Moms Talk Autism Podcast
Shannon Korza, Brittney Crabtree, Tash Dillmon, and Jean Mayer
The Moms Talk Autism Podcast is for parents raising children with special needs.
We are four moms, all with autistic children and other neurodivergence.
Teaching a special needs child to navigate the world around them comes with challenges and struggles. We want to talk about those challenges openly with you and others. We discuss grief, school, family balance, siblings, therapies, social conversations, behaviors, delays, diagnosis advocation, and marriage.
We do not hold degrees in medicine or neuroscience, nor are we special education teachers, but we are experts in raising our kids and figuring out everything as we go.
Think of...
Moving Day w/ Jean & Shannon
Today Jean & Shannon discuss Jean’s recent move and the chaos that can ensue with families like ours during such a big transition. We also share some tips that helped with our moves!
Megan Champion with Mothers Together
Megan Champion, mother of three, and creator of Mothers Together is sharing her story and the ins and outs of what Mothers Together can do to help change your life. Megan opens up about her family and their neurodivergence, her isolation and disconnection she felt from her friends, family and community. She bravely set out to find validation and connection with other moms and families like hers. Megan found what she was looking for and invites you all to find it for yourself.
Mothers Together i
Jean's Winter Break Catch Up
Jean missed our Winter Break episode, so Tash and Britt got to interview her about the move to a new house, holiday celebrations and transitions back to school. We don’t know how she did it, but she’s here to tell the tale! Fun, upcoming weekend plans for all…which means chauffeuring kids from one activity to the next. We know you can relate!
On the Spectrum with Nicholas & Stephen
This week, we welcome Nicholas and Stephen from On The Spectrum podcast. We had such a great time learning more about their backgrounds, origins of their podcast, and the dynamics of their improv comedy and other performing arts. Steve and Nick share their personal experiences growing up undiagnosed with autism, discuss the challenges they faced in the education system and the misunderstandings that arose from their behaviors. They reflect on their journeys towards diagnosis, the impact it had o
Moms Talk Winter Break
Holiday reflections, winter break highs and lows, and everyone’s favorite: back-to-school transitions, hooray! (insert sarcasm here)
There are some good things happening, we promise. We’ve got some updates on trying new foods, small victories with holiday gatherings, and some routine breakthroughs. 2025, here we come!
We are so happy to offer video for ALL of our 2025 episodes! Join us on Patreon HERE. Sign up and enjoy all of our episodes:
Exclusive early access to episodes 24 hours in advan
Allowing Struggle: The Loving Push
Today you get Jean, Brit & Tash, and we are talking all about the importance of allowing our kids to struggle, finding a balance between support and independence, AND teaching them coping skills & resilience! We share some of our personal experiences and how we adapt our parenting styles. Come and chat with us!
Neurodivergent Water Safety with Dayna Harvey
"Where there is water, I will wait!"
Dayna Harvey is a water safety educator and swim instructor, specializing in teaching neurodivergent swimmers the importance of safe water play and exposure. She breaks down her program and gives real, tangible examples of things we can all do with our kids today to start teaching about water safety in all scenarios, not just around pools.
Check out the links below and please email her directly if you have further questions or concerns. She genuinely cares a
Functional Neurology and Autism with Dr. Brandon Crawford
What is Functional Neurology and how does it apply to autism and other neurodivergence?
On this week’s episode, Dr. Brandon Crawford discusses his journey into functional neurology, emphasizing the importance of understanding neurodivergence, particularly in children with autism. He explains how sensory processing affects motor skills and cognition, and how neuroplasticity can be harnessed to create positive changes in the brain. We all agree that tailored treatment plans for our kids is so imp
2025 Forecast: Moms Look Ahead
It’s a new year and exciting new content for Moms Talk Autism! This is going to be a big year for our families as some of our kids transition from elementary to middle school. Scary, exciting, and most likely a few bumps along the way.
Big changes for the podcast as well: a brand new merch collection is almost ready. We are NOW also offering ad-free VIDEO recordings of every episode via Patreon! We can’t wait to connect with you on this platform! We can comment along with you and create chats..
RE-Launch: Having Another Child After Diagnosis
An autism diagnosis can be life-changing for your child. It can also greatly impact your family and what the future holds for family planning. In this episode, we tell our personal stories of when we decided to have or not have more children after diagnosis. It's a very personal decision and we hope hearing our stories will help you along your family's autism journey.
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
RE-Launch: Gestalt Language Processing with @BohoSpeechie!
Today we had the opportunity to sit down with Katja Piscitelli and chat all things gestalt language processing! Katja, also known as @BohoSpeechie on Instagram, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She owns her own practice called Total Spectrum Speech. We talked about what gestalt language processing even MEANS, how it applies to our kiddos, and ways that we as parents, teachers, and providers can help our exceptional children. This was such a great episode and we are so excited to share
2024 Recap with the Moms!
You have a limited offer you can use now for Magic Mind, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code MOMSTALKK20 at checkout!
