3 Connection-First Steps to Support Everyday Transitions (While Reducing Meltdowns)

Do daily transitions leave your child dysregulated and your whole home overwhelmed? In this episode, I break down three connection-first steps that transform chaotic transitions into smoother, supported moments — while gently reducing overwhelm and the meltdowns that often follow.

You’ll learn what Autistic and PDA children experience during transitions, why these moments can trigger anxiety or shutdown, and how to create “safety bridges” that help your child move from one activity to another with more confidence and less distress.

✨ In this episode:
• What Autistic & PDA nervous systems experience during transitions
• Why transitions often trigger anxiety or meltdown behaviours
• Three connection-first steps that actually work (and why)
• How to follow your child’s lead to reduce overwhelm
• Practical ways to build calmer morning, evening & bedtime routines

If transitions currently feel like landmines in your day — or nothing you’ve tried has felt sustainable — this episode will give you simple, gentle, effective steps to help your Autistic or PDA child feel safer and more supported.

Chapters

• 8:29 Step 1: Understand before you optimise
• 14:53 Step 2: Creating safety bridges for nervous systems
• 21:42 Step 3: Following their lead while gently guiding
• 27:30 Building trust through responsive transitions