She wasn't Hungry, She was HANGRY! This has changed our lives!

We all know the famous Snickers line: “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” But what happens when hunger triggers sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and full-blown meltdowns — especially in kids with sensory processing disorder or autistic traits? In today’s video, I break down a huge realization I had recently: 👉 My daughter isn’t just hungry… she gets hangry in a way that massively impacts her emotional regulation. This episode dives deep into: 🍫 The Snickers ad that perfectly describes “hangry” behaviour 🧠 How interoception affects hunger signals in neurodivergent children 😣 Why kids with sensory processing disorder may misinterpret hunger as “feeling sick” 🎄 How Christmas sensory overload, bright lights, noise, crowds, and school activities fill up the emotional “cup” 🏫 What masking at school does to emotional capacity 💥 How hunger + sensory overload can trigger faster, more intense meltdowns 🍪 The simple strategy (yes, cookies!) that helped reduce meltdowns at home and at school ❤️ Practical tips for parents managing emotional regulation, autism meltdowns, and hangry triggers If your child struggles with: emotional overwhelm sudden meltdowns interoception difficulties sensory overload masking at school unpredictable hunger cues …this video may help you spot the hidden link between hunger and behaviour. We’ve seen huge improvements — fewer school call-outs, fewer after-school meltdowns, and more stability — simply by understanding how hunger impacts emotional regulation in neurodivergent kids. If this video is helpful, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. LINKS DEALING WITH MELTDOWNS - LIFEHACKS FOR AUTISM & PDA    • DEALING WITH MELTDOWNS - LIFEHACKS FOR AUT...   BBC Christmas Sensory Overload    • Sensory overload: When Christmas is just t...   Interoception - how it affects autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance and sensory processing disorder    • Interoception - how it affects autism, Pat...   AUTISM AND MASKING - understanding masking    • AUTISM AND MASKING - understanding masking   #sensoryprocessing #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spdparenting #neurodiversity #neurodivergentkids #interoception #autismparenting #autismacceptance #meltdowns #emotionalregulation #parentingtips #hangry #christmasstress #schoolanxiety #parentingstruggles CHAPTERS 00:00 – Understanding “Hangry” in Neurodivergent Kids 00:35 – Snickers Ad & Hunger-Triggered Behaviour 01:20 – Discovering My Daughter’s Hangry Meltdowns 02:15 – Hunger vs Emotion: What “Hangry” Really Means 03:05 – The Emotional Cup Model Explained 04:00 – Christmas Sensory Overload & Anxiety 05:00 – Sensory Processing Disorder and Interoception Issues 06:10 – Misreading Hunger Signals as Feeling Sick 07:05 – Masking at School and After-School Meltdowns 08:15 – Hangry Warning Signs: The Day It All Clicked 09:10 – Not Eating at School & Trigger Stacking 10:00 – Hunger-Induced Meltdown Breakdown 10:55 – Instant Improvement: The Cookie Regulation Moment 12:00 – Using Snacks to Prevent Meltdowns 13:00 – School Strategies for Sensory and Hunger Support 14:05 – Identifying Emotional Triggers in Neurodivergent Children 15:00 – Why Hangry Hits Harder With SPD & Autism 16:00 – Key Takeaways for Parents & Caregivers 16:40 – Final Thoughts + Like & Subscribe ---------------------- 🌈 Welcome to PDA Dad UK, your dedicated space for understanding Autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and the broader spectrum of neurodiversities. 🌈 In this channel, we unravel not just the 'what' but the 'who' behind these conditions. While the terms Autism and PDA are commonly recognized, true understanding is often lacking, and that’s where this channel comes in. ➡️ Our mission is to fill this gap, promoting a culture of celebration, acceptance and heightened awareness. We journey through the complex realms of autism, addressing various facets such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, Mental Health, and more. 👪 Behind this channel is a devoted father of a wonderful daughter with Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), embracing the highs and lows of neurodiverse parenting. This platform reflects my life—a fusion of personal narratives, shared experiences, and informative content. ➡️ Beyond just sharing, I hold roles that connect me deeper into this community, serving as a Carer's Ambassador for Devon Carers, an Ambassador Volunteer for DiAS, and an Ambassador for the PDA Society. Every video is a heart-to-heart conversation, a professional insight, or a beacon of enlightenment on the nuances of neurodiversity. This channel is for those seeking knowledge, comfort in communal experiences, or engagement with a like-minded, passionate audience. 🎬 Embark on this enlightening journey with me. Subscribe and activate notifications to never miss an update! 🔔 ******************** 📲 Let’s Connect! Follow PDA Dad UK on social media Instagram ➡️   / pdadaduk   Twitter ➡️   / pdadaduk   Facebook ➡️   / p