Social Engagement & the Steps to Being Social: A Practical Guide for Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Marci Laurel, MA, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Programs. Marci has practiced in Albuquerque for the past 35 years providing direct services, consultation, training, and student supervision in public school, private practice, and university settings. She has lectured nationally and internationally on topics related to sensory processing and communication, family issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Marci is co-author of several related publications, most recently Our Hearts' Desire: For Families Navigating the Journey of Sensory Processing Challenges.

Kathleen "Mo" Taylor, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a 30-year history of working with children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Mo works at the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Programs. She teaches and consults around evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD. In addition, Mo has a private practice, Theraplay, where she provides therapy and consultation for people with ASD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Behavioral Differences across the life span. Mo facilitates sensory/social groups and also consults within the community to help provide appropriate evidence-based supports and accommodations for individuals with ASD in classroom, community and home settings. She has shared her experiences through trainings around New Mexico, nationally and internationally. Her career has been devoted to better "real life" outcomes for all individuals.