Rethinking Communication — Behavior Is Communication

On-Demand

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.

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Staci Neustadt MS CCC-SLP/ CEO Making Sense of Autism
Susan Goluubock M.Ed Founder

Date of Webinar:

August 26, 2025

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Course Description

Speaker Biography

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.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

List six valid communication modes used by autistic individuals, including vocalizations, verbal/growth-based speech, gestures/body language, object/image use, typing/spelling, and behavior.
Describe how neurological differences can affect communication style, intent, and ability, and identify involuntary behaviors and intentional actions related to unmet needs or stress.
Define common myths related to communication support (e.g., AAC delaying speech).
Tell two inclusive strategies that promote authentic, multimodal expression for autistic individuals.

Target Audience: Webinar is suitable for

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Therapists
Speech Therapy Assistants
Special education teachers

Education Specialists
Psychologists
Mental Health Professionals
Behavioral Therapists
Behavioral Professionals

Program Flow with minutes

0:00–5:00 Introductions & Objectives
– Overview of the Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) framework
– Presenter backgrounds
5:00–15:00 Redefining Communication
– Total communication lens
– Six communication modes (vocalizations, verbal speech, gestures, objects/images, typing, behavior)
15:00–30:00 Behavior as Communication
– Neurological differences behind behavior
– Voluntary vs. involuntary responses
– Common misinterpretations
30:00–45:00 Purpose of Communication
– Six functions of communication
– How communication is shaped by experience, regulation, and sensory input
45:00–60:00 Debunking Common Myths
– AAC readiness and replacement myths
– Importance of multimodal approaches

Course Duration:

1 Hour

Disclosures

Susan has co - developed the Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework.
Susan Goluubock receives payment for training on the framework.
Susan Goluubock is the founder of Making Sense of Autism
Susan Goluubock is receiving a speaking fee from ReadySetConnect.

Staci has co - developed the Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework.
Staci Neustadt receives payment for training on the framework.
Staci Neustadt is the CEO of Making Sense of Autism
Staci Neustadt is receiving a speaking fee from ReadySetConnect.

Non-Financial Disclosures

Susan Goluubock is the founder of Making Sense of Autism
Staci Neustadt is the CEO of Making Sense of Autism

Previous presentations, professional accomplishments

Both Staci and Susan have presented Autism conferences over the US. In addition, Staci has presented on AAC at ATIA and Closing the Gap.

Current Professional Affiliations (state and national affiliations)

Course Title : Rethinking Communication – Behavior Is Communication

Date of Webinar launch: This course was live on August 26, 2025.

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.