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  3. Robert Schmus
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Robert Schmus

LCSW
Motivational Speaker/ Autism Self Advocate
Country or state 
United States
Available to 
Global
City 
Bryn Mawr
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Bio

Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW serves as a clinician at Youth Consultation Services. In his practice, Robert supports adolescents with developmental disabilities, including autism, utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the spectrum of autism places him in a very unique role.

He holds degrees from Concordia College of New York and the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and is licensed in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He serves as a board member of ASCEND (Autism & Asperger’s Alliance of Greater Philadelphia) and in an advisory capacity for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of Philadelphia. Robert has also been appointed to be on the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Concordia College of New York.

Among Robert’s publications are his regular contributions to The Mighty. He writes on important topics ranging from addressing the struggles individuals with autism can experience with anxiety (https://themighty.com/2017/10/anxiety-and-autism-coping-strategies/) to growing leadership and advocacy within the autism acceptance movement (https://themighty.com/2018/04/autism-acceptance-fight/).

Robert is in the unique position of supporting his peers, as well their loved ones and family members. As a self advocate, Robert brings his refreshing, insightful perspectives as a clinician and a person with autism to his presentations, providing helpful information to families, those with autism and other neuro-disversities, as well as people who support them.

Robert is eager to expand his advocacy through speaking engagements. Past speaking experiences include giving talks at The 43rd Philadelphia Regional Developmental Disabilities Conference at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as at The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism Workshop, hosted by Advo-Kids/The Fusion Academy. His work has also led him to recieve the Concordia College of New York Young Alumni of Distinction Award in 2018.

Robert has also been interviewed on the YouTube channel On The Spectrum with Teri Matthews, as well as on the podcast Special Education Out Loud, both of which he talked about living in the spectrum and self advocacy. It should also be noted that he and a colleague have created a motivational speaking firm known as Schmus & St. Clair.

In his free time, Robert loves to workout, go for a run, read, paint, write, travel, attend festivals, visit museums, listen to music, as well as meetup with family, friends, and spend time with his fiancée.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 6092807863

Website: www.schmusstclair.com

Current position (2)

Motivational Speaker/ Autism Self Advocate

Clinician

Youth Consultation Services

Degrees (2)
Social Work
Concordia College New York
2007 to 2011
Social Work
University of Pennsylvania
2011 to 2012

Presentations

Presentations (6)
Spectrum Life

I present my experience of working with those on the spectrum while being autistic myself. The audience will learned what perspectives a person on the spectrum can bring, the transference that occurs, and what can be learned professionally and personally from it. I also go into detail on my life being autistic and how it shaped me to who I am today.

Don’t Disguise Me

In this presentation, my colleague and I discuss the dangers of masking autism. For instance, masking autism can lead to a great deal of anxiety and depression to the autistic person. We also describe how certain autistic characteristics can be a strength for the autistic individual, such as how stimming can help with managing anxiety.

The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism

This was an organized presentation with a colleague, in which we shared personal stories, experiences, and advice with parents and professionals about self-advocacy on the autism spectrum.

Being Autistic During the Covid-19 Pandemic

For this presentation, my colleague and I describe how the autistic community has been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, such as how quarantine and isolation has led to a great deal of anxiety and depression. We also discuss what has helped the community during this time. For instance, focusing on interests and online support groups have been helpful.

A Bit of Advocacy

For this presentation, my colleague and I discuss the importance of advocacy in the autism community. Such advocacy issues discussed include advocating for employment, housing, education, and social skills. We also discuss the importance of autistics to advocate for themselves.

Spectrum Life (Keynote)

I was the keynote speaker for this conference. For my keynote, I presented my experience being an autistic individual and it led me to be a self advocate and how it has shaped my life. I also went into detail on the strengths of the autistic community, the obstacles that they face, what can be done to overcome them, and the importance of autism acceptance.

Past talks (6)
Don’t Disguise Me
Schmus & St. Clair
Virtual
May 16, 2021
Being Autistic During The Covid19 Pandemic
Schmus & St. Clair
Virtual
February 20, 2021
A Bit of Advocacy
Schmus & St. Clair
Virtual
October 3, 2020
The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism
The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism
Advo-Kids/The Fusion Academy - Cherry Hill, NJ
January 9, 2020
Spectrum Life
43rd Philadelphia Developmental Disability Conference
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
May 10, 2019
Spectrum Life
44th Philadelphia Regional Developmental Disability Conference
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
October 3, 2022
  • All (9)
  • Videos (7)
  • Photos
  • Slides (2)
Schmus & St. Clair as Autistics Helping Autistics
‎Special Education Out Loud: Self-Advocacy and Autism: The personal side of strength, stereotype, and romance on Apple Podcasts
70. Transitioning into Adulthood, with Robert Schmus
YouTube
This speaker hasn't uploaded any photos yet.
Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life 2022
This speaker hasn't uploaded any one sheet yet.
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (14)

Why Nature Can Be a Great Source of Self-Care
Come on, Guys: We Need to Talk About Our Emotions and Mental Health
4 Reasons Why I'm Proud to Be Autistic
I Will Not Apologize for Being Autistic
I'm Autistic and I Don't Want to Be 'Fixed'
How COVID-19 Actually Strengthened My Relationship
Why Do We Mask How We Cope as Autistic People?
Why the Future of the ADA Should Include More Support for People With Developmental Disabilities
How I'm Coping With COVID-19 Anxiety as an Autistic Person
The Technique That Helps Me With Processing as an Autistic Person
Leading the Fight for Autism Acceptance
Putting Out the 'Autistic Help Wanted' Sign
Getting Through My Struggles With 'Aspie Anxiety'
Where will the autistic adults go?

Expertise (18)

Leadership
Health & Well-being
Skills & Trades
Other
Autism acceptance Autism Autism communication Advocacy Advocacy and Outreach Advocating for people with disabilities Being an advocate Learn to Advocate Self-Advocacy Mental health advocate being a leader Neurodiversity in the Workplace Neurodiversity Mental health
Recommendations
Why choose me? 

Robert brings to his speakings a since of optimism and hope for fellow autistics and their families.

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