You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/MOMSTALKK20
Take a walk with us back through our 2024 year, what a ride! We talk about our favorite kid/family moments, along with some funny stories that have happened to us lately. We just all hope the giant fish at Bass Pro Shop are okay. If you’re looking to listen to some o
RE-Launch: We Wish We Would Have Known
It’s so easy to spiral down in the “what if” game and second-guess ourselves. When it comes to our exceptional children and their care, it can feel even more stressful, like if you screw up this one therapy, medication, opportunity, etc then I’ve failed as a parent.
We are here to tell you that’s NOT TRUE!
Today we look back and discuss what we wish we would have known. If you don’t remember anything else from this episode, remember Shannon’s advice: NEVER SAY NEVER. Because, if you do, you will
Brittney's Experience with Establishing Conservatorship
Today Brittney shares her personal journey through the legal process of establishing conservatorship for Austin. We also discuss parents' emotional and logistical challenges, the necessary legal documentation, and the court proceedings involved. Brit also shares insights about the courtroom experience, the emotional weight of legal decisions, and the responsibilities of being a conservator.
Moms Talk Moms #8
Tash, Britt, and Shannon ask each other the tough questions today. Actually, we all came up with some funny scenarios, laughed, and got to know each other a little better. We all need a break sometimes and we hope this episode can be that for you too. What would you do if you got stuck in an elevator with your besties? Hopefully not what Tash does!
Books for Siblings w/ author Amy McCoy
In today's episode, Jean and Tash welcome Amy McCoy, an autism parent, award-winning children's author, and disability educator. We discuss the unique challenges faced by siblings of children with autism, the importance of literature in fostering understanding, and the need for community support. Amy shares her experiences as a parent and educator, emphasizing the significance of creating connections and providing resources for families navigating the complexities of autism. Amy also discusses t
I'm That Mom...
Today we explore the humorous and chaotic realities of mothering kids on the spectrum. We highlight the challenges and absurdities of parenting, from creative messes in the home to toilet troubles. Let's not forget food preferences, social skills, and the management of medication. Look, sometimes you just have to laugh. Let's talk about some things that ONLY parents in our community will fully understand!
Community Story: Stephanie Debnath
It's another community story! Today, Shannon and Jean talk with Stephanie, a psychiatric nurse practitioner who shares her unique perspective as both a medical professional and a mother of a child on the spectrum. We discuss early signs of autism, the emotional challenges of diagnosis, the importance of finding the right support, and the ongoing journey of parenting a child with special needs. Come with us as we talk about the significance of community, connection, and understanding in the lives
Moms Talk Moms #7
Today is another Moms Talk Moms! Sometimes you just need something a little lighthearted. You get Tash, Shannon and Jean today and we are discussing MANY important things like:
If you had unlimited funds, what business would you start?
Are avocados overrated?
Is it ever okay to lie?
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
What's your favorite sandwich and where did you eat it?
Do you think our dreams have hidden meanings?
Were Ross and Rachel really on a break?
What physical traits do you share
Divorce and Disability w/ Lisa Zeiderman
Lisa Zeiderman is a Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP in New York State and specializes in divorce cases involving disability. She is a wealth of knowledge and offers some important points about divorce and disabled dependents. We covered disagreements about diagnoses, special needs care, custody, and child support, as well as some free and valuable resources for women who may be considering and/or in the process of divorce.
DISCLAIMER: Lisa’s commentary is not meant to be a substitute fo
Chaos Catch Up: Moms Talk Everything
Life updates and our usual chaotic conversations. Ya know, just another MTA day. Brittney doesn’t like the sound of birds and offers some sage medical advice. Tash needs a break from social media and we are all on board. Jean is literally on the move. Our kids are growing up, so we are all trying to figure out the early parenting stages and puberty stages. Fun. Advice on IEPs, Title 9, and teen angst. Let us know if any of these subjects resonate with you!
Topics:
Chaos in Our Lives
Persona
Harry Psaros: A dad's fight for acceptance
Today Tash & Doug chat with Harry Psaros, a father and autism advocate. Harry shares his journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, discussing the early signs of autism in his son Gus, the challenges of the diagnosis process, and the importance of community and support for parents. The conversation emphasizes the need for fathers to be involved in advocacy, the significance of self-care, and the hope of seeing children thrive in their journeys. Harry's insights and experiences provid
RE-Launch: Can Grief & Joy Co-Exist?
It is thought that experiencing joy and experiencing grief are two mutually exclusive emotions or houses of emotions. In this episode, through an authentic conversation, we debunk that isn’t the case and prove the two can coexist and WHY it's important to embrace joy with grief.
Stacie Sherman: Career Journalist & Working Mom
Stacie Sherman is a journalist from New Jersey and the mother of two adult children on opposite ends of the spectrum. She recently published a book about raising her two autistic kids while juggling a full-time career as a single mom. Stacie shares openly about both the blessings and the hardships of being a mother of autistic children in many different areas of her journey, including the most recent one of acquiring the conservatorship of her daughter.
