When a child refuses, argues, melts down, or pushes back, what are they really trying to communicate?In episode 76 of Autism in the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Board Certified Behavior Analyst Heather Traeden of Balance & Behavior to discuss what challenging behaviors can teach us about a child's needs, emotions, and sense of safety. Drawing from over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Heather shares practical strategies for moving beyond power struggles and into collaboration.Together they explore topics including defiance, emotional regulation, school refusal, elopement, communication strategies, transitions, and how parents can create environments where children feel safe enough to succeed. Heather also offers encouraging reminders that parents are often doing more right than they realize—and that small changes can make a big difference.Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation provides actionable tools and a compassionate perspective on supporting neurodivergent children and families.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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