Understanding Behaviors & Meltdowns

Podcast Resources

Featured
45 | Mouthing & Chewing Behaviors in Autism | Dipali Devani
autism sensory needs, oral sensory seeking, chewing behavior autism, sensory processing, occupational therapy autism, autism regulation strategies, sensory integration, Featured
45 | Mouthing & Chewing Behaviors in Autism | Dipali Devani
autism sensory needs, oral sensory seeking, chewing behavior autism, sensory processing, occupational therapy autism, autism regulation strategies, sensory integration, Featured

Is your child constantly chewing on everything?
Mouthing and chewing can be signs of unmet sensory needs. Learn what’s normal, when to be concerned, and simple OT strategies to help your child feel calm, focused, and supported.

Read More →
autism sensory needs, oral sensory seeking, chewing behavior autism, sensory processing, occupational therapy autism, autism regulation strategies, sensory integration, Featured
The Ready to Learn and Play (RtLP)4-Phase Sensory Regulation Strategy
sensory processing, sensory regulation, sensory tools, Parenting, Ready to Learn and Play
The Ready to Learn and Play (RtLP)4-Phase Sensory Regulation Strategy
sensory processing, sensory regulation, sensory tools, Parenting, Ready to Learn and Play

Try this 4-phase framework to help your child regulate and understand their sensory processing needs

Read More →
sensory processing, sensory regulation, sensory tools, Parenting, Ready to Learn and Play
Traveling with Autism: Tips, Tools, and Hope from Author Dawn Barclay
travel, Dawn Barclay, sensory, social stories, schedules, Routines, Autism Travel Tips, Special Needs Travel, Traveling with Autism, Autism Friendly Vacations, Autism Support, Sensory Friendly Travel
Traveling with Autism: Tips, Tools, and Hope from Author Dawn Barclay
travel, Dawn Barclay, sensory, social stories, schedules, Routines, Autism Travel Tips, Special Needs Travel, Traveling with Autism, Autism Friendly Vacations, Autism Support, Sensory Friendly Travel

Dawn Barclay, author of Traveling Different, shares practical travel tips for families navigating autism, including how to reduce sensory stress, prepare with social stories, and find autism-friendly travel resources.

Read More →
travel, Dawn Barclay, sensory, social stories, schedules, Routines, Autism Travel Tips, Special Needs Travel, Traveling with Autism, Autism Friendly Vacations, Autism Support, Sensory Friendly Travel
How To Manage Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Sensory Processing, Sensory Regulation, Milemarkers
How To Manage Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Sensory Processing, Sensory Regulation, Milemarkers

It not a “sensory diet” but instead a “sensory lifestyle”

Read More →
Sensory Processing, Sensory Regulation, Milemarkers
How To Respond To Your Child's Meltdown Behaviors
behaviors, tantrums
How To Respond To Your Child's Meltdown Behaviors
behaviors, tantrums

Meltdowns can feel overwhelming—but they’re also a message. In this episode, we break down how to respond with calm, curiosity, and compassion. You’ll learn the 3-step method to decode your child’s behavior, stay grounded during big emotions, and teach new ways to express needs. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying consistent and connected.

Read More →
behaviors, tantrums

Blog Resources

Featured
Understanding Arizona DDD & How It Supports Your Family
Arizona DDD, Autism Parenting, Parent Support, Arizona Resources for Families, pediatric therapy
Understanding Arizona DDD & How It Supports Your Family
Arizona DDD, Autism Parenting, Parent Support, Arizona Resources for Families, pediatric therapy

Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers vital support. Learn how to navigate DDD to access therapy services and resources for your child. 

Read More →
Arizona DDD, Autism Parenting, Parent Support, Arizona Resources for Families, pediatric therapy
Halloween for Everyone: Sensory-Friendly Tricks and Treats
sensory-friendly Halloween, Halloween, Autism, SPD, trick-or-treat tips, sensory strategies
Halloween for Everyone: Sensory-Friendly Tricks and Treats
sensory-friendly Halloween, Halloween, Autism, SPD, trick-or-treat tips, sensory strategies

 Costumes, spooky décor, loud noises. Halloween can be tricky for kids with sensory issues. Get tips for a sensory-friendly Halloween: find comfy costumes, practice trick-or treating, and adapt activities so your child can join the fun with less stress.  


Read More →
sensory-friendly Halloween, Halloween, Autism, SPD, trick-or-treat tips, sensory strategies
Sensory Processing 101: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Sensory Processing, Sensory Seeking, Sensory sensitivity, Sensory Integration, occupational therapy sensory, sensory processing disorder
Sensory Processing 101: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Sensory Processing, Sensory Seeking, Sensory sensitivity, Sensory Integration, occupational therapy sensory, sensory processing disorder

Learn how sensory processing works in children and how sensory seeking or sensory sensitivity can affect behavior, regulation, and daily routines.

Read More →
Sensory Processing, Sensory Seeking, Sensory sensitivity, Sensory Integration, occupational therapy sensory, sensory processing disorder
Back to School Guide: Transition Tips for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Back To School, Autism Parenting, Autism, Special Education, Sensory-Friendly
Back to School Guide: Transition Tips for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Back To School, Autism Parenting, Autism, Special Education, Sensory-Friendly

Back-to-school can be stressful for kids with special needs. Get tips to ease the transition—start adjusting routines early, meet the teacher in advance, and use visual schedules— so your child feels confident on day one. 

Read More →
Back To School, Autism Parenting, Autism, Special Education, Sensory-Friendly
Traveling with Neurodiverse Kids: Vacation Tips for Families on the Go 
TravelTips, autism parenting support, Autism, Autism Travel Preparation, Parent Coaching
Traveling with Neurodiverse Kids: Vacation Tips for Families on the Go 
TravelTips, autism parenting support, Autism, Autism Travel Preparation, Parent Coaching

Traveling with a neurodiverse child? With a little extra planning, trips can be less stressful. Learn how to prep for new environments, pack sensory tools, and maintain routines to make family vacations more enjoyable for everyone. 

Read More →
TravelTips, autism parenting support, Autism, Autism Travel Preparation, Parent Coaching

External Resources

This article talks about how sound sensitivity affects children with autism and offers insight into why everyday noises can be distressing or ignored.

This article talks about how sound sensitivity affects children with autism and offers insight into why everyday noises can be distressing or ignored.

The Ready to Learn and Play framework is a step-by-step approach that helps children understand and manage their sensory needs to support learning and self-regulation.

The Ready to Learn and Play framework is a step-by-step approach that helps children understand and manage their sensory needs to support learning and self-regulation.

Previous

Getting Started after a diagnosis
Next

Helping my child communicate