Patty Laushman is an author, speaker, educator, and a Certified Autism Life Coach specializing in neurodiversity and the transition to adulthood for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. She is the creator of the SBN™ parenting framework, a practical approach that helps parents learn when to provide support, set boundaries, and give strategic nudges to activate intrinsic motivation so their emerging adults can build confidence and real-life skills. Patty is also the founder of Thrive Autism Coaching where she leads the Parenting for Independence group coaching program for parents of autistic teens and adults. Her book, Parenting for Independence: Overcoming Failure to Launch in Autistic Emerging Adults, is available now.
Awareness of autism has grown, but we need to move beyond this into understanding and acceptance. Real progress depends on how we translate understanding into action — training more professionals, funding adult services, and redesigning workplaces and communities so autistic individuals can flourish throughout their lifespan.