VIDEOS

Are traditional autism assessments missing something important? In this video, we talk about what gets overlooked when we “fragment” autistic children into separate categories — speech, sensory, behavior, emotions — instead of understanding how everything works together. When therapists and educators ignore sensory processing, nervous system regulation, gut health, trauma, and identity, we often see: Skills that only show up in therapy but not in real life Compliance instead of true development Children performing to survive, not learning to thrive Increased frustration, shutdown, or behaviors Autistic individuals process information, emotions, and sensory input differently. If we assess them as if they are “just like everyone else,” we miss critical pieces that impact progress. In this conversation, we discuss: ✔ Why traditional assessments can fragment the child ✔ How sensory and regulation affect communication and learning ✔ Why compliance is not the same as growth ✔ The importance of honoring identity in therapy ✔ What holistic autism assessment really looks like We also introduce our neuro-affirming Strengths, Stressors, and Supports Profile, which helps parents and professionals see the whole child — not just deficits or scores. If you’re a parent, teacher, SLP, OT, psychologist, or therapist who wants to move beyond standardized scores and toward meaningful development, this video is for you. 🔗 Download the free shortened Strengths, Stressors, and Supports Profile below. https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/quick-assessment 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations about understanding autism without trying to “fix” it. #AutismAssessment #NeuroAffirming #AutismSupport #SLP #OccupationalTherapy #AutisticIdentity #HolisticTherapy #MakingSenseOfAutism Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported. Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems. On this channel, you’ll find: *Practical strategies for supporting autistic children, teens, and adults *Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives from autistic and professional voices *Tools for parents, educators, and therapists to better understand behavior, sensory *processing, executive functioning, and communication *Resources that highlight autistic strengths and shift away from compliance-based approaches We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy. Subscribe to join our community and start making sense of autism—through understanding, compassion, and connection. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/ For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

What if everything an autistic child does—even walking away or pulling your hand—is communication? In this eye-opening episode, autistic retired OT Susan Golubock and SLP Staci Neustadt dive into what it really means to honor all forms of communication—from AAC and gestures to behaviors and body language. You’ll learn how neurotypical biases can lead to misinterpreting or dismissing meaningful communication attempts, and how recognizing these modes of expression creates connection, trust, and learning opportunities. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this video will help you: Understand why some autistic individuals act on thoughts instead of speaking Identify purposeful and non-purposeful communication Use AAC, gestures, and behavior as valid tools for connection Shift from “use your words” to “I see what you’re telling me” Avoid common pitfalls like only reinforcing verbal requests Embrace total communication and build reciprocal relationships 💬 “They had a thought. They acted on it. That’s communication.” – Susan Golubock 👉 Subscribe and join us every week as we unpack autistic strengths and differences with honesty, empathy, and insight. #AACAwareness #TotalCommunication #NeurodiversityAffirming #AutisticCommunication #MakingSenseOfAutism #SpeechTherapy #AutismSupport #GestaltLanguageProcessing Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired occupational therapist. Her passion is the brain and the company's mission is to help people connect with autistic individuals through understanding their differences. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to www.makingsenseofautism.com. For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

What does hope really mean when you’re raising or supporting an autistic child? In this conversation, we explore why progress doesn’t come from pushing harder—but from understanding what an autistic individual is ready for and building on their strengths and motivation instead of adult expectations. Many parents and professionals feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure if they’re helping. This video explains why that feeling isn’t failure—it’s often a sign that important signals are being missed. You’ll learn: Why building on autistic strengths increases confidence and competence How motivation shows us where learning should begin Why social goals don’t work if emotional readiness isn’t there yet What autistic individuals need from parents and caregivers to feel supported How explicit language and shared experiences build real connection Here is the link to identify autistic strengths: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/quick-assessment Susan shares why autistic individuals often need adults to say out loud what typical people assume is understood—especially when it comes to emotions, connection, and support. This video is for: Parents of autistic children Therapists, teachers, and educators Anyone who wants to understand autistic behavior through a neuro-affirming, strengths-based lens If you’ve ever wondered: Why isn’t my autistic child motivated? Why don’t social skills strategies work? How do I support my autistic child without trying to change them? This conversation will help you see where to begin. 👉 Subscribe for weekly videos where we help you make sense of autistic behavior, readiness, strengths, and support—without trying to fix autism, but by understanding it. Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported. Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems. On this channel, you’ll find: *Practical strategies for supporting autistic children, teens, and adults *Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives from autistic and professional voices *Tools for parents, educators, and therapists to better understand behavior, sensory *processing, executive functioning, and communication *Resources that highlight autistic strengths and shift away from compliance-based approaches We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy. Subscribe to join our community and start making sense of autism—through understanding, compassion, and connection. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/ For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

