9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chelsea Town Hall
Supporting
Autistic Well-Being
Hosted by Lisa Palasti & Andreja Stefulj
Guest Speaker – RDI® Founder Dr. Steven Gutstein, Ph.D
A Virtual and In-Person Event
A chance to make a real impact
Join us for a transformative one-day event dedicated to empowering autistic individuals and the families, educators, and professionals who support them. Supporting Autistic Well-Being brings together cutting-edge insight from Relationship Development Intervention® , compassionate guidance, and evidence-based approaches to enhance quality of life through meaningful connection, autonomy, and growth.
RDI®, developed by Dr. Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely, is a parent-based intervention that empowers parents to become the primary guides in their child's development. The approach focuses on building "dynamic intelligence"—flexible thinking, problem-solving, adapting to change, and understanding different perspectives—which are seen as fundamental for meaningful relationships and overall well-being.
Space is limited—secure your ticket now and be part of a movement focused on empowered well-being.
Real Strategies, Real Impact
Walk away with practical, relationship-based tools
This event goes beyond awareness and into action. You’ll walk away with practical, relationship-based tools that you can begin using immediately to support long-term emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Discover the Power of RDI®
Strengthen flexible thinking and resilience
Relationship Development Intervention is a groundbreaking developmental model that empowers autistic individuals to strengthen flexible thinking, resilience, and emotional understanding through the power of trusted relationships.
Leaders Who Live It
Their work is rooted in deep respect for neurodiversity
Event hosts Lisa Palasti and Andreja Stefulj are experienced RDI® consultants known for their compassionate, person-centred approach. Their work is rooted in deep respect for neurodiversity, emphasizing strengths and long-term well-being.
Your Hosts & Speakers
Director of RDI® Professional Training Canada
Founder, Mindful Guide Consulting
Lisa Palasti has over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs. Prior to becoming the first certified RDI® Program Consultant in Canada in 2005, Lisa worked in the school system supporting children with special needs. Lisa knows firsthand what it feels like to be a parent of special needs children and the positive impact Relationship Development Intervention® has had on her family. Lisa began using Relationship Development Intervention® with her family in 2003, today her boys are both independent young men and thriving members of their community. She finds it tremendously rewarding work to empower and educate parents to guide their children in developing real world competency and dynamic intelligence.
Director of RDI® Professional Training UK & EU
Founder, Autism & Neurodiversity Consulting
Andreja Stefulj is a Certified RDI® Consultant and the Director of RDI® Professional Training in the UK and Europe. With over 15 years of experience in neurodiversity and special education, she provides tailored guidance and training to families, professionals, and neurodivergent individuals across Europe and the Balkans. She is passionate about empowering others through developmentally respectful, relationship-focused approaches and is committed to advancing neurodiversity-affirming practice through her work, training, and international outreach.
Founder of RDI®
Developer and Director, RDIconnect
Dr. Steven Gutstein is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of developmental disabilities and the developer of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). He is the Founder of RDIconnect, where he brings over twenty years of experience in treatment planning, program development, clinical expertise, and education to his innovative approaches for supporting at-risk children, adolescents, and adults. Throughout his career, Dr. Gutstein has trained thousands of professionals worldwide in the RDI methodology. His core belief is that every individual with developmental disabilities deserves a chance to achieve success and autonomy in their lives. Dr. Gutstein's work centers on the idea that autism is a neurological disorder affecting brain development, particularly in the areas crucial for social and emotional intelligence. He emphasizes that the brain is experience-dependent and that by changing experiences, developmental outcomes can be improved.
Program Flow
| 08:30 AM | Welcome & Refreshments |
| 09:00 AM | What is Autism |
| 10:00 AM | Growing Resilience in a Fast-Changing World |
| 11:00 AM | Morning Break |
| 11:15 AM | Supporting Student’s Intrinsic Motivation |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 01:45 PM | Introducing a Science-Based RDI Approach |
| 02:45 PM | Creating Successful Learning Environments |
| 04:00 PM | Steps to Self-Regulation and Well-Being |
| 05:00 PM | Conclusion |
Impact stories
Impact stories bring our work to life by showcasing real experiences of individuals and families whose journeys have been transformed through our approach. These stories highlight the tangible, human side of developmental growth.
“We truly feel that under the guidance of our consultant, Lisa Palasti, we have created for Jack and our family a true quality of life. Update: Jack is doing very well! It’s amazing to see how able he is to self-regulate in comparison to where he was when we started RDI.”
Andrea & Marc, Toronto
G.W. from Kitchener
Choose your ticket
GROUP RATE (4+)
£225
All rates are the same for virtual and in-person ticket
- Full-day access for each registered attendee
- Printed program booklets and handouts
- Morning coffee/tea and light refreshments
- Special group pricing
- Ideal for professionals, educators, or family teams attending together
EARLY BIRD
£250
- Full-day access to all sessions. (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Printed program booklets and handouts
- Morning coffee/tea and light refreshments
- Priority seating (first come, first served)
REGULAR
£275
- Full-day access to all sessions
- Printed program booklets and handouts
- Morning coffee/tea and light refreshments
FAQs
This event is ideal for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and professionals who want a deeper understanding of autism, dynamic intelligence, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).
Full-day access to the event, printed program booklet and speaker handouts, morning coffee/tea and light refreshments, interactive discussions and access to the hosts after the event, digital resources following the event (for all ticket holders).
Our presenters are certified RDI consultants and autism specialists with extensive experience in developmental approaches and parent education.
Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations can be made upon request. If you require specific assistance (e.g., ASL interpretation or seating arrangements), please contact us at office@autismconnect.net at least two weeks before the event.
Yes! Virtual tickets are available for those who wish to attend remotely. You’ll receive a secure link to watch the sessions live and participate in Q&As from the comfort of your own home.
Tickets are refundable until August 3rd, subject to a £50 processing fee. After August 3rd, tickets are non-refundable. However, all tickets (in-person and virtual) are transferable—if you’re unable to attend. Read full refund policy here.
