VIDEOS

So many autistic individuals are taught social skills before they truly understand themselves. But what if self-awareness, emotional safety, and self-acceptance are actually the foundation of social communication? In this conversation, autistic retired occupational therapist Susan Golubock and speech-language pathologist Staci Neustadt from Making Sense of Autism explore why autistic individuals may struggle to use “social skills” in real-life situations — even when they know exactly what to say. We discuss: • Why self-awareness comes before social communication • The connection between nervous system safety and social interaction • How people pleasing, masking, shutdowns, and fighting back can all develop from feeling misunderstood • Why autistic individuals may not naturally value social interaction if connection has felt unsafe or shaming • How therapists, teachers, and parents can build connection through curiosity instead of correction • Why non-speaking autistic individuals are already communicating • How self-awareness leads to self-advocacy, regulation, and authentic connection Susan also shares a powerful personal story about the moment someone genuinely took interest in her perspective — and how that experience changed her life. If you are a parent, therapist, teacher, SLP, OT, psychologist, or autistic individual trying to better understand autism and neurodivergent communication, this conversation will give you a completely different lens on social communication support. At Making Sense of Autism, we focus on neuro-affirming, strengths-based support that helps autistic individuals feel understood instead of “fixed.” Free resources: 🌐 https://www.makingsenseofautism.com #autism #socialcommunication #autistic #neurodiversity #speechtherapy #occupationaltherapy #neuroaffirming #actuallyautistic #socialskills #adhd #sensoryprocessing #selfawareness Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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/

Challenge common myths about autistic communication. Discover why 'no eye contact' doesn't mean disengagement and explore diverse communication styles. Learn to support autistic students effectively and foster genuine understanding, moving beyond 'fixing' to true connection. Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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/

Explore the biggest obstacle to understanding: miscommunication between autistic individuals and neurotypical people. We discuss neurological differences affecting expression and interpreting messages, bridging the gap. Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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/

Discover why no eye contact doesn't mean disengagement. We explore how neurodivergent individuals use different strategies to process information and engage in learning, debunking common misconceptions about communication. Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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/

Why do autistic individuals often get misunderstood in conversations, classrooms, and therapy sessions? In this video, speech-language pathologist Staci Neustadt and autistic occupational therapist Susan Golubock break down 3 major misconceptions about autistic social communication that impact autism assessments, therapy goals, classroom expectations, and everyday interactions. Topics covered include: • Why autistic communication is different — not “wrong” • The truth about eye contact and listening • Why autistic students may not generalize “social skills” • Neurodiversity-affirming strategies for parents, teachers, SLPs, OTs, counselors, and therapists • How to better support autistic communication in classrooms, therapy, and daily life This video is for: ✔ Parents of autistic children ✔ Speech therapists and SLPs ✔ Occupational therapists ✔ Teachers and school staff ✔ Mental health professionals ✔ Anyone wanting to better understand autism 🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Download our free “Why I Learn” support tool to help autistic individuals better understand the purpose, context, and value behind learning new skills. https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/why-i-learn At Making Sense of Autism, we focus on neuro-affirming, strengths-based autism support that helps autistic individuals feel understood instead of “fixed.” #Autism #AutisticCommunication #Neurodiversity #SpeechTherapy #AutismSupport #SLP #OccupationalTherapy #Neuroaffirming #AutismEducation #SocialCommunication #Pragmatics #AutisticAdults #Teachers #SpecialEducation #AutismAcceptance Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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/

Hear a powerful story of overcoming misinterpretation and defiance in early education. Discover how a shift from compliance to understanding can transform learning environments and shape young lives. Most autism content tells you what to change. We're here to help you understand. Every episode offers a neuro-strengths-first perspective on autism — grounded in both clinical expertise and lived autistic experience. For parents, educators, and professionals who want to move from managing behavior to building real connection. 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. 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 $17 course, 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 behavior you're trying to correct is actually a signal your student needs help? In this episode, Staci Neustadt, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Susan Golubock, retired Occupational Therapist & autistic advocate, sit down with Becca Engle — teacher, dyslexia specialist, author, and autistic advocate — to talk about what educators and therapists most often miss when a child is dysregulated. Becca was told at age 3 that she'd never do anything "you could train a monkey to do." Today she's reshaping how we understand behavior in the classroom. In this episode you'll learn: Why behavior is a signal of nervous system need — not just communication Why the prefrontal cortex is literally unavailable during dysregulation How to shift from compliance-based to connection-based support The one question that will change how you respond to every student 🎯 The single most powerful shift you can make: Stop asking "How do I get this student to do this?" and start asking "What might be making this hard for them right now?" 🛠️ Becca's Three Zones Classroom Design Tool (only $3.99): 👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/stitches-and-stanzas 📖 Learn more about Becca & her book Through Our Lens: 👉 https://2002rebs.wixsite.com/stitchesstanzas/about-4 📬 Get our free weekly newsletter with tools you can use right away: 👉 www.makingsenseofautism.com #Autism #SpecialEducation #NervousSystem #Dysregulation #AutisticTeacher #NeurodivergentStudents #ClassroomBehavior #SensoryProcessing #MakingSenseOfAutism #BeccaEngel 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 $17 course, 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/

This video emphasizes the importance of assuming competence in individuals, providing them with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, and respecting their right to choose what they learn and to decline expectations without being labeled as deficient. 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/

This video explains the empowering nature of social communication assessments that focus on individual skill development rather than comparison, and encourages viewers to subscribe and share. Download our free reframe guide to look at social communication in whole different way: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/social-skills 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/