In this episode of Acorns to Oaks, Kristine Dixon and Sarah Morrow talk about supporting autistic and neurodivergent children with complex medical needs. They discuss epilepsy, medication changes, sensory sensitivities, hospital and dental visits, pain communication, parent stress, safety planning, and why medical needs must come first in ABA.

This conversation is especially relevant for parents, caregivers, providers, nurses, school teams, and referral partners supporting children whose care requires coordination across multiple systems.

One of the most important ideas in this episode is that not every behavior should be treated as a behavior first. For medically complex children, changes in attention, irritability, rigidity, toileting, fatigue, or distress may be connected to pain, illness, seizure activity, medication effects, sleep disruption, or another medical concern. Ethical behavioral care has to slow down enough to ask what the body may be communicating. 

Acorns to Oaks is presented by Nurture & Nature ABA, providing compassionate ABA therapy and parent support in Valley Village and the San Fernando Valley.

Learn more or schedule a consultation: nurtureandnatureaba.com

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This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized clinical care.