You know your child is capable of incredible things,
if only the system would stop getting in their way.
At Find YOUR Way, we help neurodivergent students and young adults navigate high school, college, and career decisions with clarity, confidence, and care.
You know your child is capable of incredible things,
if only the system would stop getting in their way.
At Find YOUR Way, we help neurodivergent students and young adults navigate high school, college, and career decisions with clarity, confidence, and care.
Financial Aid Options
We believe support should be accessible.
That’s why we match the need-based financial aid you may be receiving at your school, college, or university offering up to a 50% reduction in our fees.
This isn’t just professional
It’s deeply personal
We understand what it’s like to feel misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked. That’s why Find YOUR Way is grounded in a neuroaffirming approach, one that values curiosity over conformity, support over survival, and self-trust over fitting in.
Every student and young adult deserves guidance that honors their unique strengths, pace, and potential. This work is more than a career, it’s our calling.
Meet Lara Schaeffer
Advocate, Educator, Guide
Lara Schaeffer is an internationally recognized resource on neurodiversity and neurodivergent support. At Find YOUR Way, Lara blends decades of professional expertise with the compassion, empathy, and insight that her own late-identified autism has given her. She is especially attuned to the needs of neurodivergent students, college applicants, and career seekers, and she is deeply committed to helping them thrive.
With 28 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and leader in independent schools, and three years focused exclusively on neurodivergent support, Lara has guided hundreds of students through academic, social, and professional challenges.
Lara previously served as:
- College Counselor and Director of College Counseling at the Birch Wathen Lenox School (Manhattan)
- Director of Enrollment Management at Far Hills Country Day School
- Head of the English Department and Upper School Admissions Committee Member at Oak Knoll School
While her leadership roles were impactful, her 28-year career teaching high school English, 25 of those years with college-bound seniors, brought her the greatest joy through building strong relationships and mentoring students.
Lara’s Journey and Advocacy
Lara’s late identification as autistic, following her daughter’s diagnosis at 15, sparked her determination to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals. She returned her focus to the high school, college, and career settings where her expertise could make the biggest difference.
Today, Lara is a sought-after speaker, writer, and advocate for neurodivergent empowerment. She has presented at international conferences, moderated a global panel, and contributed to advancing awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity worldwide.
Highlights include:
- Moderator for the United Nations' Autism Awareness Day 2024 (North America & Caribbean panel)
- Keynote Presenter, International Women’s Day 2024 (Paris)
- Lead Panelist, "Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent in Schools" (LinkedIn Live, 2023)
- Lead Panelist, "The Neurodiversity Advantage" (DIFEST Global Conference, 2022)
- Panelist, "Understanding Autism/ASD in Girls and Women" (New York University, 2022)
- Presenter, "Careers in the Humanities for Neurodivergent Students" (Institute of Neurodiversity Global Conference, 2022)
- Counseled hundreds of students in writing, applications, and transitions into higher education and careers
Lara is also an active member of ION Global (Institute of Neurodiversity) and ASAN (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network).
