Brooke Wagner, M.A.

Brooke Wagner, M. A. has supported families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders both locally and internationally since 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University, a Masters Degree in Human Behavior from National University, and is an RDI® Program Certified Consultant. She has also received extensive training and experience in developing and implementing comprehensive programs utilizing RDI®, ABA, Floortime, PRT, PECS, How Does Your Engine Run?, Handwriting Without Tears, Social Stories, Touch Math, and TEACCH.

Brooke believes in a comprehensive approach and, therefore, uses a variety of methodologies based on her past experiences when providing recommendations. In addition, she finds it necessary to regularly communicate with all other specialized therapists (Speech, OT, PT, RSP,etc.). Brooke has also served on the board of the San Diego Autism Society of America for four years and successfully directed the annual “Swing Away For the ASA” golf tournament fundraiser in 2007.

Amy Olts, B.A.

Amy Olts received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cornell University and worked as an ABA therapist in the San Diego area for close to two years. After learning about RDI® and its benefits to families of children with autism, she decided to shift her focus and is currently an RDI® Program Certified Consultant. She is dedicated to applying her knowledge, experience and coursework toward helping children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Amy believes that people with autism deserve to have the highest quality of life and is dedicated to helping them and their families achieve their goals. Her genuine care for the families that she works with, coupled with her natural interpersonal skills make the experience of working with her a valuable and memorable one for both families and children.

Gail Ludwig, M.A.CCC

Gail Ludwig, M.A. has worked as a speech/language pathologist since 1981. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland and her Masters Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Starting in 2003, Gail began working with teenagers with autism spectrum disorders. She struggled greatly to determine how to best meet their needs. She wanted to give them a chance for true remediation. Gail pursued training to become an RDI® Program Certified Consultant and a Certified HANDLE® Screener. These are two developmental interventions that work on increasing neural connectivity in the brain. Gail has a passion for working with families of teenagers on the spectrum and adults on the spectrum, and also enjoys supporting children of all ages.

Michelle Cohen, M.M.F.T.

Michelle has worked therapeutically with families since 2004. She holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marriage Family Human Development and Psychology from Brigham Young University. Michelle worked as an ABA therapist and school aide in the San Diego area for two years before discovering RDI®. She was thrilled to find a perfect fit for supporting families with autism from a systemic approach, consistent with her professional philosophy and background. Quickly following she became an RDI® Program Certified Consultant. Michelle greatly values her work with families with children with autism and assisting them in reaching a high quality of life. She is also deeply humbled by the dedication and commitment she sees in families, feels honored to assist on their remediation journey, and delights in witnessing each moment of discovery and growth.

Ruth M. Strunz, B.A., Certified Montessori Educator

Ruth holds a B.A. from Trent University, Ontario, Canada and is an internationally accredited Montessori Educator. Ruth is an RDI® Program Certified Consultant, who brings a personal passion to her career in RDI®, having remediated her own son’s autism through the RDI® Program. Ruth’s previous experience includes opening and operating her own Montessori School, providing teaching and parent support to clients of the HANDLE® program, and operating her own private RDI® practice in Canada. Ruth holds certification from the Geneva Centre in Toronto as an Autism Intervener with a specialization in Social Skills Training, and has provided social skills development opportunities to children of all ages with ASD. She moved to San Diego to join TAG in 2011. Ruth is the proud mother of 3 children, one of whom lives very successfully with autism!  

Chris Vinceneux, OTR/L

Chris Vinceneux, OTR/L is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders among children. Chris Vinceneux, OTR/L, graduated from the ADERF College of Occupational Therapy in Paris, France in 1985. He is registered and board certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed in California (#6687). Chris has always focused on identifying the most effective methods to help individuals with sensory, motor, behavior, social, and learning difficulties. He believes that every child and family he has worked with motivated him to be the best he could be and brought him a step further in his mission to help individuals with special needs. Over the span of his exciting career, Chris has developed a unique approach to the evaluation and treatment of children with special needs. Chris joined The Autism Group, Inc. (TAG) as he felt that the strong collaborative approach of TAG would allow him to move to the next step of his journey and further support his clients. Chris strives to address the uniqueness of each child he works with by developing out of the box and comprehensive treatment plans. Chris has conducted many training sessions for parents and professionals on the subject of “Sensory processing interventions to improve behavior and learning”. Everyone who has worked with Chris knows how passionate he is about sharing his knowledge and helping his clients and their families!

Lindsey T. Rudder, M.S., C.B.S.

Lindsey T. Rudder is a Certified Biofeedback Specialist and was trained at the International Quantum University for Integrative Medicine. She received her Masters Degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University , San Luis Obispo , CA . She is also a Certified Lactation Educator and she has experience working with families as a nutrition consultant. Lindsey’s vision is to bring balance between traditional and alternative health. Her passions in life are to help people find their true happiness by helping them to take care of their health and learn ways to reduce stress. She has knowledge and experience in working with clients with autism, nutrition, allergies, addictions and cancer. Lindsey looks forward to helping others find their own happiness and ideal health through biofeedback and nutrition.

 Philosophy

The Autism Group Inc. believes that when given the appropriate support all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities have tremendous potential to become active participants in their community, have genuine relationships, and at times live independently. For the best results, a collaborative team approach, requiring parent involvement and communication amongst professionals is recommended to ensure all team members effectively collaborate and approach the individual in a consistent manner. The Autism Group Inc. will make every effort to work together with parents, school districts, and other treatment providers to develop an individualized comprehensive treatment program that functions in the highest interest of our clients.