Instagram: @stashermie
Book: My broken roa
RE-Launch: Adapting & Grief
This is the final installment of our version of the stages of grief. We bring it all together and discuss what happens during and after the process of grieving an autism diagnosis. You've reached a level of acceptance and peace...now what?
There is a wheel of adaptation with grief, broken down into four hemispheres, all intersecting and overlapping. Dr. Nancy B. Miller first presented this concept in the book, Nobody's Perfect: Living and Growing with Children Who Have Special Needs. We hope you
Why Title IX? w/ Kristina Supler & Susan Stone
Why Title IX? What is an IEP or 504?
In this episode, we ask our specially informed and expert guests and attorneys about those uber-critical things. Let's meet our guests, shall we:
Susan Stone, Student & Athlete Defense, Co-Chair
Susan Stone co-chairs KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense/Title IX Practice Group. Recognizing the need for legal services to protect students, professors and individuals with disabilities, Susan handles matters ranging from special education issues to student disciplinar
RE-Launch: Acceptance & Grief
The idea of acceptance can give a false impression that everything is ok or that you are not struggling anymore. A better way to look at acceptance is that you have reached a certain level of resolve or can see the reality of your life for what it is now.
In this episode, we discuss the first time we reached a level of acceptance with our autistic children and how we strive to return to that place in various ways. It's a great discussion, real and raw, about the difficulty of the journey and the
"Doing Great" with Emily O'Laughlin
Today, we are joined by Emily O’Laughlin, one of our community members. We discuss her family’s story, trials, and triumphs. We also discuss how they helped their son create a T-shirt company and sparked his entrepreneurial spirit!
You can reach Emily here:
Instagram
Website
RE-Launch: Depression & Grief
Depression is an appropriate response to processing any grief. It is often portrayed as unnatural, something to be fixed, or to get rid of as quickly as possible. The truth is, it would be unusual NOT to feel it. There are times and circumstances when a longer period of depression may be part of your life and having discernment to recognize and know when you are depressed is essential to your grief journey. This episode explores the many sides of depression and how it has shown up in our lives.
Spellers with Dawnmarie Gaivin & Dr. Dana Johnson
Calling all families of non-speakers or minimal speakers!
Dawnmarie Gaivian and Dr. Dana Johnson discuss the amazing breakthroughs they and others have been experiencing using spelling to communicate.
Is communication a motor skill or cognitive? Both? What is apraxia, and how does it affect a person? How does vision and reflex integration affect communication for nonspeakers?
Biggest takeaway: Always presume competence with nonspeakers. We had a great chat about what that exactly means for you a
RE-Launch : Bargaining & Grief
This stage usually involves feelings of guilt, whether or not those feelings are well founded. A frequent thought in this stage is the "if only" statement: "If only I would have done THIS, then THAT would have never happened," etc.
Bargaining can last a while as we sort through our emotions. It can also be fleeting thoughts that come and go as we begin to process our child's diagnosis. Moving in and out of bargaining quickly or being in this stage while simultaneously in another is common.
We ca
Parenting Neurotypical Siblings w/ Amanda Owen
The topic of “siblings” is well-requested on the podcast and today we have an amazing, heartfelt episode for you! Shannon has a conversation with Amanda Owen about her relationship with her brother, Nick, who was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality. As a keynote speaker, Amanda often speaks to parents about the sibling dynamic. She shares her SEEDS acronym that she developed to help parents reflect on their relationships with their neurotypical kids. She also shares about her non-profit, Pu
RE-Launch: Anger & Grief
On to the next phase of grief: Anger! Remember that grief is not linear, and just because we talk about it in stages does not mean that you will go through it stage-by-stage or even every stage. In this episode, we share all about anger and how we dealt with it. Don’t forget that anger does not necessarily mean raging on others but possibly having a level of anger towards yourself. This is an important part of the process, but we should not stay in for long.
Community Story: Sonya Bell
Today’s episode is with a special guest, a community member, and a fellow autism mom. Sonya Bell is a mother to four children, two of those are young Neurodivergent adults. Today she shares her story as a mother in a time where advocating was much different than it is now. Sonya shares about the beginning days of her son’s autism diagnosis and how her faith was instrumental in being hopeful. She also shares about the obstacles her son has overcome to be where he is today living independently at
RE-Launch: Denial & Grief
Denial. It’s the first stage of grief and a sneaky, tricky thing. Most people think of denial as being a bad thing, but the truth is... Denial is there to protect you. To give you a semblance of control you’re craving in an overwhelming situation. Today we dive into all things denial and our personal experiences with it!
Don’t forget to give us a 5-star review if you love the show and give us a follow on IG @momstalkautism!
Relocating for Services w/ Joni Brown
We are back again today with Joni Brown! We are talking ALL about her family’s decision to uproot and move from Minnesota to Colorado for more health/medical options for their daughter, Allie. (If you missed Joni’s first episode, it launched 6/17/24, go check it out HERE)
We talk about the move and how she found and created a support group around her in a new state, how Allie acclimated to her new home and schools, and how they found their place in their new home.
