Decoding Distress: Practical Tools for Parents to Navigate Emotions and Behaviour
Tracks
Marquis - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Marquis Room |
Overview
Morgana Walker, Morgana Walker Psychology
Key Learnings
1. Neurodiversity builds stronger families. Valuing differences supports creativity, empathy, and unique perspectives.
2. Advocacy and acceptance drive positive change. Promoting inclusion at home and in communities benefits everyone.
3. Understanding distress fosters growth. Responding with empathy helps families develop resilience and well-being.
Speaker
Morgana Walker
Director - Principal Psychologist
Morgana Walker Psychology
Decoding Distress: Practical Tools for Parents to Navigate Emotions and Behaviour.
Presentation Overview
Introduction: The Landscape of Family Distress
Every family faces moments of emotional turbulence—times when a child’s behaviour seems mysterious or overwhelming, when tears or outbursts arrive unbidden, and the path forward is anything but clear. For families where neurodiversity winds through the household—from autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences to giftedness or learning challenges—these moments can be especially complex. Having spent years as a registered teacher, psychologist, and play therapist, I have witnessed the daily realities that parents and caregivers confront. The good news: while distress cannot always be prevented, it can be decoded. With understanding, compassion, and practical tools, parents can transform crisis into connection—and foster emotional well-being for the whole family.
Understanding Distress: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Emotional and behavioural distress are not random; they are signals—flashes of the nervous system, bids for help, or attempts to cope with overwhelming feelings. In neurodiverse families, these signals may look different from typical developmental patterns. Meltdowns, shutdowns, impulsivity, inflexibility, or withdrawal can be misunderstood as “bad behaviour,” when in truth they are expressions of distress.
• Neurodiversity matters: Each child is unique, but neurodivergent children often experience the world in ways that are more intense, unpredictable, or difficult to articulate.
• Behaviour is communication: What we see on the outside—a tantrum, defiance, silence—is usually the tip of the iceberg. Emotions, sensory overload, unmet needs, or anxiety lurk below.
• Family systems count: Neurodiversity rarely exists in isolation. Multiple family members may have similar or overlapping traits, which can amplify both strengths and challenges.
Decoding Distress: The Practical Toolkit
Drawing from years in classrooms, clinics, and playrooms, I offer a suite of practical strategies for parents. These tools are grounded in evidence-based approaches, but shaped by real-world family experiences.
Every family faces moments of emotional turbulence—times when a child’s behaviour seems mysterious or overwhelming, when tears or outbursts arrive unbidden, and the path forward is anything but clear. For families where neurodiversity winds through the household—from autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences to giftedness or learning challenges—these moments can be especially complex. Having spent years as a registered teacher, psychologist, and play therapist, I have witnessed the daily realities that parents and caregivers confront. The good news: while distress cannot always be prevented, it can be decoded. With understanding, compassion, and practical tools, parents can transform crisis into connection—and foster emotional well-being for the whole family.
Understanding Distress: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Emotional and behavioural distress are not random; they are signals—flashes of the nervous system, bids for help, or attempts to cope with overwhelming feelings. In neurodiverse families, these signals may look different from typical developmental patterns. Meltdowns, shutdowns, impulsivity, inflexibility, or withdrawal can be misunderstood as “bad behaviour,” when in truth they are expressions of distress.
• Neurodiversity matters: Each child is unique, but neurodivergent children often experience the world in ways that are more intense, unpredictable, or difficult to articulate.
• Behaviour is communication: What we see on the outside—a tantrum, defiance, silence—is usually the tip of the iceberg. Emotions, sensory overload, unmet needs, or anxiety lurk below.
• Family systems count: Neurodiversity rarely exists in isolation. Multiple family members may have similar or overlapping traits, which can amplify both strengths and challenges.
Decoding Distress: The Practical Toolkit
Drawing from years in classrooms, clinics, and playrooms, I offer a suite of practical strategies for parents. These tools are grounded in evidence-based approaches, but shaped by real-world family experiences.
Biography
Morgana Walker MAPS is the Principal Psychologist & Director of Morgana Walker Psychology in Northcote, Victoria. With over 20 years of experience across education, clinical practice, and disaster response; she specialises in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care for children, teens, and adults. Morgana’s approach is solution-focused, client-centred, and strength-based, integrating play therapy and evidence-based modalities. This year Morgana is adding ‘Content Creator’ to her Bio providing webinars & training to empower families worldwide.
