Parenting an autistic child in 2026 can feel like living under a constant wave of information. Therapies, programs, social media advice, online groups, conferences, and experts all seem to say “do more,” “start earlier,” and “never stop.” Many parents end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure which choices actually matter for their child’s long-term future. In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Kat Lee talks with RDI® consultant and parent Lisa Palasti about what it is like to be an autism parent today and why putting parents back in the driver’s seat is so important. Lisa shares: - How the “massive amount of information” about autism can paralyze parents - What happened when she tried to juggle multiple therapies at once - The moment she realized she needed permission to do less, not more - How discovering Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) helped her move out of crisis - Why parents are the true experts in their children, not just passive recipients of services - How neuroplasticity and lifelong brain growth offer hope for parents of older teens and adults Kat and Lisa also discuss the voices that quietly tell parents they are “just the parent” and should leave the real decisions to professionals. They contrast that message with the RDI® belief that parents can become confident guides and architects of their children’s learning experiences in everyday life. Whether you are parenting a two-year-old or a twenty-two-year-old, this conversation will encourage you that: You are allowed to slow down and reflect before making decisions You can choose approaches that align with your deepest hopes for your child’s future. Growth is possible at every age, for your child and for you 🔊 Listen to the full episode and reflect on your own journey as a parent in 2026. Subscribe to Autism: A New Perspective for more conversations that help you understand what is going on in the mind of your child and remind you that growth for your child is possible. #autism #RDI #AutismANewPerspective

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