We want you to get the care you deserve.
Hi, I'm Kristen Smith.
I became a parent coach for autism families because of the people who showed up for my family when I didn't know where to turn.
My son was diagnosed with autism, and in those early months, I was lost in a way I hadn't expected. Not because I didn't love him — but because no one had told me what this was going to look like, what services existed, or how to navigate the systems meant to help. We were lucky. We found the right support, the right guidance, the right people.
I thought about all the families who weren't finding that. Who were sitting in the same waiting rooms, hearing the same jargon, and walking out with no clearer idea of what to do. And I thought about the Spanish-speaking families in my community who were doing all of that with a language barrier on top of everything else.
That's why I left a career in insurance, went back to school, and built the practice I wish had existed for my own family.
How I Work
My background is in Applied Behavior Analysis and licensed social work, which means I look at behavior through both a scientific lens and a human one.
Behavior doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens in kitchens and classrooms and car rides. It's shaped by what comes before it and what happens after. When we understand those patterns, we can change them — not by forcing a child to be someone they're not, but by shifting the environment, the responses, and the expectations around them.
I work with parents directly, not around them. Because the most lasting change happens when the people who love a child most feel confident and clear about what to do.
My style is warm and direct. I'll be honest with you about what's working and what isn't. I'll break things down into steps that feel doable. And I will always approach your child and your family with respect for who you are, what you value, and where you come from.
Who I Work Best With
I specialize in two specific seasons of the autism journey, and I designed my practice around both.
Families who recently received an autism diagnosis and are trying to understand what that means, what services exist, and where to start. The system can feel overwhelming and hard to navigate — especially without a guide who's been through it.
Families with older teens or young adults who have had a diagnosis for years but are now facing a new set of unknowns. Puberty. High school. Independence. Guardianship. Social life. What comes after school ends. This is territory that can feel just as disorienting as the early days.
I may not be the right fit if:
You are looking for direct therapy for your child (my focus is parent coaching, not child-directed treatment)
You are looking for insurance-based services (I am private pay only)
Training & Background
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Applied Behavior Analysis background (CABA)
10+ years experience working in homes and school settings
Bilingual: English and Spanish
Serving families in the US via telehealth
Think we might be a good fit?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You don't have to have the perfect words — just show up, and we'll go from there.