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Reflections

Essays from Kristy Forbes exploring PDA, autistic experience, parenting, identity, care, systems and the ordinary moments that shape family life.

When burnout looks like breaking: what's really happening when our child's behaviour unravels after chronic stress

Apr 19, 2026

When my children came out of chronic, prolonged stress, I expected things to improve quickly.

They were safe now. The source of stress (school) had been removed and surely, I thought, the hard part was behind us.

I exp...

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