Beneath Behaviour

Supporting an autistic child can be challenging, especially when our own beliefs get in the way. In this episode, Jackie Hall explores how our expectations affect understanding autism and parenting.We cover:• Hidden beliefs shaping our responses• Social communication challenges• How needs evolve over time and why we must adjust expectations• Conflict resolution without perfection• Why you don’t need to be a “perfect parent”Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers compassionate insights to support your child, and yourself.Subscribe to Beneath Behaviour for more in-depth conversations with parents, experts, and advocates.For more information on the lenses and Jackie Hall's teachings, you can go to www.parentalstresscentre.com

When everything is too much, how do we meet that moment with compassion, not control?In this episode of Beneath Behaviour, Jackie Hall guides you through what to do during a meltdown, when your child’s emotions are big, their nervous system is flooded, and everything feels chaotic.We explore:The stages of a meltdown, and how to respond to eachWhat co-regulation really means in practiceHow to avoid the “conflict cycle”Why logic and teaching don’t work when survival mode takes overHow to reconnect and repair afterwards✨ This is part two of our series on meltdowns. If you haven’t heard “Before the Meltdown,” go back and start there.🔗 Start from part 1:For more information about our Parenting programs, go to www.parentalstresscentre.comKEYWORDS: parenting meltdowns, understanding child behaviour, nervous system and parenting, emotional regulation, autism and meltdowns, highly sensitive kids, parenting overwhelm#MeltdownSupport #ParentingTools #EmotionalParenting #BeneathBehaviour #JackieHall #ParentingInTheMoment #CoRegulation #NervousSystemParenting

In this episode of Beneath Behaviour, we take a step back to understand what’s really going on before a child explodes, emotionally, neurologically, and relationally.This isn’t about control, defiance, or “bad” behaviour. It’s about a nervous system under pressure, and the signs we often miss in the lead-up.We explore:The difference between meltdowns, tantrums, and shutdownsHow the SUPER framework helps overcome overwhelmHow your child’s nervous system shapes their reactionsWhy prevention starts outside the momentWhat it means to meet distress with understanding, not urgency✨ This is part one of a two-part series on meltdowns. In this episode, we focus on the out-of-moment insights that help us prepare. In part two, we’ll dive into what to do in the heat of it.For more information on our Autism program or other Parenting program, you can go to www.parentalstresscentre.com KEYWORDS: parenting meltdowns, understanding child behaviour, nervous system and parenting, emotional regulation, autism and meltdowns, highly sensitive kids, parenting overwhelm

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re not “getting it right” as a parent?You're not alone. Parental guilt, perfectionism, and the constant pressure to do more are stories many of us carry,  often without realising it.In this episode, Jackie and mum Amanda explore:- Why guilt and perfectionism show up in parenting- How the pressure to “get it right” affects our nervous system- How old beliefs shape our reactions — especially when raising neurodivergent kids- Gentle ways to shift these patterns and meet ourselves with more compassionBeneath Behaviour is the podcast where we explore what’s really going on -  beneath the behaviour.👇 Subscribe to Beneath Behaviour for more in-depth conversations with parents, experts, and advocates.For more information about the lenses and what Jackie Hall teaches, you can go to www.parentalstresscentre.com#ParentingPodcast #ParentalGuilt #ParentingPerfectionism #ParentingPressure #ParentingBurnout #NeurodivergentParenting #MindfulParenting #ParentingStress #BeneathBehaviour #SelfCompassion #autismmum 

In this special episode of Beneath Behaviour, host Jackie Hall speaks with Nicci Smith, mother of Tanner Smith, who captured hearts worldwide on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. In this deeply personal episode, Nicci shares her journey raising an autistic child, from diagnosis to life after the show. They discuss parenting challenges, nurturing independence, sibling dynamics, and how to embrace each child's unique path.Perfect for autism parents, fans of the show, and anyone navigating parenting a neurodivergent child.#AutismParenting #LoveOnTheSpectrum #ParentingPodcast #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #Parenting 

They’re not being defiant.They’re not “just refusing.”They’re overwhelmed — and their nervous system is calling the shots.In this solo episode, Jackie Hall dives deep into the emotional and physiological roots of “school can’t” — when a child literally cannot face the school day.We explore:– Why school environments can feel traumatic to some children– The 6 key stress categories that stack until they crack– How to support safety first — not compliance– And what to do when you’re being told to “just get them there”For any parent or educator navigating the heartbreak of school-based anxiety and shutdowns — this episode offers clarity, validation, and a way forward.🌿 Learn more about our Autism Parenting Program at The Parental Stress Centre#SchoolCant #BeneathBehaviour #AutisticKids #SchoolAnxiety #NeurodivergentParenting #TraumaInformed #EmotionalSafety #ParentalBurnout #BehaviourUnderstood #ParentingSupport #JackieHall #ParentalStressCentre

