Live course

Rethinking Communication - Behavior Is Communication

Staci Neustadt MS CCC-SLP/ CEO Making Sense of Autism

Susan Goluubock M.Ed Founder

Course Cost: $40

Course Description

This training invites educators and therapists to shift from a compliance-based lens to a relationship- and meaning-based perspective by recognizing all forms of communication, including behaviors, as valid. Using a neuro-affirming, total communication lens, participants will learn to recognize diverse communicative expressions and understand how neurological differences impact how autistic individuals express themselves.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Completion requirements

Target Audience

Also suitable for

Time Ordered Agenda:

Introductions & Objectives

Overview of the Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) framework
Presenter backgrounds

Redefining Communication

Total communication lens
Six communication modes (vocalizations, verbal speech, gestures, objects/images, typing, behavior)

Behavior as Communication

Neurological differences behind behavior
Voluntary vs. involuntary responses
Common misinterpretations

Purpose of Communication

Six functions of communication
How communication is shaped by experience, regulation, and sensory input

Debunking Common Myths

AAC readiness and replacement myths
Importance of multimodal approaches

Q&A

Course Cost: $40

Meet The Speaker

Staci Neustadt, CEO of Making Sense of Autism®, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy, training, mentorship, and leadership. In 2019, Staci joined Susan in developing the Neuro Strengths Based Support for Autism framework. Staci is passionate about creating a paradigm shift for therapists to holistically support autistic clients and for autistic clients to feel seen and heard as they build on their strengths and contribute their gifts to their community. Staci’s passion is in the area of AAC and believes every individual should be seen and heard.

Susan is a retired occupational therapist. She received her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 1968 and Masters of Education degree in special education technology in 1995. She was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum in 1999. Most of her career has been spent in school-based practice. Susan has been a keynote speaker and presenter at various conferences. Susan developed the Neuro-Strengths Based Support for Autism Framework which comes from her personal experience as an autistic individual and professional experience as an occupational therapist who worked with autistic clients. She grew up trying to “be like everyone else;” she succeeded in masking but at the cost of never developing a sense of “self” which led to symptoms of post traumatic stress. When she was finally diagnosed in her early 50’s, she learned that there were other options of how to think and behave, which radically changed her life for the better. Susan’s passion is to educate parents and professionals so the autistic individuals in their lives are understood.

Financial Disclosures

Non-Financial Disclosures

This event is offered for 1 contact hour. 0.1 ASHA CEUs at an Introductory level

Refund policy

No prerequisites required for this course

Special Requests

Special accommodations can be requested up to two days before the live event.

Please email education@readysetconnect.com indicating your special needs and accommodation requests.

Compliance Policy

For any compliance concerns or complaints, please reach out to diana@readysetconnect.com. All submissions will be reviewed and addressed, within two working days. Records will be retained in accordance with our policy.