We also talk about what life i
Podcast Recommendation: In It- "Advocating for your Special Ed Child"
We’ve partnered up with a fellow podcast! Listen to the bonus episode of IN IT: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently.
This show is for parents of children who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences, like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
In the following episode, Gretchen and Rachel talk with their guest about what to do when the classroom experience isn’t going well for your kid. As a parent, what should I do to support or change things at school?
Check out this and o
We are Brave Together w/ Jessica Patay
Today we had the pleasure of chatting with Jessica Patay, the founder/executive director of We Are Brave Together. We talked about her personal story of her son’s diagnosis with Prader-Willi Syndrome and how she was able to create an amazing community locally, and then duplicate that to support groups all over the United States. You can learn all about We Are Brave Together and the many services that they provide (including affordable retreats for moms!) at their website: https://www.wearebravet
Moms Talk: Holiday & Special Occasion Prep
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Making the "Nevers" Possible w/ Meg Raby
Meg Raby Klinghoffer, SLP, Author of the “My Brother Otto” series, Inclusion Ambassador, and staff member at Kulture City, is back in the studio with us. This time to catch up on current developments, celebrations, and what is coming in the future. We talk Kulture Ball + the new AI speak-generated assistance feature in Kulture City’s app, called Koji. Guess what!? It is FREE!
Get connected here for all things referenced in this week's episode:
Kulture City
Meg Raby Klinghoffer Instagram
Kulture
Grab Bag #11
YOUR questions answered on the podcast today. Topics included are:
Best therapy or therapists that we have experienced in our own families
How we work through our cycles of grief: what have we learned for our own personal healing and benefit
Cleaning products and practices that help us tidy and disinfect our homes daily
Want a list with links to some of our favorite cleaning products? Email us or send us a DM and we’ll get it over to you!
Discussing the Diagnosis with our Child w/ Drs. Katia Fredriksen & Yael Rothman
Why would you want to see a neuropsychologist for your child? Today, we had an amazing (& positive) conversation with Drs. Fredriksen and Rothman, pediatric neuropsychologists, who run a practice in Maryland. We discussed many amazing topics, including one we are asked ALL the time: How do we discuss our child’s diagnosis with them? How do we have conversations with them, teaching them about their brains and why they work the way that they do?
Their first book is available for purchase, which t
Moms Talk Moms #6: Summer Edition
Something light and easy breezy today, we all need a break and some laughs!
Topics covered in today’s episode:
Favorite boxed cereals and the proper way to eat them, see also: don’t be gross
Car trip snacks- the sweet, the sour, and the savory
Game show nostalgia- RIP Bob Barker, we love you forever
Cellphone wallpapers- they can tell you a lot about a person
Our favorite podcasts and TV shows that we are into right now
Have any recommendations? Email us at hello@momstalkautism.com or send us a
For the Love of the Game: Michael Gold w/ Future Fans
Today we talk to Michael Gold, co-founder of Future Fans, a toolkit that focuses on teaching kids and families the fundamentals of team sports in a fun and interactive way through stories, games, and toys. This method is great for all abilities, including those who learn differently than typical peers. They even won an Autism Toy Award!
We go in-depth on how the boxes work and the benefits for kids and families: shared interests, new skills, and knowledge of a sport that can lead to connections
IEP Refresh w/ Lisa Baskin Wright
Today we sat down with Lisa Baskin-Wright, our favorite IEP Coach to do a refresh on some IEP tips and tricks as we roll into a new school year. If you haven’t heard the first episode we did with Lisa, make sure to listen, but this will be a quick reminder for you to get you going and not create more mental load than we already have.
PLEASE be sure to check out how you can work with Lisa at the links below!
IEP Community: https://www.lisabaskinwright.com/iep-community
Coaching & Products: https:
Cultivating Hope w/ Jan Stewart
Jan Stewart is a Hope ambassador and a prestigious guest on this episode. She is a highly regarded autism, neurodiversity and mental health advocate, author, and recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®. Her best-selling memoir Hold on Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness describes her emotional roller coaster story of parenting two children with multiple, complex mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her mission is to inspire and empower readers t
BONUS: Shannon and Brittney Talk Failing Motherhood
A little bonus gift for you this week, courtesy of our friend, Danielle Bettmann, of Failing Motherhood Podcast. Danielle interviewed Shannon and Brittney on her show and was kind enough to share it with our audience too. We dive deep into the early years of diagnosis and what that looked like for each of our families: the process, the feelings, the grief, and the realizations we all came to learn as we parent neurodivergent kids. Check out this real and raw episode and don’t forget to head over
Failing Motherhood w/ Danielle Bettmann
Fellow podcaster and Parenting Coach, Danielle Bettmann, is our guest in this week’s episode. Danielle helps parents of strong-willed children meet their kids’ deepest core needs, improve behavior, and find new levels of patience. As a mom of two, Danielle is passionate about eliminating shame from parents’ vocabulary, solving power struggles, and transitioning from school to home and back again. Danielle specializes in helping families who are struggling but don’t have a diagnosis yet or whose
Moms Talk the Mental Load: Part 2
Recovery is necessary after going through periods of Decision and Emotional and Physical Fatigue from being a caregiver (caregiver burnout syndrome).
