To the untrained or inexperienced

eye, tantrums and meltdowns usually look very much the same. If

something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck,

you are going to conclude it’s a duck. But when it comes to tantrums and

meltdowns, this isn’t the case.

Although tantrums and meltdowns may look similar,

they are actually very different. However, the fact that they appear

similar can create a lot of misunderstanding and suffering for us as

moms of children with Autism. So how can you tell whether your child is

having a tantrum or a meltdown, and how do you deal with them

appropriately while being conscious of other people’s opinions? That’s

what I’m teaching you in this week’s episode.

In this episode, I share

the similarities and differences between tantrums and meltdowns, help

you normalize the experience of an Autism meltdown, and assist you in

dealing with individuals who may not understand. Discover how to think

about and respond to the different behaviors your child exhibits, some

of the thoughts that may come up when your child is having a tantrum or a

meltdown, and how to use what I’m teaching you this week to be an

ambassador for parents of a child with Autism.

• Some of the typical behaviors that appear in both tantrums and meltdowns.
• Why a meltdown is not a teachable moment.
• How to deal with Autism meltdowns in a way that helps both you and your child.
• Why so many people associate screaming, yelling, and uncooperative behavior with a bad kid, or a bad parent.
• How to tune out other people’s opinions of your child’s meltdown.

You’ve heard the phrase “make the most of summer.” But for autism moms, this often translates into do more work with less support and zero downtime.

In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey of how I used to treat summer like a catch-up bootcamp for my son—drills, flashcards, workbooks, and more. I explain how this approach, fueled by fear of regression and pressure to “keep up,” ended in stress, dysregulation, and disappointment for both of us.

You’ll hear:

• The hidden anxiety behind “making the most” of summer
• How fear of regression can sabotage your best intentions
• What to do instead: setting small, achievable goals
• Tips for engaging your child without turning your home into a summer school
• Why your energy matters more than any worksheet

If you’re bracing yourself for the summer months, this episode will help you rethink your expectations and shift into a mindset that supports both your child’s growth and your well-being.

Resources:

Schedule a consultation: https://theautismmomcoach.com

In this week’s pre-Father’s Day episode, I am bringing you my conversation with Rob Gorski, otherwise known as The Autism Dad.

Rob discusses his experience of navigating solo parenting three boys on the Autism spectrum.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The biggest problems that dads of children with Autism face.
• Rob’s philosophy of doing your best and knowing that’s always enough.
• Some of the challenges posed by our kids with Autism transitioning into adulthood.

And so much more. Tune in now & soak up Rob’s pearls of wisdom.