Robert Schramm

Robert’s commitment to special education was shaped early in life through his close relationship with an uncle born with Down Syndrome. This personal connection inspired a career that has now spanned 30 years, establishing Robert as a leading figure in the international development and dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). His work has been especially influential in Europe, where he has played a key role in shaping the German ABA landscape.

As Co-Founder and Chief Strategy, Growth and Learning Officer of Knospe-Lerncenter, Robert supports the organization’s strategic direction, ensures sustainable growth, and aligns business objectives with company culture and operational excellence. Combining executive leadership with deep hands-on expertise, he oversees professional development, ABA hiring, capital initiatives, supporting the management team and long-term learning strategies —always with the goal of improving the lives of children and families.

Robert began his career in California’s public school system, where he served as one of the state’s first “Inclusion Specialists.” He holds a master’s degree in special education from California State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Throughout his career, he has traveled extensively to learn from and collaborate with ABA pioneers around the world.

Together with his wife and co-founder Nadine, Robert established Knospe-ABA in Germany, which has since become the country’s leading ABA service provider. Their programs have transformed the lives of thousands of families, and Robert’s written works—incl. Motivation and Reinforcement and The 7 Steps to Earning Instructional Control—are widely used by professionals in the ABA/VB community.

Robert has also held a professorship at the University of Oldenburg, co-authored a chapter in the foundational university textbook Autismus, and advises organizations internationally, including serving as an advisor for Bancroft’s special education school in Chicago. A sought-after international speaker, he continues to share his insights at conferences worldwide.

Robert brings not only extensive expertise but also a deep, enduring passion—championing evidence-based methods and empowering staff through comprehensive, cutting-edge training.