In this episode, our “downloading” continues but we cover and wrap up the topic of the Mental Load by hitting on these few points:
Personal actions you can take
How Friends, Family + Community can help
Importance of Systems, processes can save and hold us up, as one of our faves states in her book, Kelley Coleman, “Systems are our Self Care
Dyslexia & Learning in 3D w/ Jess Arce
Today we chat with special guest and dyslexia expert Jess Arce, managing director of 3D Learning Experts, which provides virtual tutoring services tailored to children facing brain-based learning challenges. The tutors help bridge the gap with their peers who are struggling with reading, writing, spelling, and math. Jess also opens up about her journey and experience with her and her children’s multiple neurodivergent diagnoses, once again, dyslexia being the mainstay diagnosis in her story.
We
Moms Talk the Mental Load: Part 1
In this episode, we unpack two of three prongs to what encapsulates the “Mental Load”:
Planning, Organizing + Anticipating = Cost of Cognitive Labor, Time Currency Spent + Decision Fatigue
Honest Mom Moments: “I don’t like myself right now.”
Reporting the moments when people around you, no matter the circumstance, don’t understand what is at play and you not even liking yourself!
In “Moms Talk Autism” fashion we “download” about our lives on this episode, past and current events.
There ar
Weathering the Storms w/ Britta Merwin, Fox Weather Meteorologist
We are thrilled to bring you a community story from a fellow working mama, Britta Merwin. Britta is a meteorologist by day (and by day, we mean EARLY morning) and a mom, wife, and autism advocate every minute of every day! Britta has three children, one diagnosed with autism. You can find her on FoxWeather.com, keeping us all updated on the latest weather, storm warnings, etc.
We get to know about Britta and some of the triumphs and challenges she faces as a member of her neurodiverse family. Sh
The Moms Summer Check In!
All four of us in one episode? In the summer? It’s a hot, sweaty, sticky miracle! We had a great time filling you all in on our summer experiences so far. There’s been highs and lows and lots of transitions. We cover everything from staying home to chill, selling homes and big family changes, family trips, and summer camps. Between the four of us, we’ve just about done it all. So, grab yourself an ice cream or a cold drink, and listen in to all of our summer shenanigans!
Entertainment for ALL kids w/ Jerry Kolber
Calling ALL parents and kids, this episode is for YOU! We are thrilled to have Jerry Kolber on this week’s episode, creator and advocate for some of the most successful and beloved children’s “edutainment” programming in the world.
We chat with Jerry about his own struggles growing up within the traditional public education system, his interest and journey towards TV and other visual media, and to all his latest projects. Jerry has worked with HBO, E!, Bravo, Disney/ABC, Nat Geo, Discovery ID, M
You May Also Like: Who Smarted? The Funniest Podcast for KIDS!
Surprise! It’s a bonus episode this week! We are so excited to introduce you to one of our favorite podcasts FOR KIDS!
Who Smarted? is a fun and educational podcast specifically for kids and their families. There are episodes and topics for everyone’s interests and the recordings are really entertaining with lots of cool sound effects, voices, trivia games, and music. It’s a great way to learn or discover a new interest!
We thought an episode about a faraway time and place would be perfect for
Traveling the Spectrum w/ Stuart Butler & Peter Prokop
Today we had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Stuart Butler and Peter Prokop, two gentlemen who were instrumental in creating and directing a new series called Traveling The Spectrum. Both advocate and share a personal connection to the disability community. They believe all families deserve to vacation and create quality memories together. Traveling the Spectrum is a 6 part series that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three families living with autism, showcasing their
Disability ComicCon w/ Dr Alisa Elliot
Dr. Alisa Elliot, founder, owner and operator of the Chrysalis Spectrum Foundation, www.chrysalisspectrum.com, is back to tell us about her latest venture. Which was a glowing success, Check out www.disabilitycomiccon.com, the theme was "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility"
It was an exciting and inclusive event celebrating the power of diversity in the world of comics! At Disability Comic Con, they believe that representation matters. The event aimed to showcase the talents a
You Have No Idea w/ Beth James Burns
We recommend you watch the documentary first, but it is not required to enjoy this conversation. Links below.
