Some kids come to small talk, table manners, and friendships easily. For others, those same moments can feel confusing, tiring, or full of unwritten rules nobody ever explained. At L&S Consulting, we offer warm, practical coaching that helps young people ages 8–21 build social confidence in their own way, at their own pace.
Families started asking us for this. They wanted help with manners, conversation, friendships, birthday invitations, and the everyday skills that lead to a first job and more independent living. We built this service to answer those questions with respect, patience, and plenty of real-world practice.
We don’t try to change who your child is. We help them understand the social expectations around them, choose what works for them, and show up as themselves with more ease.
This coaching is a good fit for children, teens, and young adults (roughly ages 8–21) who:
Parents and caregivers are part of the process too. We’ll share what we’re working on so you can support your child at home and in the community.
Every young person is different, so coaching is shaped around their goals and interests. Common areas include:
Every young person deserves to feel heard, respected, and safe. We help kids and teens find the words and confidence to speak up for themselves and others, in ways that feel natural to them.
Speaking up and self-advocacy
Communication skills
Recognizing and responding to bullying
Staying safe online
We practice these skills through conversation and role-play, and families get ideas for reinforcing them at home.
We offer flexible options so coaching fits your family’s needs and schedule.
Individual sessions focused fully on your child’s goals. A good choice for young people who prefer a quieter setting, want very personalized support, or are working on specific situations.
Small, thoughtfully matched groups by age and goals. Groups give participants a supportive place to practice skills with peers in real time and to connect with others.
Coach-supported trips to real places in your community, like a store, restaurant, park, or arcade, to practice skills where they’re actually used. Available as private or small group sessions. See Community Outings below for details.
A coach joins your child at their own birthday party, practice, game, club, or activity to offer quiet, in-the-moment support, so you can simply enjoy the event.
Some skills click best in the real world. Community outings give young people the chance to practice in everyday places with a coach right beside
them, offering encouragement, reminders, and a calm presence when something new comes up.
Skills we might practice on an outing:
How outings work:
Sometimes the best place to practice is at your child’s own activities. A coach can attend events like birthday parties, sports practices and games, clubs, and school or community activities to offer on-site, low-key support in the moment. That might look like a quick check-in before joining a group, a quiet reminder about a skill you’ve been practicing, or a short break when things feel like a lot.
Our goal is to support your child without drawing attention or stepping in more than needed, so they can take part in their own way. And you don’t have to be the one coaching from the sidelines. Before the event, we’ll talk with you about your child’s goals and what kind of support feels right.
1. Intake conversation
We start by getting to know your child and family: their strengths, interests, communication style, and what you’re hoping to see.
2. Setting goals together
We work with your child and family to choose clear, meaningful goals. Your child’s voice matters in this step, so the goals feel like theirs.
3. Practice and role-play
Sessions are active and encouraging. We use conversation, role-play, real-life scenarios, and your child’s interests to practice skills in a low-pressure way.
4. Home carryover tips
After sessions, families get simple ideas to practice at home, at school, and in the community, so new skills show up where they matter most.
5. Progress updates
We check in regularly to share what’s going well, what we’re working on next, and adjust goals as your child grows.
Is this coaching only for autistic youth?
No. Many of the young people we work with are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent, but coaching is open to any child, teen, or young adult (roughly ages 8–21) who wants to build social confidence and everyday etiquette skills.
How do I know if 1:1 or small group is the better fit?
We’ll talk through it together during the intake conversation. Some young people start with private sessions and move into a group when they’re ready; others thrive in a group from day one. We’ll help you choose what fits your child best.
Will my child be asked to act “less like themselves”?
Not at all. Our approach is strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming. We focus on understanding social expectations, building practical tools, and helping young people make their own choices, not on masking or changing who they are.
Do parents take part in sessions?
Families are an important part of the process. Depending on your child’s age and goals, parents may join part of a session, and you’ll always receive home practice tips and progress updates.
We’d love to hear about your child and what you’re hoping for. Reach out to ask questions or schedule an intake conversation.
Email us at info@lsconsultingmn.com
L&S Consulting: supporting Minnesota youth and families with respect, practical skills, and confidence for everyday life.
L&S Consulting does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, familial status, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or status with regard to public assistance.
