Autistic and neurodiverse individuals continue to face significantly lower employment rates than their peers. This gap can be reinforced when interventions focus primarily on perceived deficits rather than strengths, sometimes unintentionally undermining confidence and self‑advocacy. KF‑Stride® (Kessler Foundation Strength Identification and Expression) is a research‑backed, online program designed to help autistic and neurodiverse youth and adults prepare for meaningful employment. Grounded in positive psychology, KF‑Stride focuses on identifying and communicating strengths, building confidence, and developing practical workplace skills, supporting participants as they set goals, navigate interviews, and succeed at work.
Having seen firsthand the strengths and potential of neurodiverse individuals, we created KF-Stride. This program not only prepares them for employment but also empowers them to recognize and communicate their abilities.
Scientists at Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research are advancing understanding of autism through innovative, interdisciplinary studies. The Center develops accessible, evidence‑based interventions for children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum, with particular focus on the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood, when support, confidence, and opportunity are especially vital.
A Strength-Based Tool to Help Autistic Adults Find Employment
This fully remote study evaluates the effectiveness of our intervention designed to improve job interview skills in adults with autism.
Your Support Drives Change
Giving to Kessler Foundation brings new, positive possibilities to children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum.
Interview Skills Boost Holly Coviello's Confidence Despite Autism
For 18-year-old Holly Coviello and her mother, the typical questions about finding employment have loomed large. Holly is autistic.
Bianchino Family, Bridging Perspectives in Autism
Inspired by their daughter Kira and her journey on the autism spectrum, Melissa and Tony Bianchino are driving impactful change...
Nadine and Nassan Change the Status Quo for Autism
Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, whose son Nassan is on the autism spectrum, experienced first-hand the lack of accessible, affordable resources in her community.
William Lands a Summer Job
Potential employers ask, “Why are you the right person for the job?” Understanding your strengths helps, especially for those on the spectrum...
Carla Vicari, Autism Meets Mother's Intuition
Sixteen years ago, when I found out I was pregnant, my husband and I were overjoyed. When we learned we were having twins, our joy more than doubled.
Our Autism Scientists in Action
Our Scientists Studying Autism
FAQs About Autism Research
Kessler Foundation’s autism research focuses on practical strategies that help autistic and neurodiverse people build skills for school, work, independent living, and community participation. Read more about our KF-Stride® online program.
Yes. Kessler Foundation researchers develop and study programs that help autistic and neurodiverse young adults build the skills needed for greater independence, including communication, self-advocacy, employment readiness, decision-making, and community participation. These evidence-based interventions help participants prepare for adulthood at school, at work, and in everyday life. Learn more at our Center for Autism Research.
Employment readiness programs help autistic and neurodiverse young adults build workplace skills, communication, self-advocacy, confidence, and problem-solving. Kessler Foundation researcher Helen M. Genova, PhD, developed KF-Stride®, an evidence-based online program that helps participants recognize their strengths, prepare for employment, and successfully transition to adulthood.
Strength-based autism research focuses on a person's abilities, interests, and goals rather than limitations. This approach helps autistic and neurodiverse people build confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for greater independence at school, at work, and in the community. Learn more at our Center for Autism Research.
Participating in research helps advance new rehabilitation strategies that support employment, independence, confidence, and quality of life for autistic and neurodiverse people. Research participation also helps scientists better understand which programs and supports are most effective. To learn more, read our article “3 Reasons to Join a Research Study.”
Yes. Eligibility varies by study. Kessler Foundation research studies may include children, adolescents, young adults, older adults, families, caregivers, and neurotypical volunteers. Visit our Join a Study page to explore current opportunities.
Yes. Some Kessler Foundation autism studies can be completed fully online from home, including studies related to KF-Stride® and employment preparation. Availability varies by study. Visit our Join a Study page to see which remote opportunities are currently recruiting.
