Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes
Founder – Autism Spectrum Resources for Marriage & Family, LLC
Championing Neurodiverse Voices Through Faith, Research, and Advocacy
Pioneering Compassionate Inclusion Through Personal Experience and Expertise
Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes is a distinguished educator, autism advocate, ordained minister, and counselor who has transformed personal challenges into professional leadership. With over two decades of experience supporting NeuroDiverse individuals and families, she leads two organizations that blend clinical expertise and spiritual guidance:
– Autism Spectrum Resources for Marriage & Family, LLC
– International Association of NeuroDiverse Christian Marriages (IANDCM)
Through these platforms, she empowers professionals, couples, and communities to embrace neurodiversity with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Academic Excellence and Credentials
Dr. Holmes graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, earned her M.A. in Counseling from Liberty University, and completed her Ed.D. in Education from Abilene Christian University, where she graduated with distinction. Her dissertation, Creating an Inclusive Climate for Students on the Autism Spectrum, reflects her enduring commitment to advocacy in educational settings.
She holds multiple certifications:
– Certified Autism Specialist
– Certified Master Life Coach (IBCC)
– Board-Certified Christian Counselor (AACC)
– NeuroDiverse Couples Certification (AANE)
– Neurodiversity Training International Certification
– Ordained Minister (IAOG)
A Personal Journey that Sparked a Global Mission
Stephanie’s advocacy was born from lived experience. Her eldest daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at a time when autism in girls was misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Later, her husband received a similar diagnosis, prompting a complete transformation in her counseling approach and life mission.
Together with her husband Dan, she co-founded the NeuroDiverse Christian Couples Podcast, which has been streamed in over 40 countries with more than 225,000 downloads. Their candid, biblically grounded conversations offer vital guidance to couples navigating NeuroDiverse relationships.
“We’re not just telling stories—we’re helping couples understand that they’re not broken, just wired differently.”
Vision and Mission
Dr. Holmes’s mission is to promote deeper understanding of neurodiversity and train professionals, educators, and faith leaders to foster true inclusion. Her organizations provide coaching, certification, and faith-based educational materials for those working with NeuroDiverse individuals and families.
Her vision is rooted in the belief that every individual—regardless of neurotype—has intrinsic value and the potential to thrive with the right support systems.
“Every person has value, and with the right support, they can fulfill their God-given potential.”
Thought Leadership, Research & Recognition
Dr. Holmes is a widely published author, conference speaker, and internationally respected autism researcher.
Books:
– Embracing Autism Spectrum: Finding Hope & Joy Navigating the NeuroDiverse Family (2023), co-written with her husband Dan and daughters Sydney & Erica.
– Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of NeuroDiverse Marriage (2025, MorganJames Publishing), with a foreword by Dr. Tony Attwood.
– Empowering Autistic Voices in Education (Expected March 2026, Future Horizons), with a foreword by Dr. Temple Grandin.
Academic Publications:
– International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (2024): “Inclusion, autism spectrum, students’ experiences.”
– Tapestry Research in Education: “Parents of Students on the Autism Spectrum Call for Social and Academic Inclusive Practices.”
– Educational Leadership Review: “Educational Leaders Can Lead the Way for Increased Academic Achievement for Students on the Autism Spectrum.”
– Journal of Research in Education: “IEP Process as an Avenue or Barrier to Inclusion.”
– Global Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:
• Vol. 10 No. 2: “Autistic Voices are Missing in Research on Inclusion Best Practices.”
• Vol. 12 No. 1: “Exploring a Later in Life Diagnosis and Its Impact on Marital Satisfaction in the Lost Generation of Autistic Adults.”
– International Journal of Psychiatry: “NeuroDiverse Christian Couples: Autism. Religion. Marriage: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.”
Dr. Holmes has received endorsements from renowned experts Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Temple Grandin, reinforcing the credibility and impact of her work.
Global Reach and Educational Impact
Dr. Holmes is a sought-after speaker and educator, offering keynotes, training programs, and certifications in areas such as:
– Autism in Women & Girls
– Inclusive Christian Counseling
– NeuroDiversity & Faith Integration
– Empowering NeuroDiverse Marriages
– Educational Inclusion and IEP Reform
She collaborates globally with thought leaders, bridging the gap between clinical research, lived experience, and faith-centered support systems.
Overcoming Barriers with Bold Faith
Stephanie has faced challenges both professionally and personally—from navigating the unique traits of autism in females to breaking ground as a woman leader in male-dominated church communities. Yet, she leads with conviction, humility, and bold faith.
“With every book, podcast, and training, I’m building bridges—between individuals, within families, and across communities.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
Dr. Holmes’s story is far from over. As she prepares for future book releases and continues to train educators and counselors worldwide, she remains focused on the goal of inclusion that is authentic, actionable, and lasting.
Her legacy is one of truth, transformation, and testimony—a legacy driven by the belief that neurodiversity is not a barrier, but a powerful lens through which we can better understand, support, and love one another.