If your child seems to resist even the simplest requests like brushing teeth, getting dressed, coming to the table and this happens daily, you're not alone. You might feel like every task turns into a battle, and despite your best efforts, nothing seems to work. For some families, this extreme resistance is more than just typical childhood defiance. It might be a sign of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) a profile of autism that’s often misunderstood, but very real. What Is

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice, understand, and manage our feelings so that we can respond—not react—to life’s challenges. For children aged 9–12 , this skill becomes increasingly important as school demands, friendships, and independence all grow. As occupational therapists, we often support families to understand what is developmentally expected at this age, and why some children—particularly neurodivergent children—may experience differences in how they navi

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice feelings, understand them, and respond in a helpful way. Ages 6–8 are a key stage where children grow rapidly in this area. ✨ What You’ll Typically See (Ages 6–8) 1. Better awareness of feelings ● Can label basic emotions ● Start noticing body cues and triggers 2. Slight pause before reacting ● More able to “think first” ● Might take a break or ask for help 3. Early problem-solving ● Can consider simple