I’m Rebecca Hansen, Ed.D. Thanks for desiring to learn more about who I am and how I may be able to help you and your family. 

I first met a person with autism when I was 24 years old in 2004. It’s sad that it took so long. Regardless, meeting Mr. Lowell Austin changed my life. I was taken back by the fact that social dynamics are exceptionally difficult for many people. Extroverts take their internal charisma for granted. The good news is that social fluidity can be learned to some extent.

I spent the next few years that I had as a graduate assistant for the West Virginia Autism Training Center learning about how ASD impacted Lowell’s life and how I could be an advocate for him while teaching him how to advocate for himself.  

Modeling works. Scripts work. Role playing helps. Stigma still exists. Having a safe environment to ask questions and practice skills is vital.

Following graduate school, I dedicated my career to staying at the WV ATC because I had the exceptional opportunity to establish and develop the College Program for Students with ASD at Marshall University. 

Click here to view my full CV.

I invite you to connect with me to see if I may be an asset to reaching your new heights in life.