You can’t ‘train’ a brain to enjoy being flooded with noise, light, smells, and chaos. You can only push it until it shuts down — or shuts you out. Yet families are told every day that ‘exposure therapy’ will fix sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we talk about why that’s not just wrong — it’s dangerous.

You’ll learn:

• How to tell the difference between fear-based and processing-based struggles.
• Why getting the label right matters for getting the support right.
• The long-term impact on trust and resilience when supports are mismatched.
• What meltdowns in public spaces really mean (hint: it’s not bad behaviour).
• Practical ways to adapt environments so kids can thrive without being pushed past breaking point.
  
  

If you’ve ever dragged your child through a noisy, bright, overwhelming place and watched them unravel, this episode will make you feel seen — and give you the language to advocate for real change.

💛 Listen now:

• Spotify: HERE
• Apple Podcasts: HERE
• Website: adhdmums.com.au

References & Related Resources

• Amanda Moses Psychology – Upcoming Event: Understanding Masked Autism
• Amanda Moses on Instagram: @amandamosespsychology
• Related ADHD Mums Episodes:
• S2E82 ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed (with Amanda Moses) – one of the most downloaded episodes referenced in this discussion
• S2E20 The Worst Assessment Process Ever (with Dina Robertson) – story of a 10-year fight for a diagnosis
• ADHD Mums Free Resource: ADHD & Autism Assessment Tool – check under the Free Resources section

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MORE RESOURCES:

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Topics Covered

sensory overwhelm autism ADHD and sensory processing exposure therapy for autistic child fear-based vs processing-based anxiety sensory overload in children autism and public meltdowns trauma from exposure therapy supporting sensory sensitive kids