Kara Naseef, B.A.

JD/MPP candidate, University of Michigan
Curriculum Designer

Lisa Wallace-Larkin B.A.

Former Trainer, Lead Curriculum Designer & Developer, and Inclusion Facilitator, The Arc of Philadelphia

Robert Naseef, Ph.D

Psychologist, Alternative Choices
Expert Consultant

Lynn C. Wallace, Ed.D.

Former Interim Executive Director and Project Coordinator, The Arc of Philadelphia

Tanya Regli, MSS/MLSP

Former Executive Director, The Arc of Philadelphia

Matthew J. Walsh, B.S.

Former Training Assistant, The Arc of Philadelphia
Curriculum Designer

Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY
Expert Consultant

Who We Are

Persons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a lot to offer in the work environment, but may need some guidance along the way to build interpersonal skills and confidence. Many people may be gifted in certain areas such as technology and long-term memory, but struggle with tasks such as "small talk" or managing stress levels. These are not skills that are developed overnight, so this curriculum breaks it down in steps, allowing the facilitators and participants to take away valuable lessons. Through the use of PowerPoint Presentations, Lesson Plans, Action Plans, Participant Journals, and Scenarios, there are opportunities to practice and apply the skills learned.

A focus on a person's strengths will empower and motivate. Therefore, this initiative provides an opportunity to build on the skills new employees learn in the workplace, in addition to advancing interpersonal skills. This is an effort to facilitate culture change in organizations globally.