PODCAST · kids
Autism: A New Perspective
by RDIconnect
At the heart of what we do is an unwavering belief that growth is possible in the life of individuals on the autism spectrum. This foundational belief comes from the latest autism research and our experience with thousands of cases where the child’s growth-seeking drive has been activated, making a way for the crucial parent-child Guiding Relationship to form and for Dynamic Intelligence to develop.
Episodes
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More Than an “Autism Mom”: Balancing Identity, Family, and Neurodiversity (Part 2)
When navigating the complex journey of neurodiversity, parents and professionals frequently hit roadblocks where interventions stop working and exhaustion sets in. In Part II of a special role-reversal episode of the Autism: A New Perspective podcast, Dr. Sheely interviewed host Kat Lee about how...
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From Radio Broadcaster to RDI Consultant: Kat Lee’s Personal Journey (Part 1)
Kat Lee shares her journey from radio broadcaster to autism advocate, reflecting on her son's diagnosis, building community, and discovering RDI®. The post From Radio Broadcaster to RDI Consultant: Kat Lee’s Personal Journey (Part 1) first appeared on RDIconnect.
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Relationships Can’t Be Outsourced: Time, Trust, and the Parent-Child Connection
When parents receive an autism diagnosis for their two-, three-, or four-year-old child, their immediate instinct is to do whatever it takes to save them. Well-meaning doctors and professionals frequently recommend that families enroll their toddlers in intensive clinical programs, sometimes...
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Co-Occurring, Not Autism: How to Prioritize and Avoid Parent Burnout
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...
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Moving Beyond Compliance: Why One BCBA® Pivoted to the Guiding Relationship
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...
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Beyond the Label: Lessons from a Level 3 Autism Success Story
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...
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Navigating the Autism Diagnosis: Beyond Social Media Checklists
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...
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Going Beyond Parent Coaching by Bringing the Whole Family Into RDI®
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...
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A New Year for RDI® Clarifying Autism and Building the Next Generation
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.
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Parents and Autism in 2026: Finding Your Role in a Noisy World
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.
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The Heart of Growth: Inside the Relationship Development Assessment
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...
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Parents as Guides in RDI 2025: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Gutstein
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.
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A Time to Guide: Why Children Need Presence More Than Appointments
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...
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Parenting, Autism, and Self-Care: Why Self-Care Is Not Selfish
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.
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Understanding Autism and Stress: Insights from Dr. Tom Atkinson
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...
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Supporting Parents of Autistic Children: The Power of Positivity and Well-Being
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...
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Autism and Caretakers
“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.
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Autism and Girls: Part 3
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.
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The RDI® Process: Not a Quick Fix
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.
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Affirming Neurodiversity with Dr. Rachelle Sheely
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.
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Autism and RDI® in 2025 Part Two with Dr. Steven Gutstein
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...
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Autism and RDI® in 2025 Part One with Dr. Steven Gutstein
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...
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RDI® and Autism: The Big Umbrella
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.
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Autism: A Mom’s Journey
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.
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Autism and Diagnosis
“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…
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Is This Autism?
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…
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Autism and Mental Engagement
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.
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Unlocking Potential
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.
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Autism and the RDI® Consultant
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.
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Autism & RDI® in 2024
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…
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Autism and Siblings
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.
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RDI: An Interview With a Former Student
In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, host Katherine Lee brings in a former RDI® student who is now in her 30s. Alysia Elliot and her mom Sharon Sargeant talk about Alysia's life with autism, before RDI® and how starting an RDI® program changed everything. The post RDI: An Interview With…
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Autism, Adults & RDI®
In this podcast from RDIconnect® Dr. Rachelle Sheely explains the developmental process involved in RDI and how it can help children and adults alike. Autism: A New Perspective is Available on iTunes! Full Transcript Kat Lee: Hello, and welcome back to Autism: A New Perspective, the podcast show...
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Starting an RDI® Program as an Adult
In this week's podcast, Dr. Sheely talks about the RDI® program for adults. When is it appropriate? Who is an ideal candidate? And how can it help? The post Starting an RDI® Program as an Adult first appeared on RDIconnect.
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Autistic Teens and Masking
Dr. Sarah Wayland talks about autism and masking, specifically for teens or young adults in this episode of the RDIconnect® podcast, Autism: A new Perspective. The post Autistic Teens and Masking first appeared on RDIconnect.