What if the behaviors we label as “challenging” aren’t about defiance, attention, or control—but about safety? In this episode of Making Sense of Autism, speech-language pathologist Staci Neustadt and autistic retired occupational therapist Susan Golabach explore a powerful and often misunderstood idea: 👉 Some autistic children aren’t testing limits—they’re checking to see if they’re safe. We discuss: Why autistic children may watch adults closely, freeze, flee, or stop behaviors suddenly How fear, past experiences, and nervous system dysregulation shape behavior The difference between a child seeking control vs. a child seeking safety How compliance-based approaches can increase fear and trauma Why safety is the foundation for regulation, learning, communication, and goal progress What cooperative problem-solving looks like instead of authority-based compliance Susan shares her lived experience as an autistic person who learned to comply in order to avoid punishment and discomfort—offering insight you won’t hear in traditional behavior training. Staci connects these experiences to real-world therapy, classroom, and parenting examples, including: Children who hit, throw, run, or “test” adults Why staying regulated as an adult matters more than reacting How small moments of safety build deep trust and connection 💡 If you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or caregiver supporting autistic children—and wondering “Why is this happening?”—this conversation offers a compassionate, neuroscience-informed reframe. At Making Sense of Autism, our goal is to help you: ✔ Understand autistic behavior ✔ Reduce stress and escalation ✔ Support regulation without trying to “fix” autism ✔ Build connection through safety and cooperation 📌 Subscribe for weekly videos on autism, behavior, nervous system regulation, and neuro-affirming support 💬 Comment below with topics you want us to cover next Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported. Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems. On this channel, you’ll find: *Practical strategies for supporting autistic children, teens, and adults *Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives from autistic and professional voices *Tools for parents, educators, and therapists to better understand behavior, sensory *processing, executive functioning, and communication *Resources that highlight autistic strengths and shift away from compliance-based approaches We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy. Subscribe to join our community and start making sense of autism—through understanding, compassion, and connection. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/ For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

f you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist who feels discouraged because the strategies you were taught aren’t working, this conversation is for you. In this video, Staci Neustadt, speech-language pathologist and CEO of Making Sense of Autism, and Susan Golubock, a retired autistic occupational therapist, talk openly about something many people think—but rarely say out loud: 👉 “Why isn’t this working if I’m doing everything I was taught?” You’re often told to: Be more consistent Raise expectations Add rewards or consequences Stick with the plan longer But what if the reason these strategies aren’t working isn’t because you’re failing— but because they don’t match how the autistic brain processes information? In this conversation, we explore: Why compliance-based strategies (like first-then charts and token systems) can increase stress How adding more demands can make learning feel impossible What autistic shutdown, avoidance, or “refusal” is really communicating Why motivation and understanding why a skill matters must come before performance How recognizing the “not ready” state can prevent meltdowns and burnout—for everyone This video is not about blaming parents or professionals. It’s about relief, clarity, and understanding what’s missing when good intentions aren’t enough. When you shift from “Why aren’t they doing this?” to “What support is missing right now?” everything changes—connection, learning, and your confidence. 📌 Subscribe for weekly conversations centered on understanding—not fixing—autism. Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported. Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems. On this channel, you’ll find: *Practical strategies for supporting autistic children, teens, and adults *Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives from autistic and professional voices *Tools for parents, educators, and therapists to better understand behavior, sensory *processing, executive functioning, and communication *Resources that highlight autistic strengths and shift away from compliance-based approaches We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy. Subscribe to join our community and start making sense of autism—through understanding, compassion, and connection. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/ For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

When an autistic child or client says “no,” shuts down, avoids, or appears dysregulated, it’s often labeled as refusal or behavior. But what if it’s something else entirely? In this conversation, Staci Neustadt, Speech-Language Pathologist and CEO of Making Sense of Autism, sits down with Susan Golubock, an autistic, retired Occupational Therapist, to unpack what they call an unready state. Susan shares her lived autistic experience of: Saying “no” because there wasn’t enough time to process Freezing when expectations weren’t clear Feeling anxiety rise as adults repeated demands Being misunderstood as defiant when she was actually overwhelmed Together, they explore why: Not ready does not mean not capable Behavior is often a signal, not a choice Skills may exist but aren’t accessible in the moment Traditional therapy and assessment often miss readiness entirely This conversation is for: Parents who feel stuck in repeating the same goals Therapists frustrated by “inconsistency” Educators supporting autistic students with high support needs Anyone wanting to move from fixing behavior to understanding signals 🔔 Related Resources Join our upcoming live workshop: “You’re Not Failing — They’re Missing the Signals” (A practical, supportive hour for parents and professionals) https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/event-details-registration/youre-not-failing-gaining-clarity-about-what-autistic-children-need Coming next month: our Neuro-Strengths-Based Assessment Course, designed to help professionals identify strengths, stressors, supports, triggers, and unready skills — not just performance. https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-assessments 👉 Subscribe to Making Sense of Autism for weekly conversations focused on understanding autism, supporting nervous systems, and creating meaningful, respectful support. Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported. Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems. We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy. For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/ For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/neuro-strengths-in-autism Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.facebook.com/making.sense.of.autism https://www.pinterest.com/makingsenseofautism/

People often ask what tools I use in therapy. The answer might surprise you.  I don’t start with behavior charts or compliance strategies.  I start with observation, nervous system support, and understanding how the autistic brain processes the world.  These are the tools that guide my work — and why they matter.  Tools I Use in Therapy:  Choiceworks App (iTunes) A visual support tool that helps create predictability, reduce anxiety, and support understanding of routines, choices, and expectations—without relying on compliance.  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/choiceworks/id486210964 Energy Levels – Autism Level Up A simple visual tool that supports body awareness by helping individuals identify their energy level and what their nervous system may need to regulate. https://www.autismlevelup.com/#tools   Strengths, Stressors & Supports – Quick Form An observation-based tool I use to understand an individual’s strengths, triggers, and needed supports—so support is guided by understanding, not behavior charts. https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/quick-assessment   Therapy Putty A sensory-motor tool that supports regulation, attention, and hand strength while providing calming proprioceptive input during learning and communication. https://a.co/1MQcoyM I'd love to hear what you use in your sessions!