Meltdowns can feel overwhelming and unpredictable—but they don’t have to take over your entire day. In this empowering episode, Jess Nahu equips you with five evidence-based strategies that actually work when your neurodivergent child is experiencing big emotions. These techniques are drawn from both science and lived experience, giving you the practical tools to move from chaos to calm.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode gives you the foundation to build your very own meltdown response toolkit—and create a more peaceful, connected home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to identify early signs of an impending meltdown
The power of neurodevelopmental movement to calm the nervous system
Ways to use sensory regulation tools to reduce emotional overload
How intentional touch and massage can boost connection and reduce stress

Key Takeaways:

• Prevention starts with observation. Learning your child’s unique early warning signs can help stop meltdowns before they begin.
• Movement is medicine. Simple daily exercises like cross crawls and animal walks can regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelm.
• Sensory tools aren’t a luxury—they’re a need. Chewy items, weighted blankets, and structured environments help kids feel grounded and safe.
• Touch builds trust. Massage and physical connection stimulate feel-good hormones like oxytocin and support emotional regulation.
• Routines are your secret weapon. Visual schedules, timers, and predictable transitions lower anxiety and give your child a sense of control.

This Week’s Highlights:

• Introduction of the 5 Key Strategies: early warning signs, neurodevelopmental movement, sensory regulation, intentional touch, and predictability
• Reflex integration activities such as starfish and cannonball exercises
• Using massage routines and proprioceptive input to calm and connect
• Tips on creating visual schedules and predictable routines

Weekly Kryptonite:

Pushing your child too hard or too fast after a meltdown
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to move on quickly, but emotional recovery takes time. Rushing your child can trigger another meltdown. Instead, focus on calm connection and slowly helping them re-regulate.

Wonder Woman Moment:

You are the superhero.
This week, Jess invites you to recognize the quiet victories: the deep breath you took instead of yelling, the sensory break you introduced just in time, the hug you offered instead of a lecture. Every small moment of connection counts—you’re doing an amazing job.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Mastering Meltdowns: Strategies for Emotional Regulation

A 90-minute Masterclass to reduce the frequency & intensity of meltdowns with your Little SuperHero. SIGN UP NOW
https://maternalgrounding.spayee.com/s/store/courses/description/67bbc85716b24630e0621830--Mastering-Meltdowns

The meltdown is over, but now what? How you handle the moments after a meltdown is just as important as how you manage it during. This is the time where trust is either rebuilt or fractured. In this episode, Jess dives into the crucial steps for post-meltdown recovery—helping your child feel safe, connected, and emotionally supported.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why post-meltdown recovery is a crucial time for neurodivergent children
How to create a safe space for emotional regulation after a meltdown
The importance of giving space while maintaining connection
Effective ways to prevent future meltdowns using sensory breaks and routines

Key Takeaways:

• Trust is built or fractured after a meltdown. Your child needs to feel safe and supported, not judged or rushed to move on.
• Give space without abandonment. Some children need quiet time alone, but knowing you’re nearby can be reassuring.
• Avoid immediate discipline or lectures. A child’s brain is not in a learning state right after a meltdown

This Week’s Highlights:

Weekly Kryptonite: Expecting your child to move on too quickly after a meltdown. Emotional recovery takes time, and rushing can lead to another meltdown sooner. Instead, allow time for calm, connection, and self-regulation.

Wonder Woman Moment: A parent shared how, instead of forcing a conversation after a meltdown, she simply sat down and played quietly with her child’s favorite puzzle. After a few minutes, her child naturally opened up and shared how they were feeling. This is a beautiful reminder that connection often comes in quiet moments, not forced conversations.

Practical Tips for Parents:

🔹 Stay regulated yourself. Your energy affects your child—use deep breathing, humming, or a warm drink to calm yourself before re-engaging.
🔹 Provide non-verbal comfort. Sit near your child, offer a sensory tool, or create a calm environment without forcing interaction.
🔹 Use gentle reassurance. Simple phrases like “That was really hard, I’m here for you” can help rebuild trust.
🔹 Track patterns in a meltdown journal. Identify triggers like sensory overload, fatigue, or transitions to prevent future meltdowns.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

When your child is in the middle of a meltdown, it can feel overwhelming and impossible to handle. Should you talk? Should you step away? Do you hold them or give them space? In this episode, Jess breaks down practical do’s and don’ts to guide you through these intense moments with empathy and confidence.

