Autism: A New Perspective

When a child receives an autism diagnosis, parents are typically handed a comprehensive evaluation report packed with list after list of recommendations. From speech and occupational therapy to behavioral interventions, the sheer volume of therapeutic tasks can feel completely overwhelming. It is easy to look at the massive array of challenges your child faces and […] The post Co-Occurring,...

When we look back at the early 1990s, the roadmap for autism was often singular: if you wanted progress, you looked toward behavioral intervention. For Kamini Lakhani, an RDI® parent and consultant, that journey began in California at the Lovaas clinic, mastering discrete trials and verbal behavior. For years, Kamini operated at the intersection of […] The post Moving Beyond Compliance: Why...

When a child receives a “Level 3” autism diagnosis, parents are often met with a list of limitations rather than a path forward. In a recent episode of the Autism: A New Perspective podcast, host Kat Lee spoke with RDI® consultant Karla Galvan about her son Lorenzo’s journey – a story that moves from a […] The post Beyond the Label: Lessons from a Level 3 Autism Success Sto...

In today’s digital age, we have an incredible amount of information at our fingertips. However, when it comes to understanding our own neurology, this constant stream of content can sometimes do more harm than good. It is a source of distress to see how the seriousness of an autism diagnosis is frequently misunderstood in the […] The post Navigating the Autism Diagnosis: Beyond Social Media...

In this episode of Autism, A New Perspective, host Kat Lee talks with Andreja Stefulj, an RDI® Consultant based in London who leads RDI® professional training across the UK and Europe. Andrea shares her journey from working in school settings and studying ABA to discovering RDI® as a more relationship-based, developmentally focused approach. Her story […] The post Going Beyond Parent Coachin...

In this Autism, A New Perspective episode, Kat Lee and Dr. Steven Gutstein explain RDI®, dynamic intelligence, and why parents are essential guides for long-term growth. The post A New Year for RDI® Clarifying Autism and Building the Next Generation first appeared on RDIconnect .

Kat Lee and RDI consultant Lisa Palasti talk about autism parenting in 2026, cutting through overload so parents can slow down, lead, and support real growth. The post Parents and Autism in 2026: Finding Your Role in a Noisy World first appeared on RDIconnect .

For many parents, the word “assessment” brings up hard memories. Long reports that list everything your child cannot do. Scores that seem to define your child’s future. Professionals who study your child while you sit in the hallway and wait. In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee talks with Claudia Andreessen, Professional […] The post The Heart of Growth: Inside the Relation...

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 t...

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 D...

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 .

“Everything is going to be better for that person you’re caring for if you’re caring for yourself.” – Kat Lee The post Autism and Caretakers first appeared on RDIconnect .

Join consultant and parent Lisa Maloney for a profoundly moving conversation about her daughter Ellie’s story. You’ll walk away reminded that growth is possible 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? Learn more about RDI® Process in this podcast with Kat Lee and Lisa Palasti. The post The RDI® Process: Not a Quick Fix first appeared on RDIconnect .

In our latest episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Dr. Rachelle Sheely, president of RDIconnect®, joins host Kat Lee to share a deeply compassionate and hopeful perspective on neurodiversity. 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? firs...

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 .