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MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM®
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Rules, Honesty, and Flexibility: Understanding Choices Through the Autistic Lens
Have you ever been called rigid or too honest ? Many autistic people hear those words, and it can feel like criticism of who we are. The...
Staci Neustadt
Aug 21, 20251 min read
Are We Accidentally Creating Inflexible Learners?
When we think about supporting autistic children, most of us lean on structure, routine, and repetition. These tools feel safe,...
Staci Neustadt
Aug 21, 20252 min read
Joint Attention in Autism: Why It Looks Different & How to Support It (Free Strategies Guide)
When most people hear the term “joint attention in autism,” they picture a child looking at an adult, following a point, or sharing a...
Staci Neustadt
Aug 14, 20252 min read
Why Goals Stall: The Skills No One’s Looking For
Have you ever worked so hard to support an autistic individual—only to feel stuck, like progress isn’t happening no matter how many...
Staci Neustadt
Aug 7, 20252 min read
Not All Behavior Is Asking for Help
Here’s How to Tell the Difference... Have you ever watched an autistic student start stimming, leave the room without asking, or throw...
Staci Neustadt
Jul 31, 20251 min read
When Words Aren’t the Message:
Understanding Autistic Communication Through Actions I remember watching a client hit their head repeatedly and feeling absolutely...
Staci Neustadt
Jul 24, 20251 min read
Your Response Matters: How We Shape Autistic Communication
Ever wonder why a child stops trying to communicate? It might not be about ability—it might be about your response. Every gesture,...
Staci Neustadt
Jul 17, 20251 min read
Is It Them… or Is It You? How Your Stress Impacts Autistic Support
Have you ever walked into a session—or a parenting moment—already overwhelmed, only to find that the smallest thing sets you off? Maybe...
Staci Neustadt
Jul 10, 20251 min read
"Behavior Is Communication"
What If the Behavior You’re Trying to Stop Is the Key to Understanding? So many parents and professionals ask the same question: “Why is...
Staci Neustadt
Jul 3, 20251 min read
Why Every Autistic Person Deserves a Place to Belong
So many autistic individuals grow up feeling different—and completely alone. Not because they lack the desire to connect, but because...
Staci Neustadt
Jun 25, 20251 min read
Why Traditional Assessments Aren’t Telling You What You Need to Know
“Stop comparing us to neurotypical development.” That powerful quote from Susan Golubock, a retired autistic occupational therapist,...
Staci Neustadt
Jun 19, 20251 min read
Why Teaching Soft Skills in a “Hard Skills” Way Doesn’t Work
One of the biggest misunderstandings in autism support is the assumption that teaching a skill means the learner will naturally know how,...
Staci Neustadt
Jun 12, 20252 min read
I Statements Help Me Speak My Truth—Without Hurting Yours
Have you ever been told you're too blunt or too honest ? Maybe you've said something with the best of intentions—just to share your...
Staci Neustadt
Jun 8, 20252 min read
When the World Feels Like Too Much:
Why Co-Regulation Is Key for Autistic Individuals (and Us) Have you ever had one of those days where nothing goes as planned? You spill...
Staci Neustadt
Jun 5, 20251 min read
Compliance Doesn’t Build Connection—But This Does
How do you feel when someone dangles a reward in front of you—promising praise, a treat, or a break—if you just do the hard thing they’re...
Staci Neustadt
May 29, 20251 min read
Bridging the Gap: Autistic and Non-Autistic Communication
Have you ever wondered why small talk is such a big deal for some people and feels completely pointless to others? In our new video...
Staci Neustadt
May 24, 20251 min read
What Helps Autistic Students Helps Everyone: Rethinking Support in Schools
If one small change could make school safer, calmer, and more inclusive—for everyone—why wouldn’t we do it? Too often, supports for...
Staci Neustadt
May 22, 20252 min read
Is It Really Manipulation? Or Are We Missing the Message?
If you've ever described a child as “controlling,” “manipulative,” or “defiant,” you’re not alone. As a parent or professional, you’re...
Staci Neustadt
May 15, 20252 min read
Are You Giving Too Much?
The other day, I walked into the living room and saw a pile of toys scattered across the floor. My child was sitting nearby, calm but...
Staci Neustadt
May 8, 20252 min read
Why Meeting Everyone’s Needs Matters Most
"My goal wasn’t to fix the child—it was to build the bond.” That powerful quote from Susan, an autistic retired occupational therapist,...
Staci Neustadt
May 1, 20252 min read
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