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MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM®
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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


Understanding Autistic Individuals Beyond Labels
If you’ve ever looked at another autistic child and thought, "Why does it seem easier for them?" Or maybe you've wondered, "Why does no...
Staci Neustadt
Apr 24, 20251 min read


When You’re Both Frustrated: What Happens Next Matters Most
Ever felt like you're the only one trying to hold it together—while everything around you feels like it’s falling apart? Whether you're a...
Staci Neustadt
Apr 17, 20251 min read


How Do YOU Handle Change?
Some people leap into change with excitement. Others need time to warm up. Some cautiously observe first. And many resist it—especially...
Staci Neustadt
Apr 10, 20252 min read


Why Can’t They Do It Again?
Ever had a moment where an autistic child or client did something perfectly one day—but couldn’t do it again the next? Before you assume...
Staci Neustadt
Mar 27, 20251 min read


Understanding Autism: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Have you ever assumed you knew why an autistic person was reacting a certain way—only to realize later that you completely misunderstood?...
Staci Neustadt
Mar 20, 20251 min read


"Attention-Seeking"
Are they just trying to get attention? Or are they telling us something important? When a child drags their hand along the wall, knocks...
Staci Neustadt
Mar 13, 20251 min read


Survivor and Autism?
Stay with me—what you're about to see is important, and I want you to be ready for it. Self-awareness and advocacy are two of the most...
Staci Neustadt
Mar 6, 20251 min read


WHY????
Would you consider yourself as someone who likes "control?" I know when my life feels out of control, I definitely try to control things...
Staci Neustadt
Feb 27, 20252 min read


When Words Fail: Why the Brain Can’t Communicate and Feel at the Same Time
Have you ever watched an autistic child in distress and wondered why they “refuse” to use their words? Why, in moments of frustration,...
Staci Neustadt
Feb 20, 20251 min read


💜 Love Through an Autistic Lens
What Does Love Really Mean? For many, love is a feeling—expressed through words, hugs, or gifts. But what if those expressions don’t...
Staci Neustadt
Feb 14, 20251 min read


Are We Misunderstanding Autistic Strengths?
For years, professionals have been trained to focus on deficits when working with autistic individuals. What’s "wrong"? What "needs...
Staci Neustadt
Feb 6, 20252 min read
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