47 | Meltdowns, Co-Regulation & Autism Parenting | Lisa Chan

If your child's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, stuck, or unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Lisa Chan, parent coach, behavior specialist, and former pediatric occupational therapist, to talk about what's really going on during hard moments at home. Lisa explains why emotional regulation is a learned skill, how executive functioning plays a role in everyday struggles, and why parents have more influence than they often realize. Together, they unpack co-regulation, loving boundaries, secure attachment, and social skill development. Lisa also shares practical examples parents can use right away, including how to respond during meltdowns without escalating them and why role-playing can help children build social confidence. This conversation is a reminder that progress often starts with small shifts at home. When parents feel more supported and confident, it becomes easier to help children build the skills they need to thrive. Topics Covered • Why school-age meltdowns are often rooted in emotional regulation challenges • How executive functioning affects behavior, homework, and daily tasks • What co-regulation really looks like in the moment • Why validation and firm boundaries can work together • How secure attachment is built through consistency • Why some kids need direct support with social skills • How role-playing can help children practice real-life interactions • Why parents need support too Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and why this episode matters for overwhelmed parents 00:44 Meet Lisa Chan and how she shifted from OT to parent coaching 04:10 Emotional regulation, meltdowns, and executive functioning explained 12:20 What co-regulation looks like during a public meltdown 20:05 Secure attachment, consistency, and healthy boundaries 22:20 Social skills, self-esteem, and using role-play at home Memorable Quote "The biggest takeaway is really going to be the realization that you have more power in helping your child and helping yourself than you realize." — Lisa Chan About the Guest Lisa Chan is a parent coach, child behavior specialist, and former pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting families. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, behavior patterns, social skills, and helping parents create healthier, more connected family dynamics. Resources Mentioned • Lisa Parent Coach website • Lisa's emotional regulation course About the Host Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona. Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children. Learn more at: https://pureheartstherapy.com Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956 Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com