Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we’ll explore Family Dynamics: Complex Relationships and Competing Needs with Dr Alberto Veloso from Relational Minds. Today’s discussion is a real and honest look at the emotional pressure cooker that family life can become when neurodivergent needs collide. We’ll talk about why stress builds up, why even small things can trigger conflict, and how to recognise the signs of burnout in yourself and your family. We’ll also share practical strategies to navigate competing needs, rebuild trust after conflict, and move from survival mode back towards connection. Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator or professional, we hope this episode offers understanding, validation and ideas you can use right away. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.