We are honored to talk with Beth today, the co-star of the documentary, “You Have No Idea”. Beth and her son, Evan, are featured in this amazing film, giving us a real glimpse into autism life for their family and community. Beth opens up about the struggles, joys, and challenges they faced over the years and how she continues to forge a path for Evan. We dive into the origin of the film
Grab Bag #11 w/ Tash & Shannon
Welcome to the Tashie and Shannon show! Totally kidding, but today’s episode IS just the two of us and we’re answering some specific questions y’all have. Per usual, we are no experts, but we will always share openly about where we are in our journey and what has or is (or isn't) working for us. Some of the topics we cover today are:
*High pain tolerances in our kids
*Knowing when our non-speaking kids are sick
*What supports we use for our kids with ADHD in relation to their IEP
*Transitions wi
Don't Sing Happy Birthday with Joni Brown
Today we chat with Joni Brown about her family’s journey with not only autism but also PCDH19, a rare epilepsy disorder. Today Allie is 20 years old, and Joni discusses their diagnosis story. We dive into the heartache of the life-changing diagnosis, Joni’s tenacity in finding answers, and the triumphs they have made as a family. We also discuss Joni’s book, Don’t Sing Happy Birthday, which has quickly become one of our favorites! We shed some tears, but there is also laughter. Come and join us
SOS: Asking for Help (Pt 3 with Britt & Jean)
Welcome to our three-part series on asking for and receiving help from others. Brittney and Jean are having this week's conversation, diving deep into some of the challenges of parenthood and why we DON’T ask for help. What stops us from letting others in? Is it a purely external, logistical issue or are we getting in our own way at times? We break it down into four main areas of resistance when asking for help as moms:
Fear of missing out
Struggle for control
The weight of responsibil
Finding Confidence as a Parent with Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe and Shahla Ala’i-Rosales
Today we welcome authors Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe and Shahla Alai-Rosales to the podcast to discuss navigating therapies and feeling confident as a parent. Long-time friends and colleagues, they have worked together to bring important insights and knowledge to families all over the world.
We are the keystone to our child’s growth and development. We are the guides on their expansion of life, in whatever form and path we end up traveling. Lots of great takeaways and tidbits for you to think about, we
SOS: Asking for Help (Pt 2 with Britt & Shannon)
Welcome to the Brit and Shan show, in part two of our three-part series on asking for and receiving help from others. We are diving deep into some of the challenges of parenthood and why we DON’T ask for help. What stops us from letting others in? Is it a purely external, logistical issue or are we getting in our own way at times? We break it down into four main areas of resistance when asking for help as moms:
Fear of missing out
Struggle for control
The weight of responsibility
Judgme
#PeriodProblems w/ Ashley Lewis
It’s finally time. Today, Shannon and Britt tackle menstruation (aka period problems) with the help of our friend Ashley Lewis! You guys have been asking for this one for so long, and we haven’t been able to speak from experience. Ashley shares about her family, and her daughter’s diagnosis, and then gives us some REAL TALK about our kids and their periods based on her experience!
Ashley and her family are SO fun, you need to check them out! You can find them HERE on Instagram! She also shares
SOS: Asking for Help (Pt 1 with Britt & Tash)
Welcome to our three-part series on asking for and receiving help from others. Brittney and Tash are starting this conversation by diving deep into some of the challenges of parenthood and why we DON’T ask for help. What stops us from letting others in? Is it a purely external, logistical issue or are we getting in our own way at times? We break it down into four main areas of resistance when asking for help as moms:
Fear of missing out
Struggle for control
The weight of responsibility
Modern Mom Probs w/ Tara Clark!
Today we were able to chat with Tara Clark from Modern Mom Probs! If you haven’t found Tara online, you definitely should; her links are below! Today we had a great conversation about her son’s diagnosis. Jack was diagnosed in 4th grade with Developmental Coordination Disorder, also known as Dyspraxia. We discussed the ins and outs of their story, but it morphed into even more; a discussion about how one size doesn’t fit all and why we must follow our instincts.
Tara on IG
Tara's Podcast
Modern
Moms Talk Moms #5
This one is a bit wild, y’all. Just like Tash’s favorite chunky sweater. We talk about pet peeves, our favorite outfits and clothing, ways to unwind and relax, and our apps that we just can’t quit! This is exactly what it’s like when we are all in the same room. Lots of giggles, maybe a couple of swears. Just giving you a heads-up. 😉
Jonathan Alderson Pt. 3: Consequences and our Kids
WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THE OREOS?!?! :D (Inside joke… listen and you’ll understand!)
For a discussion on consequences, this one has a lot of laughs. It's important to laugh at ourselves, right?
How do we teach our kids consequences that empower them to make better choices? What is the framework around this? AND.. if we haven’t been the best with consequences in our home, how do we start now?
Great convo all about this but we also touched on:
6 Rules in Creating Consequences.
Teaching our kids right
Merry Go Round: Sleep
Welcome to the first of our Merry-Go-Round Episodes! We needed a fun way to revisit episode topics that we'd already done, but as you all know, certain topics are ever-changing. Much like a merry-go-round we just circle right back around. Today’s episode we touch on SLEEP! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like for us to revisit and update and we'll get on it!
Learning to Speak Up with Katie Gallardo
We love it when DM chats lead to podcast guests. Katie shares her personal story about her son’s diagnosis and therapy journey, specifically ABA. This led to her finding her voice, speaking up, and helping others in her area and state to receive more coverage for autism services. We all have to start somewhere!
Connect with Katie on Instagram @7luckyleaps
Mindful Voices: A One-Stop Shop for Therapy?!
