273: Getting Stuck in a Loop with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D.

Have you ever felt helpless as your child gets stuck in repetitive behaviors or meltdowns, leaving you wondering how to help them break free? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., to delve into the struggles and complexities faced by parents and kids, teens, and young adults when dealing with looped behaviors. This episode explores the realization that not all actions are willful but can stem from deeper neurological and biological factors.

Dr. Wayland sheds light on how these repetitive behaviors — often seen in neurodivergent kids and adults — act as both a form of self-regulation and, at times, a hindrance leading to anxiety and distress. Sarah provides valuable insights and strategies to help shift these behaviors, from physical movement and environmental changes to gentle external suggestions. You will also learn about the importance of understanding and breaking these loops without reinforcing them, highlighting the necessity for parents to continually learn and adapt. This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to support a kid or loved one who gets stuck in a loop.

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You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.