Breaking Barriers: Women, Autism, and Inclusion with Dr. Stephanie Holmes

In this candid and insightful conversation, host Kristin Walker sits down with Reverend Dr. Stephanie Holmes to explore her personal and professional journey in autism advocacy. From her daughter’s early diagnosis to her family’s multi-perspective book, Dr. Holmes shares how lived experience shaped her mission to support neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families—especially in faith-based communities. Together, they discuss the historic underdiagnosis of women on the spectrum, the nuances of masking, the need for inclusive education, and the often-overlooked intersections of autism, gender, and culture. This episode is a deep dive into breaking stereotypes, amplifying autistic voices, and creating genuine inclusion in schools, marriages, and communities.

​Stephanie C. Holmes graduated from Campbell University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1994. She then completed her Master’s in Counseling  summa cum laude through Liberty University  and further pursued licensing in  the state of NC which was obtained and held from 2001 through 2009. She was an LPC in good standing. Upon moving to Georgia, with a desire to reach more people through tele- counseling, she obtained other certifications to pursue her calling of working with marriage and families with special needs nationally and internationally.  Her highest held degree is an Ed.D from Abilene Christian University, where she graduated with distinction upon completing her dissertation, “Creating an Inclusive Climate for Students on the Autism Spectrum.”​Certifications and Training​

• Certified Master Life Coach through International Board of Christian Counselors (IBCC)
• Certified Mental Health Coach through American Association of Christian Counselors.
• Board Certified Christian Counselor through International Board of Certified Counselors (AACC)
• Board Certified through Georgia Board of Examiners for Georgia Christian Counselors and Therapists
• Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES
• Neurodiverse Couples Certification through AANE
• Neurodiversity Trained and Certified through Neurodiversity Training International
• Ordained through IAOG

holmesasr.com