Meltdowns are not bad behavior—they are neurological responses to overwhelming situations. By understanding how to support your child effectively, you can help them regulate their emotions and build resilience. Let’s dive into strategies that truly work!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The key differences between meltdowns and tantrums
How to create a safe and supportive space during a meltdown
The do’s and don’ts of handling intense emotional episodes
How to prevent meltdowns with long-term strategies

Key Takeaways:

• Staying calm is crucial. Your energy directly influences your child’s ability to regulate.
• Validate their emotions. Simple phrases like “I see you’re overwhelmed, I’m here for you” can be powerful.
• Don’t force touch or try to talk too much. Some kids need space before they can engage.
• Use sensory tools and safe spaces. Items like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or a quiet corner can help regulate their emotions.

This Week’s Highlights:

Weekly Kryptonite:

Unpredictability and sudden transitions. Changes in routine can trigger meltdowns because neurodivergent children thrive on predictability.

Wonder Woman Moment:

Shoutout to a listener, Jamie, who successfully helped her child through a sensory overload meltdown in a shopping center. Instead of panicking, she calmly guided her child to a quiet space and used sensory-friendly tools to support regulation.

Practical Tips for Parents

Recognize the difference between tantrums and meltdowns. If a child stops once they get what they want, it’s a tantrum. If they’re in complete distress and can’t stop, it’s a meltdown.
Minimize sensory overload. If possible, move to a quiet space, lower lights, and reduce noise to help calm their system.
Use simple, reassuring language. Avoid complex explanations—stick with phrases like “You’re safe” or “I’m here.”

Mastering Meltdowns: Strategies for Emotional Regulation

A 90-minute Masterclass to reduce the frequency & intensity of meltdowns with your Little SuperHero. SIGN UP NOW
https://maternalgrounding.spayee.com/s/store/courses/description/67bbc85716b24630e0621830--Mastering-Meltdowns

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Tantrums and meltdowns are often mistaken for the same thing, but understanding their differences is crucial for effectively supporting neurodivergent children. In this episode, Jess dives into what sets these emotional reactions apart, how they impact the brain, and why responding to them incorrectly can escalate the situation.

Whether you’ve ever questioned, “Is my child having a meltdown or just a tantrum?”—this episode will give you the clarity you need.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The fundamental differences between tantrums and meltdowns
• What happens in the brain during a meltdown vs. a tantrum
• How to recognise the signs of each and respond effectively
• Practical strategies to support emotional regulation

Key Takeaways:

• Tantrums are goal-oriented behaviors that stop once a child gets what they want.
• Meltdowns are neurological responses to overwhelm and are not within the child’s control.
• Treating a meltdown like a tantrum can escalate distress and delay recovery.
• Sensory overload, fatigue, and unexpected changes can trigger meltdowns.

This Week’s Highlights:

Weekly Kryptonite:

• The challenges of sensory overload in public spaces and dealing with the judgment that often comes with it.

Wonder Woman Moment:

• Shoutout to Jamie, a dedicated parent who successfully helped her child through a sensory overload episode in a busy shopping center. By calmly guiding her child to a quiet spot and using a sensory-friendly tool, she created a safe space for regulation—turning a potentially overwhelming experience into a moment of support and success.

Practical Tips for Parents or Teachers:

Recognise the difference – If a child is seeking something and stops when they get it, it’s likely a tantrum. If they are completely overwhelmed and unable to stop, it’s a meltdown.
Stay calm and regulate with them – Your child mirrors your nervous system. Deep breaths and a soothing tone help reduce stress.
Use short, reassuring phrases – Avoid complex language during a meltdown. Stick to simple affirmations like “You’re safe” and “I’m here.”
Provide a sensory-friendly environment – Use weighted blankets, fidget tools, or a quiet space to help ease sensory overload.

