Welcome to The Parenting Playbook: Your First Strategy for Better Communication
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If you're here, it's because you want real solutions for raising and supporting your child with Autism. Solutions that don’t just sound good in theory but actually work in the middle of a meltdown, at bedtime, or when you’re trying to navigate the school system without losing your mind.
I get it.
I'm Carlin, The Behaviorist, and I’ve spent years helping families just like yours. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You are the most important person in your child’s development.
Sometimes, you don't realize this until the school is constantly calling you for sollutions to behavioral issues that you would think the professionals have the answers to.
But here’s the problem: most of the parenting advice out there? It’s not built for real life.
A few years ago, I was working with a mother who wanted to help her son communicate better. I gave her a strategy, and she listened carefully, nodding the whole time. But then she paused and asked:
"Okay… but how am I supposed to do that?"
Not because she didn’t care. Not because she wasn’t trying. She was exhausted. Overwhelmed. And no one had ever met her where she was in real life, in the middle of the chaos, when she had only a moment to react before a full-on meltdown would start—either by her child's doing or hers.
That’s why we have The Parenting Playbook—to meet parents exactly where they are and give them strategies that actually fit into their reality.
This blog (and podcast) is here to help you!
We want to arm you with strategies that
Strengthen communication with your child in a way that actually clicks for them.
Improve behavior by making communication clearer, more effective, and more intuitive.
Navigate the maze of education, healthcare, and financial resources without feeling like you need a law degree to understand your rights.
I’m not saying we can solve every problem. But I am saying that everything you find here will be practical and useful. And if something isn’t working for you, email us—we’ll help you figure out how to adapt the strategy to your unique situation.
This season, we’ll be covering the most pressing concerns autism parents face, including Communication & Behavior Strategies, Education & Advocacy, and
Financial Resources, and health and well-being
So, let’s not waste time. Let’s start with a real strategy you can use today.
The Two-Step Translation Strategy: A Game Changer for Communication & Behavior
Many of the biggest behavior challenges—meltdowns, defiance, frustration—boil down to one thing: communication breakdowns.
Your child is always communicating, even when they’re nonverbal, even when they’re screaming, even when they walk away instead of answering.
Most parents respond to behavior—but the key is to translate the behavior before responding. Here’s how:
Step 1: What’s the Need?
Before reacting to any behavior, ask yourself: What does my child actually need right now?
Behavior is a way to express:
🔹 I need help.
🔹 I’m overwhelmed.
🔹 I don’t understand.
🔹 This feels bad.
Think of behavior like an unfinished sentence. If your child is throwing a toy, their behavior might be saying:
"I don’t know how to ask for a break."
If they’re covering their ears and screaming in a store:
"This noise is too much for me."
If they’re refusing to put on their shoes:
"Something about these shoes feels bad on my skin."
Before you correct, pause and translate what they’re trying to say.
Step 2: Give Them the Words (or Tools) to Say It Better
Once you’ve identified the need, replace the behavior with a better way to communicate it.
🔹 If they’re throwing a toy, model: “Say ‘Help me’ instead.”
🔹 If they’re covering their ears and screaming, try: “Say ‘Too loud’ or use a quiet signal.”
🔹 If they’re refusing shoes, give options: “Do you want socks or no socks?”
This week, choose one situation where you typically experience a communication breakdown. Use the Two-Step Translation Strategy. Pause, identify the need, and then model a new response.
Remember to celebrate any small wins!
This shifts your role from reacting to teaching. Over time, your child learns that they don’t need to scream, hit, or shut down—they have other ways to express themselves.
Now, Let’s Talk About the Money—School Vouchers & Funding
While we’re giving you practical tools, let’s also talk about how to get financial support for your child’s education.
Right now, school vouchers and funding programs are a huge topic in the autism community. Some states are expanding voucher programs, allowing parents to use public funds for private schools, therapy, or homeschooling resources—but it depends on where you live.
Are School Vouchers the Answer for Your Child?
If you’ve ever felt like the public school system isn’t built for your child, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with:
✔ Overcrowded classrooms with teachers who aren’t trained in autism support.
✔ IEP plans that look good on paper but fall apart in practice.
✔ Schools that are legally required to accommodate, but not necessarily equipped to do so well.
And this is exactly why school voucher programs are gaining traction.
A school voucher redirects government funding that would have gone toward public school tuition and instead lets you use it for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, or even specialized therapies.
Sounds like an easy win, right? Well… it’s complicated.
The Upside: What Vouchers Could Offer
✔ More choice – You’re not stuck with the school you were assigned based on your zip code.
✔ Smaller class sizes – Many private schools offer lower student-to-teacher ratios, meaning more individual attention.
✔ Programs built for neurodivergent kids – Some private schools specialize in autism education, using sensory-friendly approaches and targeted learning methods.
The Downside: What No One Tells You
⚠ Not every private school takes vouchers – And the ones that do? They may not have real autism support.
⚠ IEPs don’t carry over – Unlike public schools, private institutions don’t have to honor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or provide the same legal protections.
⚠ Funding gaps – Most vouchers don’t cover full tuition at a specialized private school, meaning you may still have to pay thousands out-of-pocket.
⚠ Public schools lose funding – As more students leave, public special education programs get less funding, impacting families who still rely on them.
Is a Voucher the Right Choice for Your Family?
Before you make any decisions, ask yourself:
🔹 Does the private school you’re considering actually offer autism-specific support? – Not all do. Ask direct questions.
🔹 Will your child lose access to services they currently receive? – Some states allow kids in private school to continue receiving public therapy services, but others cut them off completely.
🔹 Is this even available in your state? – Voucher programs vary. Some states offer a lot, others offer nothing.
The bottom line? A school voucher could be a game-changer—but only if it truly meets your child’s needs. Otherwise, you’re just swapping one broken system for another.
Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Some states offer Education Savings Accounts (ESA), which let parents use state funds for private education or therapy.
✅ IEP (Individualized Education Plan) students may qualify for additional funding, even in public schools.
✅ New grants are becoming available for assistive technology, sensory-friendly learning tools, and therapy programs.
check out grant resources on harmonyhouselearning.com
This season, we’ll break down:
➡️ How to access these funds.
➡️ How to advocate for more support.
➡️ How to make sure your child is getting what they need—without all the red tape.
Resources for Parents: My Books to Support Your Journey
To support your journey further, I’ve written two books designed specifically for parents like you:
“Maxx Goes To Grandma’s House” – Part of the Spectrum Solutions Series, this book follows Maxx as he navigates social situations and teaches practical strategies for children and parents alike. It’s a fun and relatable way for families to discuss important topics.
“Sensory Success: 20 Proven Strategies for Managing Overstimulation in Children with Autism” – This book provides valuable insights and strategies to help children with sensory sensitivities thrive. It’s packed with practical advice that you can implement immediately. Get it on Amazon.
What’s Coming Next?
Each post this season will focus on one key topic that’s making an impact right now. Here’s a sneak peek:
➡️ How to Get More Support from Schools—Without Fighting
➡️ Sensory Solutions for Better Focus & Behavior
➡️ The Truth About Autism & Sleep (And How to Improve It)
➡️ How to Build an IEP That Actually Works
This is just the beginning. If you’re ready for real strategies that actually fit your life, you’re in the right place.
This is Carlin, The Behaviorist.
Until next time, stay safe and think differently and remember that
If It Ain't Practical, It ain't Actionable!