There is an "art and a science" to Fran Fitzell's parenting.
She is a mother of seven, and her youngest two children, aged 10 and 12, have autism and ADHD.
Fitzell has spent her life in Rotorua, and in recent years has been a member of the Altogether Autism network while she raises children on and off the autism spectrum.
She spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post to mark Autistic Pride Day today.
"There's a difference between a meltdown and a tantrum. A meltdown is when a child enters into this zone and hits a height and has to come out the other end. In a tantrum, you can bribe the kid," she said.