Mastering Meltdowns: Strategies for Emotional Regulation

A 90-minute Masterclass to reduce the frequency & intensity of meltdowns with your Little SuperHero. SIGN UP NOW
https://maternalgrounding.spayee.com/s/store/courses/description/67bbc85716b24630e0621830--Mastering-Meltdowns

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Meltdowns are one of the biggest challenges parents of neurodivergent children face, often leaving them feeling helpless and frustrated. But what if you could understand the science behind them? In this episode, Jess breaks down what’s happening in the brain during a meltdown, why it’s not “bad behavior,” and how parents can support their children in these overwhelming moments.

By exploring the role of the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and sensory processing, Jess sheds light on why neurodivergent children experience meltdowns differently. She also provides practical, science-backed strategies for managing meltdowns in the moment and reducing their frequency over time.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown – why they are not the same
✅ The neuroscience behind meltdowns and why they occur
✅ Common triggers that push a child into meltdown mode
✅ Strategies to help your child regulate emotions during a meltdown
✅ Long-term tools to reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns

Key Takeaways:

• Meltdowns are a neurological response, not misbehavior, and occur when the brain goes into survival mode.
• Sensory overload, communication barriers, unexpected changes, and fatigue are common meltdown triggers.
• Parents can help by staying calm, using minimal language, and providing deep pressure or sensory tools.
• Long-term strategies like sensory diets, routines, and co-regulation exercises can strengthen a child’s emotional resilience.

This Week’s Highlights:

🦸 Weekly Kryptonite:

• The unpredictability of routine changes and how they can trigger extreme anxiety and meltdowns in neurodivergent children.

🌟 Wonder Woman Moment:

• A mother in our Little Superheroes community shared a huge win—her child, who previously had daily meltdowns, went an entire week without one after implementing sensory breaks!

Practical Tips for Parents:

🔹 Stay calm and regulate with them – Your child’s nervous system mirrors yours, so breathe deeply and stay composed.
🔹 Use minimal language – Avoid long explanations; instead, use short, reassuring phrases like “You’re safe” or “I’m here.”
🔹 Reduce stimulation – Move to a quieter space, dim the lights, or use sensory tools like weighted blankets or fidget toys.
🔹 Incorporate a sensory diet – Activities like swinging, bouncing, and deep pressure exercises can help regulate their nervous system.
🔹 Teach emotional regulation – Use role-playing and emotional charts to help children recognize and express feelings before they escalate.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Parenting a neurodivergent or special needs child can be overwhelming, stretching you in ways you never imagined. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but also deep meaning, love, and growth. In this episode, Jess shares three powerful mindset shifts that have helped her navigate the hardest days—moving from grief to gratitude, from isolation to connection, and from focusing on the struggles to embracing the blessings.

Through personal stories and reflections, Jess explores how shifting your perspective can bring more peace, resilience, and joy into your life. Whether you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or just looking for encouragement, this episode will give you the tools to reframe your experience and find strength in your journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The power of shifting your mindset in parenting a special needs child
✅ How to move from grief to gratitude and find joy in the journey
✅ The importance of building a support network and finding connection
✅ How embracing both struggle and meaning can bring peace
✅ Practical strategies to reframe challenges into opportunities for growth

Key Takeaways:

• Grieving the expectations you once had for your child is natural, but gratitude can help you see their unique journey as a gift.
• Finding connection with other parents going through similar experiences can break the cycle of isolation.
• Mindset shifts don’t erase the challenges, but they help create space for joy, hope, and peace.
• Acknowledging the difficulty of this journey doesn’t mean you aren’t grateful—it means you are growing through it.
• Every small victory, whether yours or your child’s, is worth celebrating.

This Week’s Highlights:

🦸 Weekly Kryptonite:

• The overwhelming feeling that comes with constantly advocating for your child while managing emotional and physical exhaustion.
• The loneliness that can creep in when people around you don’t understand your journey.

🌟 Wonder Woman Moment:

• A mother in the Little Superheroes community reached out and found support in another parent walking a similar path.
• That small act of connection became a lifeline, proving that none of us are truly alone in this journey.