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The History of RDI®
The beginnings of the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) program happened around 30 years ago, when Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely began to ask some questions about autism, like “Why do intelligent, capable adults on the spectrum struggle to maintain independence? What is…
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Implementing RDI® in High School
In this episode of "Autism: A New Perspective," Kat is joined by Betty Adkins, M.S., an RDI® Certified Consultant, RDI® parent, and developer of the RDI® Teacher Institute, to talk about RDI® and high school. The post Implementing RDI® in High School first appeared on RDIconnect.
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Autism and Parent Empowerment with RDI® – Part II
In part two of 'Autism and Parent Empowerment with RDI®,' Lisa and Kat talk about each of the 'Three E's of Empowerment' and why they're important, as well as their own personal experiences as RDI® parents and how RDI® empowered them to take control of their children's growth, learning and…
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Autism and Parent Empowerment with RDI®
In this episode of “Autism: A New Perspective,” Dr. Sheely talks about RDI® and parent empowerment. So many parents of autistic children find that they don’t know what’s going on with their child’s learning and growth - they don’t know what’s happening at the clinics or at school - and they don’t...
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Autism and Anxiety
Feeling anxious, especially when beginning autism remediation, is common among both children and their parents, but anxiety can have a positive side. It can often make us more responsive and more creative. The post Autism and Anxiety first appeared on RDIconnect.
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The Wellbeing of Parents
Wellbeing is defined as the state of being “comfortable, healthy, and happy,” a simple definition for something that, for many people, isn’t quite so simple. Life gets in the way of our self-care and our wellbeing, and this can be especially true for parents of children who have special needs.…
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Moving into Adulthood with RDI®
RDI® can help all families, and your child can benefit from starting RDI® at any age, but the program is designed to promote growth, learning, development, and the ability to have relationships and perform necessary life skills, and, eventually, independence in adulthood. Your child can benefit...
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RDI® and High School
In this episode of Autism: A New Perspective, Kat Lee talks with special guest Dr. Sarah Wayland, an RDI® Certified Consultant and parenting coach, about raising autistic teens, RDI® and navigating high school on the spectrum. The post RDI® and High School first appeared on RDIconnect.
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Why are Autism Labels SO Damaging?
Using functioning diagnostic labels on children and adults with autism is damaging to them. Dr. Rachelle Sheely, co-founder of RDIconnect talks more about it. The post Why are Autism Labels SO Damaging? first appeared on RDIconnect.
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Autism and Girls: Part 2
In this episode of “Autism: A New Perspective,” we continue the discussion about raising girls with autism. Kat Lee is joined by special guest Sharon Sargeant, an RDI® parent whose daughter is now an adult. Sharon talks about the difficulty of getting a diagnosis in the early 90s, trying ABA, and...
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RDI®: An Introduction to the Dynamic World
As parents, we can use RDI® concepts to introduce our children to more variables and increasingly dynamic situations, when they are ready. Children with autism are more than capable of achieving growth, development, and quality of life, just like neurotypical children, but they must be given the...
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Girls and Autism
In this episode, Kat Lee and special guest Nargis Carnahan delve into the joys and challenges of raising a daughter on the spectrum, and how autistic girls who grow up to be autistic women have a set of their own unique challenges they must face. The post Girls and Autism first appeared on...
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When Parents Experience Crisis
In this episode of "Autism: A New Perspective," Dr. Sheely talks about the things that might trigger a state of crisis again for some parents, how to know if you're in a crisis state, and what you can do to move yourself out of it. The post When Parents Experience Crisis first appeared on...
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Autism and Resistance to Change
What makes us human is the product of our orientation and our engagement with a dynamic variation. So how does this fit into a world where you are resistant to change? How can you help your child, without overwhelming or stressing them out, see the world as something to be discovered and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
At the heart of what we do is an unwavering belief that growth is possible in the life of individuals on the autism spectrum. This foundational belief comes from the latest autism research and our experience with thousands of cases where the child’s growth-seeking drive has been activated, making a way for the crucial parent-child Guiding Relationship to form and for Dynamic Intelligence to develop.
HOSTED BY
RDIconnect
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Autism: A New Perspective have?
Autism: A New Perspective currently has 148 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Autism: A New Perspective about?
At the heart of what we do is an unwavering belief that growth is possible in the life of individuals on the autism spectrum. This foundational belief comes from the latest autism research and our experience with thousands of cases where the child’s growth-seeking drive has been activated, making a...
How often does Autism: A New Perspective release new episodes?
Autism: A New Perspective publishes regularly with 148 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Autism: A New Perspective?
You can listen to Autism: A New Perspective on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Autism: A New Perspective?
Autism: A New Perspective is created and hosted by RDIconnect.
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