📘 Free guide: How to De-Escalate a Meltdown in Seconds Without Saying a Word → https://go.mendability.com/start/meltdowns-guide

Many parents spend years in behavior management and therapy routines—only to realize those very systems may have damaged their relationship with their child. When every moment becomes a lesson or correction, the joy fades, and both parent and child grow guarded.

In this episode, we talk about how to rebuild that lost trust through play—letting go of control, following your child’s lead, and finding your way back to genuine connection.

Guest: Anastasia Arauz is a licensed therapist, certified family coach, and registered play therapist with over 14 years of experience helping families create calmer, more connected homes.

• How to move from “managing behaviors” to building connection through play
• Why following your child’s lead can reduce anxiety and spark engagement
• What play therapy looks like for nonverbal or highly anxious children
• How posture, tone, and environment affect your child’s ability to feel safe
• What parents can do to rebuild trust and emotional safety at home
• Simple sensory-based tools (like smell and touch) to calm both parent and child

00:45 – Meet Anastasia Arauz: her journey from teacher to play therapist
04:15 – Why so many parents feel disconnected from their child
07:30 – The power of following your child’s lead
12:50 – When “fixing” stops working: meeting your child where they are
18:10 – Playroom setup: safety, structure, and calm
23:10 – Claudie explains why posture and sound affect the brain
27:00 – How scent boosts dopamine and joy in therapy
33:00 – The “Strawberry and Ice” sensory protocol for meltdowns
38:00 – Helping parents get out of fight-or-flight mode
43:30 – A parent success story and closing message of hope

🌐 Learn more about family-centered brain development: https://www.mendability.com
🌐 Connect with Anastasia Arauz: https://www.anastasiaarauz.com (replace with actual link if different)

#ParentingAutism #PlayTherapy #SensoryEnrichment