The recording and slides are for delegates only

Every parent knows the stress of navigating a child’s meltdown—but behind the shouting or shutdowns is a child overwhelmed by big physical, mental, and emotional experiences. This webinar will help parents understand what’s really going on for their child during these moments and how to respond in ways that calm the storm instead of intensifying it.

We’ll explore common triggers and share strategies for preventing meltdowns before they start. Parents will learn how to bring steadiness to the moment— giving their child space when needed, reducing overwhelming stimulation, and avoiding demands that can heighten distress. We’ll discuss how to co-regulate by modeling coping skills, while still holding clear, safe boundaries around behavior. Finally, we’ll cover how to debrief after a meltdown, helping children reflect, repair, and build resilience for next time. Parents will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective to turn those tough moments into opportunities for connection and growth.

Learning outcomes

• Understand a child’s physical, mental and emotional experiences during a meltdown
• Identify triggers and make meltdown prevention plans
• Learn co-regulation strategies to support children during a meltdown

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About the speaker

Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is a clinical psychologist and co-Director of the Behavior and Attention Management Specialty Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Her specialization and research interests include parent-focused behavioral treatments for ADHD and the association of ADHD with health risk behaviors, especially physical activity and screen use. She also co-directs the First Approach Skills Training (FAST) program at Seattle Children’s, where she develops and disseminates brief behavioral treatments for integrated care settings.

Following her superb webinar last year on ADHD we welcome back Associate Professor Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Check out some of Erin’s talks on ACAMH Learn.