For a copy of the Client Handbook, email info@lsconsultingmn.com
For questions, email admin@lsconsultingmn.com
CARF Accreditation and VRS Requirements
To provide quality services to our clients, our organization is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). This accreditation ensures that we meet high standards for employment and community services, focusing on personalized, effective, and measurable support to help clients achieve meaningful employment and community integration.
Reaccreditation is required every three years to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with CARF standards, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to excellence and client-centered outcomes.
For a copy of the Client Handbook or to view our documents in another language, Please send an email to info@lsconsultingmn.com
3-year Accreditation Expires 8/31/2027
Survey Findings
This report provides a summary of the organization's strengths and identifies the sections of the CARF standards that were applied on the survey and the findings in each area. In conjunction with its evaluation of conformance to the specific program/service standards, CARF assessed conformance to its business practice standards, referred to as Section 1. ASPIRE to Excellence, which are designed to support the delivery of the program(s)/service(s) within a sound business operating framework to promote long-term success.
The specific standards applied from each section vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the scope(s) of the program(s)/service(s), population(s) served, location(s), methods of service delivery, and survey type. Information about the specific standards applied on each survey is included in the standards manual and other instructions that may be provided by CARF.
Areas of Strength
CARF found that L&S Consulting, LLC demonstrated the following strengths:
- L&S Consulting has received several compliments from stakeholders regarding its availability and flexibility in creatively working with the clients. The organization is known to be available for consultation, collaboration, and any other communication needed for the clients.
- It should be noted that L&S Consulting has built an excellent reputation in the community and is one of the top organizations to refer to from its vocational rehabilitation services (VRS) referral sources and funders. This is to be expected from owners who go above and beyond to provide a variety of curricula for the development of their clients and clearly enjoy their work together immensely.
The organization’s staff members have curated a variety of job opportunities that match the clients’ unique talents and needs, and they go out of their way to accommodate the clients' "dream jobs" as best they can. One parent noted, "The staff worked hard to find my son his dream job, and it was near our home. She went above and beyond."
The organization has created a stable and cohesive work group among the staff members, who feel supported even though they work in a virtual environment. The staff members uniformly noted that they feel guided and supported by the owners and their coworkers even though they are not in an office together.
L&S Consulting’s leadership has a strong background and qualifications in providing employment services. It has created an organizational culture that is highly person-centered and that espouses a commitment to high-quality service delivery. Leadership has been tenacious in developing and growing services since the company was formed in 2019, growing a staff team and service delivery to meet the needs of the communities served.
L&S Consulting’s website was redesigned in 2024 with a focus on varied messaging formats for its stakeholders. For example, there is a customized area for youths and others seeking services to get information, which is provided not only in text but also in visual formats that increase access to and interest in the information. There are also customized areas for families, businesses, and other stakeholders. The website is a great representation of the organization and its quality service delivery.
L&S Consulting’s staff members work in a flexible hybrid work environment, providing services both virtually and in-person based on the desires of the clients served. Leadership has done an excellent job supporting its team, ensuring effective communication and cohesion among staff members even though they spend little time in the same environment. Cohesion-building efforts include using a group text to promote ongoing communication and updates, monthly meetings for all team members, virtual social events, and other ways to ensure connectedness.
L&S Consulting was recently named the Community Transition Provider of the Year by the Transition Specialties Division of the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association, recognizing the organization's exceptional work supporting transition-aged youths.
- The organization provides excellent training and development opportunities for staff members. Onboarding is comprehensive, and additional learning opportunities are available through a learning management system. Additionally, the organization encourages the staff members to participate in customized employment training through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) to expand their employment services skill set. The organization has recently partnered with a unique training program offered by offering regular resources and tips for individuals working in employment services.
- L&S Consulting has well-developed employment policies and procedures that are summarized in its handbook for staff members. The information is reviewed and updated regularly and is supported by the advice of outside counsel so that the organization stays abreast of changing employment laws.
- L&S Consulting has well-developed performance measurement and management practices that guide its annual plans for service delivery and business functions. The plans are adapted on a regular basis to reflect the operational changes the organization plans for ongoing quality improvement. Additionally, there is ongoing access to reports related to the clients’ characteristics, referral sources, and other key information that the organization uses to monitor changes over time.