From ‘Obsessed’ to ‘Motivated’: Why Language Shifts Matter in Autism Support

Описание: What if one small phrase — “It’s okay to be different” — could have changed everything?

In this heartfelt conversation, Staci Neustadt, Speech-Language Pathologist and CEO of Making Sense of Autism, and Susan Golubock, autistic retired Occupational Therapist and founder of Making Sense of Autism, explore how the words we use shape how autistic individuals see themselves.

Susan shares how growing up hearing words like “obsessed” or “too focused” made her internalize shame — and how simply being told “it’s okay” could have fostered self-acceptance.
Staci reflects on her own shift from deficit-based language to neuro-affirming, strengths-based support, and how reframing terms like “perseverates on” to “is motivated by” completely changes relationships, learning, and emotional safety.

Together, they discuss:
The emotional impact of deficit-based language
How subconscious bias shapes our perceptions
Ways to consciously reframe judgment into curiosity
Why language shifts literally rewire the brain toward understanding
Practical examples of integrating interests and intrinsic motivation into learning

💜 Whether you’re a parent, therapist, teacher, or ally, this conversation will help you shift from seeing autism as something to fix to something to understand.

👉 Subscribe to Making Sense of Autism for weekly videos exploring neuro-affirming language, motivation, sensory regulation, and strengths-based support.

Making Sense of Autism was founded by Susan Golubock, an autistic retired Occupational Therapist, whose lifelong passion has been understanding the brain. Together with Staci Neustadt, a Neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist and parent coach, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to reframe how autism is understood and supported.

Our mission is simple: to help parents, teachers, therapists, and professionals connect with autistic individuals by recognizing neurological differences, building on strengths, and creating meaningful support systems.

On this channel, you’ll find:
*Practical strategies for supporting autistic children, teens, and adults
*Neurodiversity-affirming perspectives from autistic and professional voices
*Tools for parents, educators, and therapists to better understand behavior, sensory *processing, executive functioning, and communication
*Resources that highlight autistic strengths and shift away from compliance-based approaches

We believe autism is not something to “fix”—it’s something to understand. By learning how autistic brains process, communicate, and connect, you can create stronger relationships and supportive environments at home, in schools, and in therapy.

Subscribe to join our community and start making sense of autism—through understanding, compassion, and connection.

For more information, please subscribe, watch our informative videos, and go to https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/

For our free course on Changing To A Neuro-Strengths-Based Support for Autism Framework, go here: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/n...

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