243.Feelings First; The Step We Often Skip (and Why It Matters)

Not Your Average Autism Mom · Oct 16, 2025 · 19m

When your child is melting down, your instinct is to fix it. To solve it. To make it stop.

But here’s the truth—before you can teach regulation, you have to model it.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, Shannon dives deep into why emotional validation is the foundation for every behavioral strategy that actually works.She explains what “feelings first” really looks like in real life, shares real-life scenarios from Jordan (now 29), and offers concrete phrases and resets to help your child feel safe before you address behavior.

You’ll also hear about her upcoming book…