Today we had a great discussion with Rachael Farkas at Mindful Voices about therapies and services available to autistic families in a “one-stop shop” style company. There are places out there that can provide speech, OT, potty training, ABA, etc all from one location and team. Everyone works together and has access to your kids’ data and information…amazing! Honestly, this is how it should be. We love that Rachael and Chrissy are creating such a great resource for parents in the Nashville area
Tough Times w/ Britt & Shannon
Life is tough, but so are YOU!
Shannon and Britt here to talk about current struggles with our autistic kids. Dentists, ER visits, soccer practice, and the struggle to get on a literal bus. No one says this life is boring, am I right?
Things happen to us, that’s life. How we react and process and move forward? Well, that’s where it’s really up to us. The more we practice and learn and stumble and pick ourselves up and try again, the stronger we become. Cliche, but true.
Jonathan Alderson Pt. 2 : Receptivity & Communicating With Our Kids
Another amazing conversation with Jonathan Alderson today! We dive into the topic of feeling frustrated when our kids “just won’t listen” to us and how we can find our way back to the joys of parenting again, even with kids who may have more challenging behaviors.
How can we adjust our expectations? What are the changes that we can make in our intentions and our attitude that will yield better results for ourselves and our kids?
We also discuss the topic of dating our kids and how that can help
Jonathan Alderson Pt. 1: Why All Therapy May Not Work for All Kids
Today we had the pleasure of talking with Jonathan Alderson. Jonathan has a Master's of Education from Harvard and also completed a three-year intensive certification training in autism treatment at the Autism Treatment Center of America. While we could go on and on about his BIO, what we discuss is even MORE important.
After working directly with autistic children, Jonathan started to see that so many of the beliefs that we have been sold were not actually the case. Inspired to debunk these myt
The Moms' Current Fav Book w/ author Kelley Coleman
We can’t wait to dive in with our guest today, Kelley Coleman, author of “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child”. No joke, this is one of the best books on autism and parenting disabled kids we’ve ever read! We talk about the book and venture into other topics including:
The “Go Home, Google, and Cry” method isn’t the only option anymore
Invisible vs. NOT visible vs. visible disabilities. Say that three times fast.
The cost of “Cognitive Labor”, this is a big one
Feeding our Kids: The Feeding Assessment Tool w/ Elizabeth Klein, BCBA, LBA, M.Ed.
It is of no mystery to most of us, or so it seems, that feeding and diets are significant touchstones in having a kid on the spectrum. No matter where they fall, that is the very thing that became apparent in all of her work. Join us for this expert guest, Elizabeth Klein, BCBA, LBA + M.Ed., who shares her professional experience in the field and is currently the clinical supervisor over an ABA program. Proper nutrition is a passion of her and her husband, as they own a nutrition business as wel
School Based Speech Therapy w/ Sarah Anzalone, SLP
In today's episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Anzalone, Speech Language Pathologist. Sarah works in the Camas School District as an SLP working specifically with elementary-age children. Sarah shares with us about coming from a large district in Las Vegas to a much smaller district in Camas and how different that looks. She also gives some insight on the direction of pre-entering a district to receiving your child's IEP and what that can involve as well as how you, as the parent
Grab Bag #10
It’s another Grab Bag today! We polled you guys this week on Instagram to get your questions! (Another reason to chat with us on IG, wink wink…) Here’s what we tackle: Spreading awareness vs being protective of our children’s diagnosis, how do we handle this? How do you handle punishment in your home with your kids? How do we personally handle aggressive behaviors directed towards you? Come and chat with us! We love hanging out with you!
Mean Jean the Legislative Machine
What!? Wait?! We are talking about one of our very own. It’s a long story but it’s all about the journey, in this case, Jean’s Journey to advocacy, and blossoming into the public education advocate, specifically at the cause of reimagining Special Education. You might want to listen to this in sections. Understandably, Jean, while compelling in facts and passions she shares, distilling it down to simpler form, is a real weakness. However, weak she is not, the hope is you see yourself in her stor
Sister, Advocate, and Psychologist : Dr. Taylor Day
Today we have an amazing conversation with Dr. Taylor Day. She is a child psychologist and parent coach specializing in autism and neurodivergent care and today joins Jean & Shannon for a special episode. In this episode we cover a lot and it may even double as an actual therapy session for all three ladies, as we have a very powerful discussion. Join us as we discuss: Some comorbidities of autism in the DSM-V Being a sibling growing up in the home, Naming PTSD + CPTSD in parents of chi
School Based Occupational Therapy w/ Sharon Peddie, OT
Sharon Peddie is an occupational therapist that works in her local school district and private practice. Her experience in both of these fields offers her a unique perspective on the importance of OT in all aspects of a person’s life. Different strategies and techniques are used depending on the environment. Seems obvious, but not everyone views therapy that way. Favorite takeaway from this episode: You are a co-regulator with your child! Some links that Sharon mentions in this episode: Ukeru w
HomeSchooling: A Discussion with Manisha Snoyer
Today’s show is all about homeschooling! We chat with Manisha Snoyer of Teach your Kids about the different ways that you can educate your children while thinking outside of the box. We discuss curriculum, what a day in the life of homeschool can look like, and where you can find more support and information if it’s something that you are considering for your kiddos! While the four of us don’t homeschool, we know that a chunk of our community does and this was a great conversation as friends abo
Siblings: A Lifetime Dedication w/ Mollie Garre and Maya LaBate
We have an AMAZING one for you today! Little warning.. the tears start early, at the 6 minute mark! It’s not sad, it's heartwarming. Its emotion evoking. And so thoughtful. Today we talk about what it's like to be a sibling to an autistic individual. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mollie Garre, who is the daughter of previous guest, Monica Meyers (amongst many other things, she’s also an incredibly talented artist, mother and wife to name only a few!) She discusses growing up with her br
2024 Vision
Can you believe it?! We are officially in 2024. Today we got together to discuss our vision for the upcoming year, personal, professional, and podcast! 2023 was quite the year for the 4 of us; many lessons learned. We are taking those lessons into this year and want to share with you what that means for us! From growing in our advocacy, to growing through a divorce, to learning to SLOW DOWN.. we talk about it all with YOU! Join us on the pod and IG, and let us know what your vision for 2024 is!
