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