Practical Tips for Parents

🔹 Shift from grief to gratitude – Acknowledge your feelings, but also focus on the small wins and moments of joy.
🔹 Build a support system – Seek out other parents, online communities, or local support groups to share the journey with.
🔹 Reframe the challenges – Instead of seeing struggles as roadblocks, view them as opportunities for growth—for both you and your child.
🔹 Practice daily moments of mindfulness – Slow down

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood learning differences, yet it affects at least 1 in 10 children. Many children with dyslexia struggle with reading, writing, and spelling, often feeling frustrated, isolated, and behind their peers. In this episode, Jess dives into the emotional and academic challenges dyslexic children face and how parents can provide the right support to help them thrive in school.

From breaking common myths about dyslexia to sharing practical strategies that work, this episode is packed with insights for parents and teachers. Whether your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia or is showing signs of struggle, this episode will equip you with the tools and confidence to support them throughout the school year.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What dyslexia is and how it affects reading, writing, and learning
✅ Common myths about dyslexia and why traditional teaching methods often don’t work
✅ The emotional impact of dyslexia and how to build a child’s self-confidence
✅ Practical strategies to help your child at home and in school

Key Takeaways:

• Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence; many dyslexic individuals are highly creative and excel in problem-solving.
• The right interventions, such as multi-sensory learning and assistive technology, can make a huge difference.
• Children with dyslexia often struggle with confidence—celebrating their strengths and progress is crucial.
• Developing a positive, pressure-free reading environment at home can encourage a love for learning.

🦸 Weekly Kryptonite:

• The frustration and overwhelm parents feel when they don’t know where to start in supporting their dyslexic child.
• The lack of understanding from teachers and schools, leading to children being labeled as "not trying hard enough."

🌟 Wonder Woman Moment:

• This week’s Wonder Woman is Kerry, a dedicated mother whose son, Hudson, made incredible progress in reading after just a few therapy sessions.
• His hard work paid off when he received the Most Improved Reading award at the end of the year—proof that with the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive.

Practical Tips for Parents:

🔹 Use multi-sensory learning techniques – Incorporate visual, auditory, and hands-on methods to reinforce learning.
🔹 Encourage self-confidence – Celebrate effort, not just results, to build resilience and motivation.
🔹 Teach self-advocacy – Help children express their needs and ask for help when necessary.
🔹 Normalize dyslexia – Share stories of successful dyslexic individuals to show that their learning difference is a strength, not a limitation.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

The recent changes to NDIS funding have left many families struggling to provide the necessary support for their children. With cuts happening unexpectedly, parents are left feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. In this episode, Jess shares her personal experience with the system, the emotional toll of a $30,000 funding cut for her son, and the challenges of advocating for his needs.

We’ll discuss the bigger picture of NDIS funding adjustments, how they impact not just children but entire families, and the practical steps you can take to navigate the system. Whether you're facing funding challenges or preparing for future plan reviews, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to stand up for your child’s needs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The impact of NDIS funding cuts on children and families
• How to request an NDIS funding review and what to prepare
• The emotional and financial challenges parents face when support is reduced
• Ways to connect with advocacy groups and seek additional resources
• Strategies to budget and prioritize essential therapies

Key Takeaways:

• NDIS plan cuts can significantly affect a child’s progress, confidence, and overall well-being.
• Parents need to be strong advocates and gather the right documentation to fight for their child’s support.
• Connecting with advocacy groups can help guide families through the review process.
• Budgeting and reassessing available funds can help maximize the impact of reduced funding.
• Community support and persistence are key in overcoming funding challenges.

This Week’s Highlights:

Weekly Kryptonite: The overwhelming stress of dealing with sudden NDIS funding cuts, having to stretch resources, and the emotional toll of seeing a child lose necessary support.

Wonder Woman Moment: A mother in the Little Superheroes community fought hard for her child's NDIS review by gathering reports, filming therapy sessions, and even reaching out to her local MP—resulting in her child's funding being reinstated.

Practical Tips for Parents:

Document everything – Keep progress reports, therapy assessments, and even videos to justify funding needs.
Seek advocacy support – Organizations specializing in NDIS advocacy can help navigate the review process.
Request a review promptly – If funding is cut, act quickly to gather evidence and apply for a review.
Prioritize essential therapies – Reallocate resources to the most impactful services for your child.
Stay informed – Keep up with policy changes to understand your rights and options.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au