Meltdown vs Tantrum

Meltdown vs Tantrum

Most parents are told their child is “just having a tantrum.” But what if it’s actually a meltdown… and the response you’re using is making it worse? In this episode of Autism Raw AF, we break down the critical difference between meltdowns and tantrums, what’s really happening in your child’s brain and nervous system, and why discipline doesn’t work in survival mode. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or like nothing is working… this episode will change how you see everything—and what you do next. Real talk. Real science. Real strategies that actually help. www.capestrategies.com [www.capestrategies.com] https://calendly.com/drdivinalopez [https://calendly.com/drdivinalopez]

Early Autism Signs & Support

Autism early signs are often missed, dismissed, or explained away… and parents are told to wait. In this episode, Jen Strait and Dr. Divina Lopez break down early warning signs of autism, what they actually look like in real life, and what to do when your gut says something more is going on. We talk about why early intervention matters, how to push for support even when you’re told no, and how to trust yourself in systems that delay help. You’re not overreacting—you’re advocating.

Welcome to Autism Raw AF

Welcome to Autism Raw AF. In this first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on who we are, why we’re here, and why this podcast needed to exist. Jen is a parent coach and certified advocate who’s lived the overwhelm, the school battles, and the constant fight for support. Dr. Divina Lopez is a physician, autism mom, and behavior decoder who brings a unique lens through birth charts and deeper patterns. We started this because we were tired of surface-level advice and being told to “just be consistent.” This is about real life. Real struggles. Real support. If you’ve ever felt like no one truly gets it… you’re in the right place.