#286: The Biology of Autism: Insights from Dr. Kashif Khan

The Parenting Minute with T & Tango - Children Thrive Within Boundaries

Many parents worry that setting boundaries will upset their child or damage connection. Healthy boundaries actually help children feel safer, calmer, and more emotionally secure. Children thrive when adults provide: * clear expectations, * consistent routines, * and calm responses during difficult moments. When boundaries are inconsistent, children may struggle with emotional regulation, tantrums, aggression, anxiety, or testing limits because they are still learning where safety exists. A boundary is not punishment. A boundary is a calm limit that teaches safety, respect, and emotional regulation. Your child may cry, yell, or become frustrated when you hold a limit. That does not mean the boundary is wrong. It means they are learning how to handle disappointment with support. You can stay calm, connected, and firm: “I hear you.” “I know this is hard.” “And the answer is still no.” Children do not need perfect parents. They need adults who are predictable, emotionally safe, and willing to lead with both connection and structure. Connection before correction does not mean no boundaries. It means we guide children with empathy while still teaching limits. Close your eyes and take a deep belly breath. You don’t have to do this alone Follow Parenting on the Spectrum for compassionate parenting strategies that support emotional regulation, communication, and connection. About Theresa Theresa Alexander-Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, certified infant massage coach, author, and parent advocate dedicated to empowering families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. With experience supporting children from infancy through adulthood, Theresa is passionate about helping families build communication, emotional regulation, independence, and meaningful connection through compassionate, evidence-based strategies. She is the founder of Parenting on the Spectrum, where she combines professional expertise with heartfelt conversations to inspire and support families Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: ⁠⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠ [http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/] Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: ⁠⁠wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠ [wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co] Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: ⁠⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠⁠ [https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate] Close your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

#295:Parenting with Awareness: Transforming Relationships with Kamini Wood

How can parents raise emotionally resilient children while managing their own stress, fears, and expectations? In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman speaks with Kamini Wood, a Human Potential Coach, author, and mother of five, about emotional regulation, self-compassion, and mindful parenting. Kamini shares how overcoming people-pleasing, perfectionism, and fear transformed her parenting and now helps her guide teens, parents, and adults toward healthier relationships and greater emotional well-being. They discuss: * How emotional awareness improves parenting * Why children need validation instead of judgment * Teaching teens emotional intelligence and self-regulation * How parents can model healthy communication * The importance of self-care without guilt * Building stronger parent-child connections Whether you're parenting an autistic child, supporting a teenager, or working to become a more mindful parent, this episode offers practical tools to help your family thrive. Listen now and discover how self-compassion, emotional regulation, and connection can transform your parenting journey. About Kamini Kamini Wood is a certified life coach, speaker, and founder of Live Joy Your Way and AuthenticMe® Life Coaching. As a first-generation American and mother of five, Kamini's personal journey led her from people-pleasing and seeking external validation to embracing self-compassion, authenticity, and self-leadership. Today, she helps high-performing adults and young adults overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and discover their true worth by learning to validate themselves from within. Her mission is to empower others to heal their relationship with themselves and create a life aligned with who they truly are. Learn more from Kamini at: https://www.kaminiwood.com/ About Theresa Theresa Alexander-Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, certified infant massage coach, author, and parent advocate dedicated to empowering families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. With experience supporting children from infancy through adulthood, Theresa is passionate about helping families build communication, emotional regulation, independence, and meaningful connection through compassionate, evidence-based strategies. She is the founder of Parenting on the Spectrum, where she combines professional expertise with heartfelt conversations to inspire and support families Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: ⁠⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠ [http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/] Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: ⁠⁠wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠ [wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co] Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: ⁠⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠⁠ [https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate] Close your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

#294: Prema Rose on Creativity, Purpose & The Circus of Life

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa speaks with Prema Rose about helping children discover confidence, creativity, and purpose. Prema shares the inspiration behind The Microcosmic Cartoon Show, a musical journey designed to help tweens navigate identity, emotions, perspective, and self-expression in today’s distracting world. Together, they discuss encouraging creativity without judgment, building confidence from within, and supporting children through curiosity, connection, and imagination. About Prema Prema Rose is a Hollywood screenwriter and acclaimed storyteller known for her deep spiritual insights and creative vision. With a distinguished career that spans Broadway and film, Rose has channeled her extensive experience into crafting The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show, an animated musical that addresses crucial issues of teen identity and resilience. Her unique background combines artistic excellence with a profound understanding of personal growth, making her a sought-after voice on guiding young people through today’s complex world. Rose is dedicated to providing practical advice and support to parents and educators, aiming to foster meaningful conversations and positive outcomes for the next generation. Learn more from Prema at: https://premaroseproductions.com/productions/ About Theresa Theresa Alexander-Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, certified infant massage coach, author, and parent advocate dedicated to empowering families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. With experience supporting children from infancy through adulthood, Theresa is passionate about helping families build communication, emotional regulation, independence, and meaningful connection through compassionate, evidence-based strategies. She is the founder of Parenting on the Spectrum, where she combines professional expertise with heartfelt conversations to inspire and support families Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: ⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠ [http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/] Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: ⁠wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co⁠ [wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co] Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: ⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠ [https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate] Close your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

#293: The Parenting Minute with T & Tango

Welcome to The Parenting Minute with T & Tango — a quick moment of encouragement, reflection, and practical parenting insight. In this Parenting Minute, Theresa shares a simple but powerful moment when a child responded to another child instead of an adult. This highlights the importance of modeling and peer influence in child development. Children often learn best by watching the people around them, making positive examples one of the most powerful teaching tools we have. About Tango He is our mixed-breed rescue who takes me for a walk every morning. Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: ⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠ [http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/] Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: ⁠wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co⁠ [wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co] Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: ⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠ [https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate] Close your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

#292: Resilience Meets Connection: Shermin Kruse on Stoic Empathy

In this powerful episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa sits down with author and attorney Shermin Kruse to explore the balance between emotional awareness and self-control through the lens of “stoic empathy.” Shermin shares her extraordinary childhood experience growing up in post-revolutionary Iran during war, missile attacks, and political unrest and how her parents modeled calm, love, and emotional safety in the midst of chaos. Together, Theresa and Shermin discuss how parents can remain grounded during difficult moments, especially while raising autistic and neurodivergent children. This conversation dives into: * The difference between reacting and responding * How empathy and emotional regulation work together * Parenting through overwhelm, meltdowns, and stress * Why parents must learn to regulate themselves first * Letting go of guilt and learning from mistakes * Teaching resilience while still showing compassion * The “duality of control” and focusing on what we can control This episode is a reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with love, awareness, and the willingness to grow. About Sher Shermin Kruse is an internationally recognized author, attorney, TEDx producer, and Northwestern University law professor whose work focuses on empathy, resilience, leadership, and negotiation. Born in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution, Shermin draws from her experiences living through war and political upheaval to teach the power of emotional regulation and “stoic empathy” balancing compassion with self-control. Her work has influenced audiences worldwide through her bestselling book Stoic Empathy, TEDx talks, speaking engagements, and leadership training. Learn more from Sher at: https://www.sherminkruse.com/ About Theresa Theresa Alexander-Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, certified infant massage coach, author, and parent advocate dedicated to empowering families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. With experience supporting children from infancy through adulthood, Theresa is passionate about helping families build communication, emotional regulation, independence, and meaningful connection through compassionate, evidence-based strategies. She is the founder of Parenting on the Spectrum, where she combines professional expertise with heartfelt conversations to inspire and support families Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co [http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/] Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co [wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co] Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate [https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate] Close your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone