Parent Support

Parenting a neurodiverse young adult is about embracing their unique journey and celebrating every step forward, knowing that progress comes in many forms!

Parents frequently express feeling unprepared to sift through the abundance of resources and information accessible online, from practitioners, therapists, and other sources. While much of the available information outlines the "main characteristics" of neurodiverse individuals, unlike their neurotypical counterparts, they defy clear categorization and typical descriptions. Therefore, it's unlikely to discover a "perfect" depiction for your loved one.

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”

Dr. Stephen Shore reminds us of the individuality and diversity within the autism spectrum. Autism manifests differently in every individual, so the experiences, challenges, and strengths of one person with autism are not representative of everyone with the condition. We must acknowledge and respect each person's unique traits and needs rather than assume a uniform set of characteristics based on their diagnosis.

Meet our Certified Parent Coaches

  • Co-Executive Director / Director of Outreach

    Dawn Bauer is Co-Executive Director of New Perspectives. She has worked with New Perspectives since the fall of 2015. Dawn is a certified parent coach and a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is also trained in behavioral analysis and Compassionate Inquiry. Wired with an advocate spirit in mental health for over 22 years, Dawn uses her passion of meeting individuals where they are while also helping them explore what they need to actualize their full potential. She is equally passionate in supporting parents to make the necessary shifts in their communication and relationship to best support their young adult. She has combined her personal and professional experience to drive her work with neurodivergent young adults. This phase in her journey of advocacy has helped her to better understand the unique qualities in each of her students who aren’t disabled, but are equipped with different abilities which need a safe space for exploration, empowerment and actualization.


  • Executive Assistant / Certified Parent Coach

    Victoria has been in partnership with New Perspectives for eight years. As a parent of a neurodiverse child, Victoria understands the feelings of isolation (being frightened and alone), not having clarity as to what to do or where to turn that exists for both the neurodiverse and their families/caregivers and how the situation(s) can change daily with no hope in sight. As Victoria started to build connections by sharing her story with others, the feelings of isolation and helplessness diminished, she had clarity and did not feel so overwhelmed, thus, neither did her child. Connections were the lifeline for Victoria and her family. And as she stepped out of the shadows of the challenges associated with having a neurodiverse child, she found her passion in helping the families/caregivers of the neurodiverse community. Now she walks beside them as a certified parent coach, which in turn helps the neurodiverse. In addition, Victoria works behind the scenes supporting New Perspectives’ team members with administrative and HR matters.