Have you ever felt a meltdown building before you even knew what had triggered it? Your child is overwhelmed, your body goes on alert, and suddenly you’re trying to keep everyone safe while managing your own fear, guilt, and exhaustion.

In this guest episode of Nervous System Reset for Caregivers, Michelle speaks with Catherine Crestani, a speech-language pathologist who spent nearly two decades supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Together, they explore what happens before, during, and after meltdowns — and why caregivers need emotional regulation and practical support too.

This is a non-shaming conversation about caregiver burnout, nervous system regulation, sensory needs, and the importance of seeing each child as a whole person rather than a diagnosis or label.

What you’ll learn

• Why “calm down” rarely helps during overwhelm
• Early signs that a meltdown may be building
• How to label emotions without judgement or shame
• Why your own nervous system affects the child or loved one you’re supporting
• Simple breathing and grounding tools for caregivers
• The importance of practising regulation strategies before a crisis
• How to support children after a meltdown through repair and connection
• Catherine’s FAST stress tool and how it may support caregivers and children
• Why compassion and grace belong in your caregiving plan

Gentle note

This episode includes discussion of meltdowns, overwhelm, sensory needs, family stress, and caregiver burnout. Please listen in a way that feels supportive for you. You’re welcome to pause and come back at any time.

Chapters

00:08 Understanding Meltdowns in Neurodivergent Children

02:24 Practical Tools for Caregivers

02:56 Introduction to Catherine Crestani and Her Work

Connect with Catherine Crestani

Website: http://willowhealing.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@willowhealingsh

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@willowhealingsh

Substack: https://willowhealing.substack.com/

Podcast profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetail/17389782405077423d3ae06f7

Caregiver Resources — J and B Inspired

13th August Webinar Replay: jandbinspired.com/hero-section

Gratitude Journal — free gift: https://jandbinspired.com/radiant-moments-gratitude-journal

90 Second Reset Program: https://jandbinspired.com/90-second-reset-program

Gentle Radiance Circle — community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1533792571644996/

Mission Statement for Caregivers: https://jandbinspired.com/jandboasis-mission-statement

OASIS Signature Program: https://link.jandbinspired.com/widget/form/w3HKv1FKxfrYuaYhtEsg?notrack=true

Caregiver to caregiver, you don’t have to respond perfectly every time. Choose one phrase, one breath, or one small reset to practise when things are calm, so it’s easier to access when you need it most.

#caregiver #familycaregiver #autismcaregiver #autismparenting #neurodivergentchildren #meltdownsupport #caregiversupport #caregiverburnout #caregiverstress #emotionalregulation #emotionalregulationskills #sensoryoverwhelm #sensoryprocessing #nervoussystemregulation #traumainformedcare #compassionateparenting #regulateemotions #familycare

Music credit: “Open Skies” — Hartzmann

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