# Ep. 21 | Why Your Child Melts Down: The Hidden Impact of Cognitive Fatigue

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brain-first-parenting-with-eileen-devine-7069827/ep-21-why-your-child-melts-down-the-hidden-impact-of-cognitive-fatigue
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brain-first-parenting-with-eileen-devine-7069827/ep-21-why-your-child-melts-down-the-hidden-impact-of-cognitive-fatigue.md
Podcast: [Brain First Parenting with Eileen Devine](https://stenobird.com/podcast/brain-first-parenting-with-eileen-devine-7069827)
Published: 2025-07-28T09:00:39+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasts.helloaudio.fm/download/ZzWs5wxw7J/cd888325-c9be-476e-ae0a-40077d7c5d6e.mp3
Audio file: https://podcasts.helloaudio.fm/download/ZzWs5wxw7J/cd888325-c9be-476e-ae0a-40077d7c5d6e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/brain-first-parenting-with-eileen-devine-7069827/episodes/ep-21-why-your-child-melts-down-the-hidden-impact-of-cognitive-fatigue
Duration seconds: 1210

## Resource

SUMMARY - Kids who have brains that work differently, have brains that are working hard all day long, resulting in cognitive fatigue or this empty fuel tank. Their cognitive fatigue is reflected through challenging behaviors. This episode helps listeners identify cognitive fatigue in kids with brain-based differences and what the adults supporting them can do to help their brain rest and recover, resulting in less challenging behaviors. TAKEAWAYS: Every task or expectation we are faced with each day takes a bit of our "cognitive fuel" in order to make it through the day successfully. Individuals with brains that work differently end up on "empty" more quickly and more often, resulting in challenging behavioral symptoms. Brains that are working harder (which are brains that work differently) need more support throughout the day in the way of fuel (food/calories) and rest. There are some common scenarios that result in cognitive fatigue more frequently than others. There are some common accommodations that, when put in place proactively, can help preserve a child's "cognitive fuel" and prevent challenging behaviors. RESOURCES: FREE "Running on Empty" Infographic (for download) Blog post: Running on Empty: Understanding your child's cognitive fuel tank The Resilience Room Community ======================= If you appreciated this episode, and would like to receive a weekly note from Eileen about the Brain First Parenting journey every Monday, you can subscribe to her free newsletter HERE ! You can also check out all the FREE resources Eileen offers for parents, and learn more about all things Brain First at her website: eileendevine.com And of course, find and follow Eileen on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest

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## Transcript

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