Navigating Neurodivergence & Special Needs with Little Superheroes

Meltdowns can feel overwhelming and unpredictable—but they don’t have to take over your entire day. In this empowering episode, Jess Nahu equips you with five evidence-based strategies that actually work when your neurodivergent child is experiencing big emotions. These techniques are drawn from both science and lived experience, giving you the practical tools to move from chaos to calm. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode gives you the foundation to build your very own meltdown response toolkit—and create a more peaceful, connected home. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to identify early signs of an impending meltdown The power of neurodevelopmental movement to calm the nervous system Ways to use sensory regulation tools to reduce emotional overload How intentional touch and massage can boost connection and reduce stress Key Takeaways: Prevention starts with observation. Learning your child’s unique early warning signs can help stop meltdowns before they begin.Movement is medicine. Simple daily exercises like cross crawls and animal walks can regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelm.Sensory tools aren’t a luxury—they’re a need. Chewy items, weighted blankets, and structured environments help kids feel grounded and safe.Touch builds trust. Massage and physical connection stimulate feel-good hormones like oxytocin and support emotional regulation.Routines are your secret weapon. Visual schedules, timers, and predictable transitions lower anxiety and give your child a sense of control.This Week’s Highlights: Introduction of the 5 Key Strategies: early warning signs, neurodevelopmental movement, sensory regulation, intentional touch, and predictabilityReflex integration activities such as starfish and cannonball exercisesUsing massage routines and proprioceptive input to calm and connectTips on creating visual schedules and predictable routines Weekly Kryptonite: Pushing your child too hard or too fast after a meltdown It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to move on quickly, but emotional recovery takes time. Rushing your child can trigger another meltdown. Instead, focus on calm connection and slowly helping them re-regulate. Wonder Woman Moment: You are the superhero. This week, Jess invites you to recognize the quiet victories: the deep breath you took instead of yelling, the sensory break you introduced just in time, the hug you offered instead of a lecture. Every small moment of connection counts—you’re doing an amazing job.  New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031 Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au Connect with us: - www.littlesuperheroes.com.au - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225 Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6 For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at admin@littlesuperheroes.com.au