This Podcast synthesizes the core arguments presented in Dr. Howie Knoff's November 1, 2025 Blog post, which advocates for a fundamental shift in how educators and clinicians understand and support students with autism. The central thesis is a call to move beyond managing observable behaviors and diagnostic labels toward a deeper, empathetic understanding of the unique, lived experiences of each individual. Dr. Knoff posits that many professionals fail to comprehend the internal worlds of their autistic students, just as these students struggle to make sense of a neurotypical world.

Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey summarize the Key Takeaways in this Podcast including the critical need to question certain professional assumptions and practices when interacting with students on the spectrum. Through Dr. Knoff, they caution against automatically ascribing challenging behaviors to a student's autism without objective, ecologically-valid assessment. Some behaviors, instead, may be reactions to external triggers, such as trauma from restraints, or they may be autonomic, biologically-based responses. Given this potential, Davey and Angela suggest that using Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) for biologically-based behaviors may render them ineffective or even potentially harmful.

During the Podcast, Angela and Davey also provide a detailed breakdown of the diagnostic foundations of autism, examine the deceptive complexities of both Level 1 ("apparent competence") and Level 3 ("apparent incompetence") support needs, and conclude with a powerful call to action.

Dr. Knoff and your Hosts assert that the ultimate educational goal for students with autism is not to make them appear neurotypical, but to foster educational environments that honor their neurological differences, prioritize their dignity and communication access, and allow them to flourish as their authentic selves.

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