Feelings, sensory needs and behaviour

Meltdowns and shutdowns, sensory differences, stimming, feelings and keeping everyone safe.

Meltdown, tantrum or shutdown? How to tell and what to doA meltdown is overwhelm, not naughtiness. How to tell it from a tantrum or a shutdown, and what helps before, during and after.12 minute read Sensory differences: overload, seeking and what helpsWhy your child might cover their ears, crave spinning or not notice hunger, what helps day to day, and what the research says about sensory therapies and weighted blankets.13 minute read Helping your child understand feelings and find calmWhy feelings can be hard to notice and name, how to teach them, calm tools for different moments, signs of anxiety and where to get help.12 minute read Stimming: what it is, why it helps and when to actWhy autistic children flap, rock, spin or repeat sounds, why harmless stims are best left alone, and what to do when a stim causes harm.10 minute read Hitting, biting and head-banging: keeping everyone safeHitting, biting and head-banging are signs of distress, not naughtiness. How to keep everyone safe, check for pain, find the cause and get help.12 minute read Demand avoidance and PDA: what UK parents should knowWhat PDA and demand avoidance mean, why PDA is not an official diagnosis, what may help at home, and how to get your child's needs met at school.10 minute read