Big emotions can feel overwhelming — for your child and for you. But emotional regulation isn’t something children automatically know how to do — it’s a skill that develops with support, structure, and practice.
For many autistic children, meltdowns aren’t defiance — they’re signs of overwhelm. Through ABA-informed strategies, parents can shift from simply stopping behavior to teaching what to do instead: building emotional language, practicing coping tools during calm moments, and reinforcing small steps toward regulation.
This compassionate approach recognizes that behavior is communication and that every emotional moment is a chance to teach. With patience, co-regulation, and consistency, you’re not just managing hard moments — you’re helping your child develop lifelong skills for handling stress and frustration.

