(upbeat music) - Hi, I'm Maria, my husband is Barry, we have three kids, Malia, who is nine, and our twins who are six, Davis and Brooklyn.

Malia and Davis are both autistic.

Our children experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the day, so it's very important that we teach our children about their emotions and also how to express them appropriately.

Davis soothes himself by spinning in his chair.

Brooklyn calms herself using deep belly breathing techniques.

Malia, like many kids who are autistic, uses cards and visual supports to vocalize her needs and her emotions.

It was very challenging finding cards that represented who my children are in their skin tone and in their hair, so I created my own for them.

At school, sometimes she finds it easier to communicate with her cards rather than speaking out loud.

You used I am finished, when did you use I'm finished today?

- In science.

- It's very important that she knows what she's feeling, and that she can communicate it, that leads to her being able to advocate for herself.

We do daily check-ins with her feelings and have a conversation around it.

And how did that make you feel?

- Sad.

- It made you feel sad?

Why did it made you feel sad?

I also think it's very important for parents to make time and give themselves space to process their own emotions.

That way, when you're with your children, you can be fully present.

My goal is for my children to learn how to manage their emotions now, with me, so that they can use this skill throughout their lifetime.

(upbeat music)