Her main triggers are interactions with her brother, doing chores, or discipline. These things are unfortunately not avoidable. I do try to help mentally prep her for chores and I’m calm with discipline.

That’s a really cool idea. She’s a bit young especially mentally but we will try that in the future.

There is for sure more understanding of autism now than there was when you were a kid, and unfortunately some parents just don’t understand or learn about autism.

I have always validated her feelings, and made sure she understands that she is excepted and loved. I tell her it’s important that we practice but that there is nothing wrong with her feelings. I have a lot of education with autism, but there is always more to learn and I always want to gain more knowledge and insight so that I can be a better parent.

As far as a safe space I got her a pink tent house which is really nice and she loves it. She keeps her art supplies in there and she has a light and a fan to make sure that it is comfortable. It has a soft mat on the bottom and she has a long pink kitty pillow to lay on and snuggle with.

She responds very well to positive reinforcement and praise and affection. I know that she will be OK in the long run. I don’t consider her meltdown to be a burden, but rather I feel bad for her that she is struggling in such a way.

I remind her that it will get easier as she gets older. Being a kid can be very difficult. I’ll get her a stress stuffed cat to hug if she get upset,