7/23/2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST


Location: Technology Center at Innovation Park, 200 Innovation Boulevard - Room 243, State College, PA 16801


There are currently 65 spots remaining out of 65

Description
This presentation, delivered by experienced placement experts, explores practical, inclusive employment strategies to help individuals on the autism spectrum secure and maintain meaningful employment. Drawing on evidence-based practices and real-world placement experience, this session highlights how employers can create supportive environments through tailored job matching, structured onboarding, clear communication practices, and reasonable workplace accommodations. Attendees will gain actionable insights into fostering neurodiversity, improving retention, and building workplace cultures that recognize and leverage the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.
 
Objectives

• Identify evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum in securing and maintaining meaningful employment, including tailored job matching and structured onboarding practices.
• Explain how clear communication, workplace accommodations, and inclusive practices can improve employee retention and overall workplace success.
• Apply practical approaches to fostering neurodiversity in the workplace by recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.

 This program is valid for 1.5 PDCs for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
This program has been approved for 1.5 HR (General) recertification credit hour toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™ recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
 
Presenter
Laura Gardner
Clinical Administrator, Skills of Central PA
 
Laura Gardner is the Clinical Administrator at Skills of Central PA, where she provides strategic clinical leadership across a wide range of behavioral health programs, including Psychiatric Rehabilitation (site-based and mobile), Clubhouse, Peer Support Services, and Behavioral Support Services. With more than 20 years of experience as a Mental Health Therapist and over 27 years in the mental health and human services field, Laura brings a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to person-centered care.
 
Her diverse career includes roles in behavioral health, higher education, mobile therapy, and wraparound services, showcasing her versatility and dedication to supporting individuals with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.
 
Laura is especially passionate about working with adolescents and adults facing a variety of mental health diagnoses, substance abuse issues, and intellectual disabilities. She advocates for a person-first approach, firmly believing in the power of recovery and the human potential for growth, change, and becoming one's best self.
 
To stay at the forefront of the field, Laura continually engages in professional development through training, conferences, and workshops, integrating evidence-based practices into her work and leadership.