Neuroaffirming Autism
Education and Support
PD for occupational therapy professionals
Founded by Dr. Lisa Marnell, an Autistic occupational therapist, the mission of Kids Master Skills is to provide training and education to school professionals in nervous system regulation in Autism so Autistic students can experience emotional safety, achieve academic self-fulfillment, and enjoy the comfort of belonging at school.
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PD for school professionals, teachers, and paraprofessionals
Courses for parents and Autistic students
Dr. Lisa Marnell presents both virtual live PD as well as pre-recorded courses.
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To cultivate staff understanding and support of Autistic students in school, both asynchronous and synchronous "Live" professional development and trainings are available from Kids Master Skills. Teachers and other school professionals in your district may need education on nervous system function among Autistic students and how this information can translate into strategies to use first thing tomorrow, so Autistic students are regulated and ready to learn.
Alternatively, paraprofessionals working one on one with students will benefit from gaining insight for reasons behind common Autistic actions, which will result in fewer power struggles, less time lost to student distress, safer environments for the entire school community, and staff knowing how to identify and implement learning in Autistic students. Click below to learn what trainings are available and to book a Discovery Call.
Dr. Lisa Marnell has presented at AOTA Inspire, the national OT convention in 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026. She has also presented to the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, as well as Stanford Rehabilitation, Washington DC Public Schools, Edmonton Public Schools, and many other organizations.
Reach out to Dr. Lisa Marnell and have provide professional development to your OTs or teaching staff.
Professional Development, Trainings, and Consultation
Complimentary Course on Sensory Processing in Autism
In this introductory-level, 30-minute, pre-recorded video Masterclass, Dr. Lisa Marnell will teach parents, teachers, and OT practitioners how to help sensory sensitive autistic children and teens feel safe by identifying and incorporating PROACTIVE sensory supports into their daily lives.
Learning Objectives include the following:
1- Identify the 5 external and 3 internal sensory systems that may be over-responsive in autistic individuals
2- List 5 sensory supports that can be incorporated in a classroom or at home in order to support sensory-sensitive students.
Agenda:
1- Understand the basic process of sensory processing (10 min)
2- Identify when an autistic student is over-responsive (5 min)
3- Learn proactive supports for sensory sensitivity (15 min)
THIS FREE COURSE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO WATCH NOW!
What People Say About
Dr. Lisa Marnell's Teaching?
Heather, London
The information you share is beyond appreciated. I have been looking everywhere for guidance.
Thank you so much!
Tina, Colorado
I have been an occupational therapist for two years, and I want to keep learning more. I love your videos, Dr. Lisa!
Thank you!
Jennifer, Toronto
I am learning so much from you . Your videos have helped me with my five-year old autistic son who has sensory processing disorder.
Who is Dr. Lisa Marnell?
Hello! I provide specialized Autism education primarily to school districts and schools, in both the United States and Canada. Whether working with OTs or teachers and paraprofessionals, my priority is to teach strategies to support nervous system regulation, which, in turn, cultivates emotional safety, quality of life, deeper and richer engagement in learning, and self-empowerment.
My goal is to incorporate meaning, joy, and agency into the lives of Autistic children. I believe Autism is not a disorder, but rather a different neurotype with its own unique strengths and challenges.
I am an occupational therapist by training with over 20 years of experience. I completed my doctorate at Boston University (BU) where I studied executive function in autism and worked on the faculty at BU for five years. I am also a DIR Floortime Therapist, certified in Sensory Integration through USC, and trained in SOS Feeding. I am diagnosed Autistic myself.
When I am not teaching, creating courses or working with kids, you will likely find me hiking with Luna, my precious husky rescue dog. I look forward to connecting with you!