Does your child cope at school, then unravel the moment they get home? Their meltdown, anger or shutdown may be after-school restraint collapse, sometimes called the Coke Bottle Effect.

In this episode, Amy explains how masking, sensory overload, social pressure and constant expectations can drain a neurodivergent child’s capacity. You’ll learn why home becomes the safe place where everything is finally released, and how low-demand recovery, familiar snacks, comfortable clothing, screen time, movement and quiet can help your child recharge.

Follow Chaos to Calm and join the Magic Minds Parents’ Hub for more practical support.

Keywords: after-school restraint collapse, Coke Bottle Effect, masking, sensory overwhelm

Hashtags: #AfterSchoolMeltdown #NeurodivergentChildren #SensoryOverload #ChaosToCalm

Join The Magic Minds Parents’ Hub

Connect with Amy and find out more HERE

Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel exhausting, isolating and misunderstood. Chaos to Calm is a compassionate podcast for parents navigating anxiety, sensory overwhelm, meltdowns, shutdowns, autistic burnout and school avoidance.

Hosted by paediatric hypnotherapist and neurodivergent parent Amy Dalwood-Fairbanks, each episode offers practical, low-demand support to help you understand what’s happening beneath your child’s behaviour. You’ll explore shared calm, emotional safety and nervous system-led parenting, without blame or judgement.

Follow Chaos to Calm and join the Magic Minds Parents’ Hub for more gentle, realistic family support.

Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, autistic children, child anxiety, co-regulation, school avoidance

Hashtags: #ChaosToCalm #NeurodivergentParenting #AutismParenting #ChildAnxiety #CoRegulation

Join The Magic Minds Parents’ Hub

Connect with Amy and find out more HERE