Meltdowns vs Shutdowns: A Conversation with Meghan Bailey (S7Ee28)

Jul 31, 2024

In this conversation, Meghan Bailey, a mother of an autistic son, shares her heartfelt insights on parenting a neurodiverse child. She discusses the emotional journey following her son’s late autism diagnosis and the grieving process associated with it. Meghan delves into the differences between meltdowns and shutdowns, offering practical coping strategies like the 'hug and chill' approach. She emphasizes the importance of adapting parenting methods during the tween years and highlights the supportive role of the autism community.

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ANECDOTE

Late Diagnosis, Early Familiarity

Meghan Bailey's son received a late autism diagnosis in 2022, which brought clarity rather than grief.
Her familiarity with neurodiversity, from family and friends, eased her acceptance.

INSIGHT

Grief as Adaptation

Grieving the envisioned life for a child with autism is a normal parental response to diagnosis.
This grief allows parents to adapt and create a new, fulfilling path.

ADVICE

Explanation, Not Excuse

Parents should view autism as an explanation for behavior, not an excuse to avoid consequences.
Give neurodivergent children small opportunities for independence, like asking an arcade attendant about switching prizes.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, Rob Gorski interviews Meghan Bailey, a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum. Meghan shares her parenting journey, discussing the initial autism diagnosis, her approach to parenting a neurodiverse child, and the concept of autistic shutdowns versus meltdowns. The conversation delves into coping mechanisms and the importance of meeting children where they are in their developmental process.

Key Topics Covered:

- Introduction to Meghan Bailey: Meghan shares her story and her son’s late autism diagnosis in 2022.

- Grieving Process in Autism Diagnosis: Discussion on how parents may grieve the life they envisioned for their children.

- Differences between Autism Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Meghan explains her experiences with her son’s shutdowns as opposed to meltdowns in autism.

- Coping Mechanisms and Self-Regulation in Autism: Strategies Meghan employs to help her son manage sensory overload and emotional stress.

- Parenting Challenges with Neurodiverse Children: Navigating the tween years and distinguishing between typical developmental behaviors and those influenced by autism.

- Parental Advice for Managing Autism: Tips for parents on managing shutdowns and the importance of changing their approach to meet their children’s needs.

- Autism Community Support: The value of connecting with other parents for support and validation.

Resources Mentioned:

- Meghan Bailey on TikTok: @MeghanBailey

Connect with Rob Gorski:

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years.

Connect with Rob: theautismdad.com

Mentioned in this episode:

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