What if autism wasn’t the problem — but how we’ve been taught to see it, was?In this episode, Jackie shares a heartfelt and honest conversation about parenting autistic children through the first two lenses of her SUPER Framework: Self-Awareness and Understanding.We explore:What you believe about autism — and how it can shape your approach to autismWhy behaviour is communicationHow to shift from the “deficit” model to a neuro-affirming approach to AutismHow executive functioning, sensory overload, and social differences show up in everyday lifeWhy your child’s identity doesn’t need to be reshaped — but their environment mightWhether you’re navigating meltdowns, overwhelm, or just trying to find your feet — this episode is a gentle reset. It's not teaching you 'another new strategy.' It's giving you a new lens.🎧 Listen now — and let’s begin with you.Learn more about our Autism Parenting Program here.

Ever felt like you’re the only family not following the script?In this episode, Jackie chats with Sarah — a mum of four neurodivergent teens — about what happens when you stop trying to parent “right” and start parenting real.They explore the early missteps, the power of self-diagnosis, and how burnout became the wake-up call Sarah didn’t know she needed. From ADHD to autism, perfectionism to self-worth, this is one of our most honest episodes yet.We talk about:- Recognising your own neurodivergence through your kids- The chaos of trying to parent like everyone else- Why flexibility, humour, and self-compassion are essential- Letting go of who you thought you should beThis is for every parent trying to do it differently — and wondering if they’re doing it wrong.#BeneathBehaviour #ParentingOutsideTheBox #NeurodivergentParenting #ParentingPodcast #ADHDParent #AutismParent #RealTalkParenting #SelfCompassion #BurnoutSupport #JackieHall #GentleParentingJourney

You keep trying to manage the behaviour.But what if the real change starts beneath it?In this episode, I introduce the SUPER Framework — a 5-part lens that helps parents understand what’s really going on when their child is struggling.We talk about:The stress stories behind your reactionsWhy behaviour is never randomHow to support your child with insight, not just strategiesIf you’ve ever thought, “Why do they keep doing this?” or “Why do I keep snapping?” — this episode is for you.Behaviour always makes sense. You just have to know how to look.For more information about our Autism program or other Parenting Programs please go to: www.parentalstresscentre.com

If you’ve ever had a child who struggles to get to school — or stay there — you’re not alone. In this episode, Jackie talks with Melissa, a parent of two neurodivergent kids, about what it really means when school becomes too much.We explore the emotional and practical layers of school can’t — from sensory overwhelm and academic pressure to masking, social stress, and nervous system fatigue.This isn’t a story of defiance. It’s a story of survival — and what happens when we meet our kids with understanding instead of urgency.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or support person, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a new way to see what's really going on beneath the behaviour.For more ways to connect with Beneath Behaviour:https://www.parentalstresscentre.com/beneath-behaviour-podcasts-with-jackie-hall/

Whether you're quietly struggling yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode of the Beneath Behaviour Podcast helps you understand what depression can really look and feel like beneath the surface. Because not everyone with depression looks sad.Some keep functioning.Some keep smiling.Some just go quiet.Jackie Hall takes you beyond the surface — into the hidden inner world of depression. This conversation will help you understand what's really happening beneath the behaviour, and what to do next with clarity and compassion.We’ll explore:- The four stress lenses and how “missing out” and “worthless” shape depressive thoughts- Why people often don’t realise they’re stuck in a depression loop- The top-down and bottom-up connection (how your thoughts and body feed each other)- What subtle signs to look and listen for — in yourself or someone else- Why withdrawal makes sense — and how to gently interrupt the cycle- And how, for some people — often men — depression can show up as anger rather than sadnessThis is not about diagnosing. It’s about compassion, awareness, and practical insight.🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favourite platform:Apple: https://apple.co/3E0WH7ISpotify: https://spoti.fi/3Rn39XMAmazon: https://amzn.to/3ru2r3bGoogle: https://bit.ly/3E4LSdW🌿 Explore more at: https://www.parentalstresscentre.com💬 Follow for more daily support + insights:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentalstresscentreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentalstresscentre🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. You never know who might be quietly struggling.#parentingwithdepression #depression #parentingwithmentalillness #mentalhealthsupport #parentingstruggles #parentingmindset #mentalhealthformoms #postnatnaldepression #how to cope with parenting stress

