By Siyona Varghese If you’ve ever read the same book ten times in a row, watched the same cartoon scene on repeat, or been asked to sing the same song “again” and “again,” you might have wondered why children are so drawn to repetition. While it can feel monotonous to adults, repetition is not a […]
By Siyona Varghese Toddlers are often described as unpredictable, dramatic, or “too emotional.” One moment they are laughing freely, and the next they are overwhelmed by frustration over something that seems minor to adults. While these intense emotional reactions can be exhausting for caregivers, they are not signs of misbehavior or poor discipline. They are […]
By Siyona Varghese Challenging behavior in children can be one of the most difficult parts of caregiving or teaching. Outbursts, refusal, aggression, or withdrawal often trigger frustration and concern in adults. However, behavior is rarely random or intentional in the way it appears. It is a form of communication that reflects a child’s emotional state, […]
By Siyona Varghese Play is one of the most powerful ways children explore the world, process emotions, and develop thinking skills. For autistic children, play may look different from traditional expectations, but it is no less meaningful. When understood and supported appropriately, play becomes a vital tool for emotional regulation, learning, and cognitive growth. Understanding […]
By Siyona Varghese Emotional vocabulary is the foundation of emotional regulation, social connection, and self understanding. For children with communication differences, expressing feelings can be challenging, even when emotions are deeply felt. When children lack the words to describe their inner experiences, emotions often emerge through behavior instead. Supporting emotional language development helps children feel […]
By Siyona Varghese When young children experience emotional outbursts, adults often label them as “tantrums.” However, not all emotional explosions are the same. For many children especially neurodiverse children what looks like a tantrum may actually be a meltdown. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for responding with empathy, effectiveness, and appropriate support. […]
By Siyona Varghese Emotional regulation is the ability to recognize, manage, and respond to emotions in a balanced way. For children on the autism spectrum, emotional regulation can be especially challenging due to differences in sensory processing, communication, and nervous system responses. These challenges are not signs of weakness or misbehavior they reflect how an […]
By Siyona Varghese Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Instead, their emotions often show up through behavior. Tantrums, withdrawal, defiance, silence, hyperactivity, or sudden mood changes are frequently misunderstood as “bad behavior,” when in reality, they are powerful forms of communication. Understanding behavior as a language helps adults […]
By Siyona Varghese Emotional development is a key part of childhood, shaping how children understand their feelings, respond to challenges, and build relationships. For neurodiverse children, emotional development often follows a different path. These differences are not signs of emotional weakness or delay, but reflections of how their brains process information, sensory input, and social […]
By Siyona Varghese Imagination is one of the most powerful tools a seven-year-old carries with them. At this age, their creativity is richer, their ideas are more complex, and their ability to blend reality with fantasy becomes a key part of how they understand the world. What looks like simple pretend play to an adult […]
