In this recorded webinar, Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, explores a strength‑based, evidence‑driven approach to autism research grounded in positive psychology. The session highlights research focused on expanding employment opportunities, participation, and quality of life for autistic and neurodiverse individuals.

The webinar also features KF‑Stride®, a research‑backed program that helps autistic and neurodiverse young adults identify their strengths and communicate them effectively to achieve their personal and professional goals.

The recording concludes with a panel discussion featuring Michelle and Gabe Schaerf, a mother and son participating in Kessler Foundation research, and Michael Dacanay, senior research assistant and program facilitator, sharing real‑world perspectives on how strength‑focused research and programs are applied in daily life.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Strengths-based approaches dramatically outperform deficit-focused methods. KF-Stride's 54% employment rate, compared with 12% in the control group, demonstrates that framing autism as a set of unique abilities rather than limitations is far more effective.

  • Interview preparation is a critical, often-overlooked barrier. Many autistic individuals struggle not with job capability but with communicating their strengths in interviews, making targeted interview support a high-impact intervention.

  • Positive psychology tools work better than traditional job training. Using animated videos and personalized coaching to build confidence and self-awareness produces superior outcomes compared to conventional employment support programs.

 

In this webinar:  
00:00 – Welcome, Shelby Nielsen  
01:07 – Autism research at Kessler Foundation, Helen Genova, PhD

Panel Discussion: 
22:34 – Michelle Schaerf 
25:17 – Gabriel Schaerf 
29:30 – Michael Dacanay
33:11 – Helen Genova, PhD 
38:07 – Gabe Schaerf

39:30 – Wrap-up