Does your child have shutdowns and meltdowns that feel impossible to manage? Does their anxiety creep in at school, or they mask and bring it all home to you, and nobody believes you in school? If any of this sounds familiar, this is for you.
Cliff is once again joined by Connor Johnson, an NHS assistant practitioner supporting families with autism and ADHD. In this, the 2nd episode, they move beyond the foundations and focus on behaviours and anxiety. What's really happening beneath the surface? Why certain types of punishments don´t work, and practical strategies you can use to help your child regulate their emotions and navigate daily challenges.
💡 Disclaimer: This mini course shares professional guidance and strategies, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your child, please consult your GP or healthcare professional.
If your child’s shutdowns and meltdowns feel impossible to manage, you’re not alone.
Meltdowns are a sign that your child is overwhelmed and no longer in control, not that they are simply refusing to listen.
Learn to spot the early signs and redirect.
Most of the time punishments don’t work because they don’t address the root causes of behaviour. What you can do instead is covered, in detail, during the episode.
Practical strategies like behaviour ABC logs, positive behaviour support plans, and sensory tools can help identify patterns, reduce anxiety, and support your child’s emotional regulation.
Modelling healthy emotional responses and giving children time and space to process feelings really helps.
“Their behaviour is not your fault.”
“You and the child will both be picking up new skills throughout this journey. Updating the plan regularly is really important for that child.”
“Think, What do I do when I'm stressed? Do I shout and slam things? – If that's how I'm behaving, then obviously that's how the child's going to behave.”
“Routine and structure are a big part of that predictability, that consistency from parents and caregivers.”
Connor Johnson - Assistant Practitioner at NHS Snapdragons Centre
https://www.medwaycommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk
The Children’s Public Health Nursing Team at Snapdragons can give advice on:
Eating issues: weight, dietary needs, healthy snacks, faddy eating, etc.
Allergies, including anaphylaxis (severe reactions)
Epilepsy and other chronic conditions
Supporting you and your child as they grow
🎧 Listen to the full series on Parenting Autism and ADHD:
Also available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
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Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast.
Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. He to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population.
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