In this heartfelt episode, Jackie sits down with Francesca, a mum navigating life after her 12-year-old daughter’s recent autism diagnosis. As her daughter begins to seek more independence, Francesca finds herself caught between supporting that need and managing the emotional meltdowns that sometimes follow.Together, they explore the challenges of growing independence during the teenage years, why this push-pull dynamic makes sense for many anxious teenage children, and how parents can support these big transitions with empathy and clarity.You’ll hear five practical strategies for building confidence and autonomy in a way that respects your child’s emotional needs and unique pace.If you've ever wondered why your child both craves and resists independence, or you're looking for ways to support that journey without overwhelm, this episode of Beneath Behaviour is for you.Tags#autismfamily #independence #Supportingautisticteens, #teenagers #meltdowns #autismparenting #autisticgirl #Autismparentingstrategies #Independenceandautism #Autismtransitions #Autisticteenagers #supportingchildren #teenagers

What do you do when life doesn’t go to plan—when parenting feels overwhelming, messy, or like you’re just not measuring up?In this heartfelt episode, Jackie Hall gently unpacks how we can shift our mindset in those hard moments—not by pretending they’re easy, but by learning how to meet them differently. With warmth, humor, and real-life examples, Jackie introduces the “upgrades”—simple but powerful mindset shifts that help you move from self-criticism to self-compassion, from frustration to clarity.You’ll walk away with practical language you can use in your own mind (and with your kids), and a gentle reminder that even in the mud, there’s meaning. This episode is for any parent—or any human—who’s ever wondered, “What now?” after life throws them off course. There’s no pressure here, just perspective... and maybe even peace.

In this heartfelt episode, Jackie sits down with Emma, a mum who’s navigating the emotional distance in her relationship with her 21-year-old daughter. Over the years, their connection has become strained, and Emma is searching for a way to repair the rupture and rebuild trust.Together, they explore the layers that often sit beneath relationship breakdowns — the stories we tell ourselves, the guilt we carry, and the need to feel heard. This is a raw and compassionate conversation about taking ownership, listening without defence, and showing up differently, even when it feels hard.If you’ve ever wondered how to reconnect after conflict, whether it's with your adult child, teenager or younger child, or how to be seen for the parent you are now, not who you used to be, this one will speak to you. Because healing is possible, and it starts with understanding what’s really going on beneath behaviour.

What if your parenting stress is coming from the lenses you’re looking through?Ever found yourself snapping, spiralling or stuck in guilt — and not really sure why? It might not be about what’s happening, but how your mind is seeing what’s happening.In this episode, we unpack the four hidden thought lenses that shape how you experience parenting — the ones quietly fuelling your reactions, your stress, and the story you tell yourself when things don’t go to plan. These lenses are deeply ingrained, often running in the background, distorting how you see your child’s behaviour… and your own.But once you can see them, you can start to shift them.You’ll walk away with a new awareness of what’s really happening beneath the surface — and the first steps to changing the way you think, feel and show up as a parent.Because when behaviour starts to make sense, so does everything else.

You promise yourself you’ll stay calm. You’ll be patient. You won’t yell this time. But then something sets you off. The chaos, the resistance, the backtalk. And before you know it, you’ve snapped again. The guilt creeps in. The shame follows. And you’re left wondering why it feels impossible to break the cycle.In this episode, we take a deeper look at what’s really going on beneath those intense emotional reactions. You’ll learn how your thought patterns and emotional habits have been wired over time, and why your reactions are not just about willpower. We explore how stress builds through specific thought lenses, how your body and brain are reinforcing those reactions, and what it actually takes to shift them.This is about understanding, not judging. It’s about compassion over criticism. And it’s about giving yourself the tools to step off the emotional rollercoaster and respond with more calm, clarity and control, even in the chaos.Listen now to begin changing the way you experience parenting from the inside out.

In this deeply personal first episode, Jackie Hall opens up about the moment that changed everything — a breaking point that would eventually lead to the work she’s known for today.Joined by long-time friend and colleague Kristy, Jacqui shares the raw, emotional beginnings of her parenting journey, the spiral of stress, guilt and anger she found herself in, and the powerful shift that helped her take back control. Together, they reflect on the early days of this work, how the Parental Stress Centre was born, and the values that continue to shape Beneath Behaviour.This episode is honest, vulnerable and real — the perfect introduction to why this podcast exists and how it can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface of your own parenting experience.Because when behaviour makes sense, everything starts to change.

A quick two minute video highlighting what the beneath behaviour podcast is about.