We're so grateful this week to be joined by Kate Lynch. Kate is a somatic mindfulness coach dedicated to creating a kinder, more inclusive future for all families. Since 2002, she has supported thousands of parents around the world with mindfulness, self-compassion, and somatic movement, helping them avoid burnout while raising their neurodivergent children.

Kate shares some really valuable insights and practical advice that we hope will resonate with you.

Kate Lynch (she/her) is a somatic mindfulness coach on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future. Since 2002, she has supported thousands of parents internationally with mindfulness, self-compassion, and somatic movement, so they can enjoy raising their neurodivergent kids and avoid parental burnout. She facilitates Parent Support Groups for Extreme Kids and Parent Clubs for Good Inside. Kate is author of the upcoming book, Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents: The joys and struggles of raising neurodivergent kids. She has been featured in ADDitude Magazine, Mutha Magazine, Autism Parenting Magazine, and more. Her little neurodiverse family lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Understanding Somatic Mindfulness: Somatic mindfulness focuses on the mind-body connection, emphasising self-care and emotional regulation through body awareness.

The Impact of Parenting on Children: Parents' emotional states, such as anxiety or stress, can significantly affect their neurodivergent children, highlighting the importance of parental self-regulation.

Mindfulness Practices for Parents: Simple mindfulness techniques, such as feeling the soles of your feet on the ground, can be integrated into daily routines to support emotional well-being.

Community Support: Connecting with other parents is invaluable. Sharing experiences and advice can empower you and provide essential resources.

Advocacy and Navigating Educational Systems: Understanding your rights and advocating for your child’s needs in educational settings is crucial, as parents often face systemic challenges.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve plays a vital role in regulating stress responses and emotional states, influencing how we react to situations.

The Therapeutic Nature of Activities: Engaging in activities like surfing or working with animals can be therapeutic for neurodivergent children, providing joy and confidence.

Email: kate@healthyhappyyoga.com

Substack: https://katelynch.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfregulatedparent

Mindful Meltdown Cheat Sheet:

4 quick and simple mindfulness tools just for parents of neurodivergent kids

4 meltdown essentials based on core values.

https://www.healthyhappyyoga.com/meltdown

or 1 month trial membership: https://katelynch.substack.com/month

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Natalie Tealdi:

Hi, it's Natalie. Unfortunately, I was unable to be in today's interview, but before we begin, I wanted to take a moment to introduce our brilliant...

In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re diving into the reality of summer holidays when your autistic child thrives on school routine. Natalie shares how her son, who has been doing brilliantly during term time, has found the transition to the long break unexpectedly tough - from meltdowns and aggressive behaviours to disrupted sleep during a melatonin break. We talk about pacing activities, managing sensory needs, and finding that fine balance between structure and rest.

How losing the school routine can trigger heightened anxiety and challenging behaviours and why this is so common for autistic children.

How disrupted sleep, including during a melatonin break, can ripple through the day and impact mood, patience, and coping ability.

How favourite activities and special interests like metal detecting, magnet fishing, and trampoline time can help regulate emotions.

Pacing social interaction and physical activity to avoid sensory overload or burnout during the holidays.

How visual tools like Google Maps and travel timers can reduce anxiety during car journeys and transitions.

Managing expectations around events and invitations from saying 'no' to busy festivals to choosing carefully between activities that may or may not be accessible.

How preparation can help make big days out go more smoothly.

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[00:00:00] Hello and welcome to

the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sisters

raising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everyday

moments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips,

shared strength and expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving

a meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right here with

you.

Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything in

between parenting autistic children.

Victoria Bennion:

Today, we're talking about something that so many parents of autistic children

will understand, and that's why the summer holidays can feel like the hardest

part of the year. We're gonna talk about what's been going on in our homes this

summer, from unexpected meltdowns to sleep struggles, and the ripple effect of

losing that familiar school routine.

Victoria Bennion:

We'll be sharing our real life [00:01:00]

stories, the strategies that have helped, and the moments that have truly

tested us. If you are navigating the ups and downs of the school holidays, you

are absolutely not alone. We are right here in it with you.

Natalie Tealdi: One

thing that's come up for us is our son has been coping so well. During term

time, so well at school, absolutely loving school. He's been doing so well and

it's been quite surprising how tricky he's finding the holidays.

Natalie...

We're joined by a really special guest this week, Tanya Kemp. Tanya is a registered counsellor and parent consultant specialising in neurodiversity trauma and the parent Child Connection. Tanya's own journey has equipped her with unique insights on supporting autistic children.

Tanya Kemp is a registered counsellor and parent consultant, specialising in neurodiversity, trauma, and parent-child connection. With over two decades of clinical experience and additional training in mindfulness, somatic work, and neurodiversity-affirming practice, she supports families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. Tanya is also a solo mum to her 11-year-old autistic daughter, and together they’re traveling the world—learning, living, and world-schooling along the way. Her lived experience, combined with global research and integrative therapeutic approaches, makes her a trusted and compassionate guide for families navigating neurodivergence.

Understanding Neurodiversity: Tanya emphasises the importance of recognising and embracing neurodiversity as a valuable aspect of human variation rather than a deficit.

Parent-Child Connections: Building strong relationships with autistic children involves active listening, empathy, and validation of their feelings and experiences.

Practical Strategies for Support: Tanya shares actionable techniques that parents can use to support their autistic children, including creating structured routines and sensory-friendly environments.

Empowering Families: She highlights the need for parents to feel empowered and informed, equipping them with the tools they need to advocate effectively for their children.

Celebrating Differences: Emphasising the uniqueness of each autistic child, Tanya encourages families to celebrate their strengths and individuality.

Community Support: The importance of finding and fostering community connections is crucial for both parents and children, providing a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

Navigating Challenges: Tanya discusses common challenges faced by families and offers insights on how to navigate them with resilience and positivity.

Education and Advocacy: She stresses the role of education in breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society for neurodivergent individuals.

Self-Care for Parents: Tanya reminds parents to prioritise their own well-being, as caring for themselves enables them to better support their children.

Continuous Learning: The journey of understanding and supporting neurodiversity is ongoing, and Tanya encourages parents to remain open to learning and adapting as they grow alongside their children.

Website: https://www.tanyakemp.com/

Facebook - https://facebook.com/parentingautisticchildrenmatters

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parentingautisticchildren/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-kemp-0b32022ab/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@parentingautisticchildren

A 5 day video series on the 5 things every parent should know when their child receives an autism diagnosis.

A free training for parents and carers on the autism brain through the lens that Tanya parents - a neurodiversity affirming lens that really shifts how parents and carers think about their child's day to day challenges and what kind of support they need. Also to understand the neurodiversity movement, ableism and be part of the solution for a better future for autistic people.

You can access these offers via Tanya's website here: https://www.tanyakemp.com/