism to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Through personalized, strength-based support, coaches help clients build essential skills, promote independence, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether navigating everyday challenges or major life transitions, individuals with autism and their families can benefit immensely from the expertise and guidance provided by autism coaching.

By choosing autism coaching services, clients enter a supportive partnership that fosters growth, clarity, and the ability to leverage personal strengths in ways that align with their unique abilities. For those seeking a transformative journey tailored to their needs

Steve Gundy’s Approach to Autism Coaching: Empowering Individuals and Families

Navigating Challenges with Expertise and Empathy

Steve Gundy is an experienced life coach and behavior consultant who has dedicated over 25 years to working closely with adults and families affected by ADHD and Autism. Through his personal and professional journey, Steve has cultivated a unique coaching model that emphasizes the development of strengths, clear goal-setting, and the achievement of greater independence and productivity.

Tailored Coaching for Unique Needs

Steve’s approach to autism coaching is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with autism and their families. Recognizing that people with autism often struggle with stress management, maintaining focus, and emotional regulation, Steve offers customized coaching strategies that address these issues head-on. His method is not just about coping but thriving, helping clients harness their innate abilities to navigate daily challenges effectively.

Strength-Based Partnership

Central to Steve Gundy’s coaching philosophy is the formation of a partnership that fosters clarity and productivity. His sessions are designed to empower individuals by focusing on their strengths rather than their limitations. Whether it’s a young adult transitioning to independent living, a marriage where one partner has autism, or a parent managing the complexities of raising a child with autism, Steve provides the tools and support necessary to enhance life skills and interpersonal relations.

A Personal Touch from Personal Experience

Steve’s insights into autism coaching are enriched by his personal experiences. Living with ADHD himself, Steve has mastered the techniques to overcome the hurdles it presents, applying these lessons in his coaching practices. As a parent of an adult child who is autistic, he brings compassion and understanding to his coaching, helping other families achieve similar successes in fostering a self-supportive lifestyle for their loved ones.

Vision and Mission: Envisioning Possibility, Advancing the Gift

Steve’s coaching goes beyond daily struggles; it’s about envisioning possibilities and advancing the gifts that each individual possesses. His motto, “Envision Possibility, Advance the Gift,” captures his belief in the potential of every person he coaches. By guiding individuals to free themselves from daily struggles, Steve helps them to unlock their potential and advance confidently towards their goals.

Expertise That Makes a Difference

Certified as a life coach and behavior consultant, Steve Gundy’s extensive experience is reflected in his effective, empathetic, and adaptive coaching methods. His coaching services cater to a diverse range of clients, including young adults facing life’s milestones, couples navigating neurodiversity, and parents seeking guidance in supporting their children.

Conclusion

Steve Gundy’s autism coaching service is more than just guidance—it’s a transformative journey tailored to empower individuals with autism and their families. Through practical strategies, focused support, and an unwavering commitment to his clients’ growth, Steve enhances the lives of those he works with, paving the way for a future filled with greater independence and fulfillment.

By choosing Steve Gundy’s autism coaching services, clients step into a supportive partnership that promises clarity, productivity, and the ability to leverage personal strengths in a way that aligns with natural abilities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to be a growing concern in West Virginia. National data from the CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, and West Virginia is dedicated to supporting individuals with ASD through specialized services and programs. During the 2021-2022 school year, the West Virginia Department of Education reported that over 3,140 students aged 3-21 were receiving special education services under the autism category.

Support and Services for Autism in West Virginia

West Virginia offers an array of resources for individuals with autism, including the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) and the Mountaineer Autism Project (MAP). While these organizations provide critical support, an Autism Life Coach can be an invaluable addition for families seeking personalized, goal-oriented guidance to navigate the complexities of life with autism.

  • WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED): The WVU CED’s autism resource directory connects families to services like speech therapy, ABA therapy, and other essential treatments. The directory, available here, also provides information on local resources across West Virginia that can complement the work of an Autism Life Coach.
  • Mountaineer Autism Project (MAP): MAP is focused on advocating for early diagnosis and expanding access to applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as the gold standard for autism intervention. MAP also emphasizes training and growing a qualified workforce of providers in West Virginia. For more details, visit their website.

In addition to these services, an Autism Life Coach can provide customized support for individuals with autism by helping them build life skills, navigate daily routines, and manage transitions. A life coach can work alongside traditional therapies to help individuals achieve personal goals, whether it’s improving social interactions or building independence.

Educational Support for Autism in West Virginia

Public schools in West Virginia are required to provide accommodations for students with autism under federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These accommodations include tailored instruction and additional resources to help students succeed academically. The West Virginia Department of Education offers support to help schools provide effective services for students with autism. You can find more information on their official website.

By hiring an Autism Life Coach, families can ensure their loved one receives not just educational accommodations, but also personalized strategies to thrive in school and beyond. Life coaches offer tailored interventions, helping individuals manage their time, develop learning strategies, and overcome day-to-day challenges.

Conclusion

West Virginia is committed to supporting individuals with autism through programs like those offered by the WVU CED and MAP. In addition to these valuable resources, an Autism Life Coach provides personalized, goal-focused guidance, helping individuals with autism build life skills and independence. For those looking to improve their quality of life, combining these state resources with the support of a life coach can make a world of difference.

For more information, explore the resources available from the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities and the Mountaineer Autism Project.