Laura McKenna, PhD:
Writer. Autism Consultant. Founder.
I help families navigate autism, education, transition planning, college options, and adult services.
For more than 30 years, I have worked as a teacher, professor, researcher, journalist, advocate, and parent. My work has appeared in The Atlantic, USA Today, Edutopia, The 74, and other national publications. With a PhD in Political Science specializing in education policy, I have held faculty positions at Teachers College, Columbia University; Ramapo College; and Hunter College.
Today I divide my time between writing, consulting with families through McKenna Autism Consulting, and building resources that help autistic individuals and their families thrive.
Explore my writing, consulting services, and current projects below.
Follow my writing:
I publish three newsletters that explore education, autism, policy, culture, and family life.
- Laura McKenna’s Apt. 11D — My long-running newsletter on politics, education, culture, books, and everyday life. A continuation of the writing that has connected me with readers for more than two decades.
- The Great Leap — Thoughtful essays about autism, disability, transition to adulthood, and the challenges families face as children grow into adults. Part memoir, part reporting, and part practical guidance.
- Inside Autism — Practical guidance for autism parents navigating diagnosis, school, transition planning, college options, and adult services.
Current Projects
McKenna Autism Consulting — Helping families navigate autism, education, transition planning, college options, and adult services.
ABA Options — A national directory connecting families with ABA providers that match their needs and insurance coverage.
Writing & Speaking — I regularly write and speak about autism, disability policy, education, transition to adulthood, and the challenges facing today’s families.
Laura McKenna, PhD 