DEANNA PICON    -    YAC FOUNDER

Deanna Picon is a nationally recognized autism and special needs parenting expert, and the Founder of Your Autism Coach LLC, where she provides personalized coaching, support programs, and seminars for parents of children and adults with autism and special needs.

As the mother of a non-verbal, young adult man with autism, she brings firsthand, lived experience to every resource she creates.

Picon established YOUR AUTISM COACH to help special needs parents overcome the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs, while having a rewarding and productive life for themselves.

Picon has received multiple “Top Parental Advice Writer" awards from Autism Parenting Magazine and the “Top Family Guidance Writer” Award from Exceptional Needs Today Magazine.

Her articles have also appeared in Exceptional Parent Magazine and Parenting Special Needs Magazine.

She is the author of several books for special needs families, including “The Autism Parents' Guide To Reclaiming Your Life: How To Build The Best Life While Successfully Raising A Child With Autism”, “Surviving The Thunderbolt: How To Cope When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism”, “Special Needs Student Success: How To Have A Great School Year With Your Autistic Child” and “Special Needs Holiday Magic: How To Enjoy A Great Holiday Season With Your Autistic Child”.

Through her books and articles, Picon offers parents the same practical guidance and emotional support she provides through her coaching practice. 

Picon understands how heartbreaking a diagnosis of autism can be for parents and the personal struggles that often follow. But through her own journey with autism, Picon also recognizes the special joys, rewarding experiences and unique life gifts which can result from raising a child with a disability.

Her personal mission is to empower parents as they advocate for their child, while balancing productive work and family lives.

Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University. Picon is a graduate of the Management Training and Development Diploma Program from New York University’s Management Training Institute.

She brings over 20 years of professional coaching and management development experience to her work including roles at major Fortune 500 companies such as American Express, Avon Products and McGraw-Hill.