When my autistic son had a meltdown on camera and later apologized, people assumed I didn’t discipline him. Let’s clear that up. In this episode, I break down what an autistic meltdown really is, why discipline has to wait until calm returns, and how to respond in ways that actually help.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, partner, or friend, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what’s happening during a meltdown, what you can do in the moment, and how to move forward after the storm.

Because meltdowns don’t mean failure — they mean human.

Some kids won’t sleep in their own bed… others dismantle it like it’s their part-time job. In this episode of Just Shae and Friends, I share my experience with my son Ste’ce (yes, he took his bed apart too), along with strategies I’ve learned from ABA training and my RBT sister.

We’ll talk about:

• Why kids resist their bed or destroy it (sensory, escape, attention, or comfort issues)

• Safety-first solutions like floor beds and crash pads

• The power of consistency in bedtime routines

• Gradual independence: moving the bed step by step toward their own room

• Reinforcing the good behaviors and working with your therapy team

Disclaimer: I am not a BCBA. Please work with your child’s therapy team for a plan tailored to your child.

Hitting can be one of the toughest moments to handle as a parent—especially when your child is autistic and struggling to communicate.

In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from ABA training and from my sister, who’s an RBT, about keeping yourself safe and helping your child find safer ways to express themselves.

I haven’t experienced this personally with my son, but these tips can help you protect yourself, stay calm, and work with your child’s therapy team to address the behavior.

Disclaimer: I am not a BCBA. Please consult your child’s therapy team for a plan specific to them.