MMD BLOG


CATEGORY:

Dr. Whitney

AUTISM MISUNDERSTOOD: WHAT PARENTS AND EDUCATORS GET WRONG ABOUT KIDS WITH AUSTISM WITH KAELYNN PARTLOW

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

August 21, 2025

AUTISM MISUNDERSTOOD: WHAT PARENTS AND EDUCATORS GET WRONG ABOUT KIDS WITH AUSTISM WITH KAELYNN PARTLOW

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: Dr. Whitney

About the Episode:


In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Kaelynn Partlow—autism advocate, therapist, speaker, and star of Love on the Spectrum—to talk about what parents, educators, and professionals often miss when it comes to understanding and supporting autistic kids.


Kaelynn’s videos have provided powerful insights into how autistic children think, feel, and communicate. Together, she and Dr. Whitney unpack some of the most pressing challenges families face, while offering concrete strategies to better support neurodivergent kids at home, in school, and beyond.

Key Takeaways:


Who Kaelynn Is and Why Her Perspective Matters

With over a decade of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician and as an autistic adult herself, Kaelynn brings a rare dual lens: professional expertise and lived experience. She shares how her journey as both a student and staff member at Project HOPE shaped her advocacy and her decision to speak, train, and create content that reaches parents, educators, and even corporations.


What Parents and Educators Get Wrong About Autism

Kaelynn explains the biggest misunderstanding about level 1 autism: that challenges are choices. Kids do well when they can—if they aren’t, it means something in their environment or support system isn’t working. She stresses the importance of shifting the lens from “giving us a hard time” to “having a hard time”

.

Why Role-Play and Real-Life Examples Matter

Her popular Instagram reels role-play everyday situations—like a child blurting out demands—and show how adults can respond in ways that build skills instead of shame. She also shares how she handles criticism from within and outside the autistic community, and why visibility for different autistic experiences matters

.

Masking, Sensory Needs, and Regulation

Kaelynn dives into what masking really looks like and why it’s not always bad but can be harmful when it’s constant. She explains why sensory regulation strategies must go beyond accommodations and should also equip kids with a wider toolkit of coping skills

.

Meltdowns vs. Tantrums

Using the metaphor of a sinking boat, Kaelynn illustrates what happens internally for autistic children during meltdowns—and why coping skills often aren’t accessible in the moment. She offers de-escalation tips that emphasize patience, presence, and reassurance

.

The Problem with Schools

From checkbox inclusion to underwhelming follow-through on 504 plans, Kaelynn and Whitney discuss what schools get wrong and why true inclusion requires more than a seat at the table. They also touch on how supports often fall away in middle and high school when kids arguably need them most


Advice for Parents at Different Stages

  • For parents new to an autism diagnosis: Don’t expect your child to “grow out of autism.” Instead, know they will grow into it, developing self-advocacy and communication skills with time and support.


  • For overwhelmed parents: Find your people—other families who “get it.” Building a supportive community makes all the difference.


  • For parents focused on “functioning”: Ask yourself what you really want for your child—communication? independence? connection?—and reframe goals through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.


The One Soapbox Message for Adults

Stop asking so many questions. For many autistic kids, questions feel like pressure. Instead, use declarative language—statements that invite connection without demanding a response. This simple shift can transform how kids engage


About Our Guest

Kaelynn Partlow is an autistic self-advocate, therapist, author, and public speaker whose work has inspired millions of parents, educators, and professionals around the world. Featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum U.S., Kaelynn brings a unique dual perspective: she has over a decade of professional experience as a Registered Behavior Technician while also navigating life as an autistic adult.


Her career began at Project HOPE Foundation, where she worked in both classroom and therapeutic settings, supporting children and families impacted by autism. Since then, Kaelynn has expanded her reach through speaking engagements, corporate trainings, and social media—where her relatable, role-play style videos help adults better understand the autistic experience.


She is the author of Life on the Bridge: Linking My World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist, a book that blends her personal story with practical guidance for anyone seeking to connect more deeply with neurodivergent individuals.


Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today?


📘 Pre-order the Book


Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025.
👉
www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books


🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus


When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with:


  • Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs”
  • How to talk about health without weight talk
  • What to do when your own inner critic shows up
  • How to interrupt diet culture at home
  • The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one

    📩
    Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.

Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

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ON THE PODCAST


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About the Episode: In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Miyaeva Renae—full-time creator, business owner, and intentional mom—to talk about the real side of new motherhood. Miyaeva opens up about the anxiety and overwhelm she faced after having her son, Stetson, and the rituals that helped her navigate postpartum life with more calm and self-compassion. From calling on her mom and her village for support to learning the importance of asking her fiancé for breaks, she shares how she learned to prioritize her own mental health while caring for her baby. You’ll also hear: How social media both fuels perfectionism and provides unexpected mom-to-mom support. Why ASMR and organization videos became part of her “calm the chaos” toolkit. Her honest take on breastfeeding, weaning, and the bittersweet milestones of a first year. The behind-the-scenes of life as a creator—and why she’s shifting from picture-perfect posts to more authentic, supportive content for moms. The story behind her new clothing line, Every September, created to fill the gap for boy moms who want neutral, stylish mommy-and-me outfits. This conversation is equal parts refreshing and relatable—a reminder that no mom has it all together, and that sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to be real. Key Takeaways: Motherhood isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. Miyaeva shares how postpartum anxiety pushed her to let go of perfection and focus more on the present moment with her son. Support systems matter. Leaning on her mom, best friend, and fiancé helped her find calm during stressful moments. Self-care can be simple. From eye masks to slippers to a warm shower, Miyaeva shows that little rituals make a big difference in mental health. Authenticity over perfection. Social media can amplify pressure, but it can also create powerful connections when moms are honest about the highs and lows. New ventures come from lived experience. Her clothing line, Every September, was born from her own frustration as a boy mom looking for stylish, neutral mommy-and-me outfits. About Our Guest Miyaeva Renae is a full-time digital creator, entrepreneur, and mom to her one-year-old son, Stetson. Known for her organizing hacks, “day in the life” videos, and calming ASMR routines, she has built a supportive online community of moms who value honesty and relatability over perfection.  Beyond content creation, Miyaeva is the founder of Every September, a clothing brand designed to make mommy-and-me matching accessible and stylish—especially for boy moms. She’s passionate about helping moms feel seen, supported, and less alone in the messy, beautiful reality of parenthood. ✨ Follow Miyaeva: TikTok & YouTube: @miyaevrenae Instagram: @miyaeva Clothing Line: everyseptember.co Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Pre-order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025. 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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