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Connection

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Parenting an autistic or PDA child can be overwhelming, especially when you’re constantly running on empty. The first step in breaking the burnout cycle is to focus on your own well-being. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the first foundational pillar of Attuned Parenting — parent well-being and co-regulation, and why they are crucial […]

Co-Regulation for Autistic & PDA Parents: Foundational Tips for Well-Being & Connection

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If you’re here, I’m guessing you’ve been doing the thing so many of us do when parenting feels hard:you’ve been collecting strategies. Maybe you’ve read the books.Downloaded the charts.Saved the Instagram posts.Tried reward systems, calm corners, scripts, routines, visual schedules, “gentle consequences,” sensory tools, timers… all of it. And yet… you’re still stuck. Meltdowns are […]

Attuned Parenting for Autistic & PDA Kids: Stop Collecting Strategies — Build These 3 Foundations

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For years, I tried to fix my son’s meltdowns.I tried to stop them, shorten them, outsmart them, prevent them… anything to regain a sense of control. I wasn’t seeing defiance — not really — but I was still treating his behaviour as if it needed managing, shaping, redirecting. And I did it with all the […]

Why Traditional Strategies Fail PDA Meltdowns—and What Works Instead

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When meltdowns happen, it can feel like everything unravels. The noise, the tears, the intensity — and that sinking feeling that nothing you try seems to help. I remember sitting on the floor with my son one afternoon as he was completely dysregulated, completely overwhelmed. I was exhausted, desperate to help him, and fighting my […]

Helping Your Autistic Child Through Meltdowns: 6 Connection-First Strategies That Work

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Morning routines that take three times longer than they should. Bedtime battles that leave everyone emotionally drained. Just getting out the door feeling like an Olympic event you’re never prepared for. If daily transitions in your home feel like navigating a minefield, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not doing anything wrong. The truth […]

3 Connection-First Steps That Transform Daily Transitions for Autistic Children

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It was another 2am Google search. “Is my child Autistic?” “Signs of Autism in 2 year olds”. “What does PDA Autism look like?” Sound familiar? Despite having over a decade of experience in learning support and early childhood development, I found myself completely lost when it came to understanding my own PDA Autistic son. The […]

3 Quiet Truths About Parenting Autistic Children That Changed Everything

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Wondering what you’re seeing in your child and what to do next? Check out this free guide to learn the subtle signs, decode what they could mean, and find your first step forward with confidence.

Free Guide: Early Signs of Autism

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I’m a Family Autism Support Coach, educator, and neurodivergent mother walking this path alongside you. This blog was created for the moments when you're too tired to read a research paper, but still want to understand your child’s world.

I'm Chantal Hewitt.

hey fellow Mama!

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