Discover why everyday demands can feel overwhelming for autistic children with a PDA profile. Learn how anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance, and explore calm, connection-based strategies to support your child and yourself.

By Kelly Hutton A key component to parenting is knowing when you are stressed. If you have ever found yourself negotiating with a toddler about putting their shoes on in January, you'll know parenting can sometimes feel like a full-contact sport. My youngest, for instance, used to make every school run an exercise in emotional endurance, shoes? No. Coat? Absolutely not. Tantrums? Loud, occasionally airborne (the toys, not the child). And then there's the stage where an eight-

Disruptive behaviour isn’t a sign of bad parenting, it’s your child’s way of communicating unmet needs. From toddler tantrums to teenage door slams, behaviour is often a signal of frustration, fear, or a craving for connection. Whole Needs Parenting encourages us to look beneath the behaviour, stay curious, and respond with empathy. When we understand what’s really going on, we move from firefighting to building stronger, calmer connections.

Talking with children about difficult topics — from illness to troubling world events — is never easy. But research shows that when parents speak with their children, not at them, it builds trust, resilience, and understanding. Using approaches inspired by doctors, this blog offers practical steps to start honest, gentle conversations. You are not alone — our community and 1:1 family support are here to help.

Worrying about your child’s development is natural, but you don’t have to face it alone. Some children need extra support with learning, communication, or attention, and recognising this early can make all the difference. The SEND Code of Practice (2015) sets out clear steps to identify needs and access help. With the right support, labels can empower rather than limit, giving children understanding, tools, and opportunities to thrive.