Stretching, not stressing: A better way to help kids grow - Andrea Pollack

How can parents move beyond managing behavior to truly understanding their child's needs? In this episode, Andrea Polalck—founder of Autism Parent Solutions and an expert in parenting children with autism—shares her approach to addressing the root causes of behavior rather than just reacting to it.

We discuss:

• Shifting from discipline to connection: Why focusing on a child’s unmet needs creates lasting change.

• Building parenting confidence: How parents can trust their instincts and move past guilt.

• Meeting children where they are: Why setting realistic expectations isn’t lowering the bar but creating a path for growth.

We also explore how sensory enrichment can help children self-regulate after a stressful day. Claudie shares practical, brain-based strategies—including a simple routine to restore serotonin levels and help kids transition smoothly from school to home.

Episode Highlights

(00:10:14) “The universe channeled me right back where I was meant to be.” Andrea shares how she went from being a lawyer to homeschooling her autistic son.

(00:15:10) “Managing behavior felt like playing whack-a-mole.” Andrea explains why behavior-focused parenting wasn’t working and what changed everything.

(00:16:53) “It’s not just negative behaviors—positive behaviors can be misunderstood too.” Andrea on why recognizing a child’s strengths is just as important.

(00:22:27) Claudie breaks down how serotonin depletion impacts behavior and what parents can do to naturally restore it.

(00:23:00) A bath-time sensory routine that helps children transition from overstimulation to calm.

(00:41:28) “Meeting a child where they’re at isn’t giving up—it’s the only way they’ll move forward.” Andrea reframes expectations in a way that empowers parents.

(00:52:42) Claudie explains how smell interrupts meltdowns by triggering a reset in the brain.