Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen tackle controversial parenting scenarios from autism Facebook groups, exploring real dilemmas that leave parents stumped. When a 13-year-old autistic child steals vodka to share with friends, is it a consequence problem or a safety issue? The hosts dissect problematic advice about validating risky behavior and discuss why understanding a child's developmental level matters more than imposing consequences. They also address therapy conflicts when ABA and speech therapy clash, the pressure around "please and thank you," navigating gift-giving with family members, dealing with spouses who won't adapt their parenting approach, and the non-negotiable priority of keeping children safe from danger.

Key Takeaways:

• When an autistic child doesn't understand stealing, start with teaching the concept rather than imposing consequences
• Autistic teens are vulnerable to peer manipulation and may take dangerous risks to fit in with friends
• Before implementing consequences, assess the child's developmental level and what they're actually capable of understanding
• Team meetings are essential when different therapists use conflicting approaches for the same child
• Social norms like "please and thank you" should be taught when developmentally appropriate, not forced prematurely
• Get ahead of gift-giving situations by preparing family members and considering opening presents privately
• When safety is at stake, parents have permission to stop dangerous behavior first and teach later
• Spouse alignment on autism parenting is critical; validate concerns while working toward solutions together
• Consider whether peer relationships are healthy or exploitative when children engage in risky behaviors
• Not all autism parenting advice from online groups is appropriate, even from moderators

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Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

• (00:00) - Introduction