For many parents, “assessment” has become a painful word. Long lists of deficits. Standardized scores. Professionals evaluating your child while you wait outside. In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee talks with Claudia Andreessen, Professional Director at RDIconnect® and trainer of RDI® consultants, about the Relationship Development Assessment (RDA) and why it feels so different from traditional testing. The RDA focuses on the guiding relationship between parent and child. Instead of asking what your child cannot do, it starts with the assumption that every child, teen, and adult has the potential for growth. Through simple, play-based activities, consultants observe how you and your child interact, co-regulate, and connect. The goal is to find your child’s edge of competence and a personalized starting point for meaningful growth. In this episode, you will hear about: - What the Relationship Development Assessment (RDA) is - Why RDI® uses a dynamic assessment instead of fixed scores - How the RDA focuses on the guiding relationship, not just the child - What parents can expect during RDA 1 and RDA 2 - Why parents are partners in the process, not subjects being judged - How the RDA supports truly individualized RDI® programs for children and adults Whether your child is two or thirty-two, this conversation will encourage you that growth is possible and that assessment can be a supportive, hopeful experience. Go to our website to find full episodes of our podcast.

In this episode of Autism, A New Perspective, host Kat Lee talks with Dr. Steven Gutstein, developer of RDI®, about why parents are the primary guides in their child’s development and how to structure support so families can actually guide. Dr. Gutstein explains how RDI® helps parents start small, build momentum, and create growth-oriented experiences at home. What you will learn - Why replacing parents with helpers misses the point - How to use support to protect your capacity to guide - Why autism requires a different guiding approach - How RDI® consultants help families begin with achievable steps - Practical ways to build co-regulation and shared experience Resources - Find a Certified RDI® Consultant: https://www.rdiconnect.com/find-a-consultant - About RDI®: https://www.rdiconnect.com/about-rdi - Moving into Adulthood with RDI®: https://www.rdiconnect.com/moving-into-adulthood-with-rdi If this episode helped, please like and subscribe. Share it with another parent who needs a hopeful, practical path forward.

Teens, Adults and Autism, Dr. Sheely and Kat Lee Dr. Rachelle Sheely, co-founder of RDIconnect, talking about the tendency to shy away from talking about teens, adults and autism.

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee visits with Dr. Rachelle Sheely to talk about overscheduling and why children need a parent’s presence more than another appointment on the calendar. They discuss: ✔ Why overscheduling often comes from fear and crisis ✔ How constant appointments drain children and families ✔ What it means to create a time to guide at home ✔ Practical ways to silence the noise and make choices that fit your child ✔ The value of laughter, simple routines, and shared moments Dr. Sheely offers a calm path forward so families can slow down, reconnect, and support growth through the guiding relationship. Subscribe for more episodes of Autism: A New Perspective Learn more about RDI®: https://www.rdiconnect.com #Autism #Parenting #Overscheduling #RDIConnect #GuidingRelationship

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee sits down with Lisa Palasti, RDI® consultant, parent, and director of RDI® professional training in Canada, to talk about why self-care is not selfish—especially for parents raising children with autism. Together they discuss: ✔ Why self-care is essential, not optional, for parents ✔ How social connection reduces stress and builds resilience ✔ The challenges of guilt and “not enough time” ✔ Practical, everyday ways to integrate self-care into family life ✔ Why taking care of yourself is a gift to your child and family This honest, hopeful conversation offers both encouragement and practical tools to help parents reframe self-care as a foundation for stronger families and healthier relationships. Subscribe for more episodes of Autism: A New Perspective Learn more about RDI® at https://www.rdiconnect.com #Autism #Parenting #SelfCare #RDIConnect

In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee welcomes back Dr. Tom Atkinson for an honest, hopeful conversation about autism and stress, what it is, where it comes from, and how parents and children can learn to cope. Dr. Atkinson, an RDI® consultant and research psychologist, draws from decades of experience as both a professional and a parent to share valuable insights on: ✔ What stress really is ✔ How stress affects both parents and children on the autism journey ✔ Practical tools for building emotional resilience ✔ The role of positive psychology and goal-setting ✔ Why connection and self-care are essential for long-term well-being Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for tools to better support your family, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes Learn more about RDI® at https://www.rdiconnect.com #Autism #Parenting #Stress #EmotionalWellbeing #RDIConnect