Dr. Steven Gutstein explains why parents are the primary guides in RDI®, how to allocate resources, and how consultants help families start small and build momentum. The post Parents as Guides in RDI 2025: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Gutstein first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee talks with RDI consultant and parent Lisa Palasti about why self-care is essential for families navigating autism. They address common barriers like guilt, time pressure, and lost social connection, and offer realistic steps parents can take now, from prioritizing health appointments to building daily moments of rest and support. When parents thrive, children benefit. The post A Time to Guide: Why Children Need Presence More Than Appointments first appeared on RDIconnect.

Parenting a child with autism can be demanding, and self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. In this episode, learn how to thrive so your child can too. The post Parenting, Autism, and Self-Care: Why Self-Care Is Not Selfish first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee is joined once again by Dr. Tom Atkinson for a powerful conversation on the complex relationship between autism and stress, particularly as it affects both parents and their children.  As an RDI® consultant, psychologist, and father of an adult son on the spectrum, Dr. Atkinson […] The post Understanding Autism and Stress: Insights from Dr. Tom Atkinson first appeared on RDIconnect.

In Episode 133 of our podcast, Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee sits down once again with RDI® consultant and research psychologist Dr. Tom Atkinson for a candid, compassionate discussion on parental well-being. The post Supporting Parents of Autistic Children: The Power of Positivity and Well-Being first appeared on RDIconnect.

If you’re caring for a child or adult with autism, this episode is for you. So many caregivers carry a quiet, constant weight—the emotional exhaustion, the loneliness, the pressure to always keep going without pause. If you’ve ever skipped your own doctor’s appointment, missed out on time with friends, or felt like taking a break […] The post Autism and Caretakers first appeared on RDIconnect.

When people talk about autism, they often picture boys—because statistically, boys are more likely to be diagnosed. But what about the stories we don’t hear as often? The ones about girls?  About the unique, often overlooked journey of a mother and her daughter? In Part 3 of our special series on Autism and Girls, Kat […] The post Autism and Girls: Part 3 first appeared on RDIconnect.

When your child is struggling, it’s natural to seek quick fixes. But what if the key to long-term success lies in something deeper? In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee sits down with RDI® consultant and parent Lisa Palasti to explore the powerful concept of “process over product.” Lisa shares her […] The post The RDI® Process: Not a Quick Fix first appeared on RDIconnect.

As a parent, receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming. You may have walked out of that appointment with more questions than answers, weighed down by uncertainty or even fear about the future.  But what if, instead of seeing autism as something to “fix,” we affirmed the intrinsic value of our children […] The post Affirming Neurodiversity with Dr. Rachelle Sheely first appeared on RDIconnect.

RDI® remains a groundbreaking approach in a field that often feels stuck. Unlike traditional models, RDI® prioritizes dynamic intelligence: the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and build meaningful relationships. The post Autism and RDI® in 2025 Part Two with Dr. Steven Gutstein first appeared on RDIconnect.

RDI® remains a groundbreaking approach in a field that often feels stuck. Unlike traditional models, RDI® prioritizes dynamic intelligence: the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and build meaningful relationships. The post Autism and RDI® in 2025 Part One with Dr. Steven Gutstein first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode of Autism, A New Perspective, Kat Lee speaks with Dr. Rachelle Sheely, President of RDIconnect® about the broad-reaching benefits of RDI®.  The post RDI® and Autism: The Big Umbrella first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode, Lisa shares her journey of over 20 years as a mom of two boys with unique needs. She looked to help them grow into happy, well-adjusted adults. The post Autism: A Mom’s Journey first appeared on RDIconnect.

“I suspect my child has autism. Should we pursue a formal diagnosis?” Kat and Sarah explore the benefits and challenges of getting an official diagnosis—what it can help you access, especially in the U.S., and how it can support your child in living the life they want. The post Autism and Diagnosis first appeared on RDIconnect.

Autistic people often face barriers in accessing appropriate care that non-autistic people do not. Finding clinicians who are equipped and willing to work with autistic children can be especially challenging. So, how can clinicians become better equipped, and how can you ensure your child receives the care they need? Challenges in Accessing Care for Autistic […] The post Is This Autism? first appeared on RDIconnect.

It's possible to reform a Guiding Relationship with children diagnosed with autism, leading to growth-seeking and many more benefits. Learn more with Dr Sheely The post Autism and Mental Engagement first appeared on RDIconnect.

Why do so many people have such low expectations for individuals with autism? Absolutely everyone has potential. The key is unlocking that potential.  The post Unlocking Potential first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee and Dr. Sheely discuss the history of RDI® Consultants and how they help parents, families and children. The post Autism and the RDI® Consultant first appeared on RDIconnect.

In some ways, there have been dramatic changes in the way we view and treat autism in the 20+ years since the RDI® Program launched. For one, more people are seeing autism like we do here at RDI®, as simply a different way of thinking and being. We know that autism can mean a lot of challenges, but challenges can be overcome. The post Autism & RDI® in 2024 first appeared on RDIconnect.

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Katherine Lee talks with Dr. Rachelle Sheely about autism, siblings and RDI®. The post Autism and Siblings first appeared on RDIconnect.