2023 Year In Review
Another year has come and gone… 2023 has had many ups and downs for each of us personally. We touch on the highs and lows, as well as talk about our favorite podcast memories over the last 12 months. Most importantly of all, we are so grateful to have YOU here with us this year. We hope this podcast continues to be an avenue to feel connected, maybe learn a thing or two, and laugh at our ridiculous banter and lame jokes. What can we say…we’re in our Mom Era. Merry Christmas! Love, Brittney, Jea
Keeping our Kids Safe at Home w/ Jay Korza
It can feel like keeping our kids safe is a moving target. Just when we think we have it figured out, something new pops up that we have to problem-solve. If you’re anything like us, it’s one of your biggest worries. Today, Jay and Shannon discuss all of the safety precautions they have taken in and around their home to keep Gracie safe and help limit the stress that we feel on a daily basis. Take some notes. What works for us may not work for everyone, but you’re bound to hear something that w
Breaking Barriers: Diagnosis to IronMan Athlete
In today's episode, we bring you another incredible community member. We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with June Bunn or as I've been calling her, “Mama June”! June shares all about her journey in raising Adrienne, her daughter who is on the autism spectrum. With a diagnosis that was given or more “fought for” in the year 2008 a time where there truly was no support medically or educationally through a public school district. With the barriers overcome and a mom who would not giv
"Are You Sure?" : Colleen Johnson's Story
From meeting her husband on the Fiddler on the Roof national tour to starting their family together and having two amazing boys, Colleen discusses her journey through Autism and Down Syndrome diagnoses. We talk about the feeling of being blindsided by multiple health issues with her sons Eli and Luke. Colleen walks us through their journey and discusses all that she’s learning, including the seemingly difficult skill of learning to be okay with asking for help. You can find Colleen on Instagra
Suicide and the Signs: AnneMoss Rogers' Story
This episode is about suicide and suicide prevention. We feel strongly this is a topic we all need to be aware of and educated about, particularly as it relates to parenting neurodivergent children. If you or someone you love needs to seek help, the US Suicide Hotline for calling and texting is 988, available 24/7. A quick Google Search will bring up any other country’s hotline as well as multiple language preferences and options. AnneMoss Rogers is a mental health and suicide education expert,
Adulting with Mama Fry
All of us girls on the pod follow Mama Fry! This was such a great conversation about the ins and outs of raising an adult son with autism. We talked a little about her journey with her son as he grew up, but really focused on what the transition to adulthood looks like. What does it look like when our kiddos turn 18? If you’re concerned about what adulthood looks like, conservatorship, etc., tune in this week and listen to this convo! It’s a serious topic, but it comes along with a good deal of
Grab Bag #9
Lots of great questions from our listeners this week. These are some of our favorite episodes to record, we love hearing from and talking about the subjects that are most important to you. This week, we touched on a wide variety of topics: Puberty and Hygiene Medical-grade strollers and equipment Chiropractic care Aggression Friendships with Typical Families Potty Training Supporting Friends Emotionally As always, you can reach out to us anytime if you have any grab-bag questions or episode su
Raising My Son Before Services: Monica Meyers Part 2
In this episode, we continue with part two of Monica’s story. This episode details a little more of what the future planning for Michael looks like along with Monica and what she is moving into career-wise.
Raising My Son Before Services: Monica Meyers Part 1
Today's episode starts us with part one of this two-part series. We sat down to chat with the lovely Monica Meyers, a community member, advocate, and trailblazer to this community in the state of Washington. Monica shares her experience not only with her son's diagnosis that came in a time of no internet but also the courageous amount of advocacy she's done for not only her son but the autistic community as a whole. You can find Monica on her website HERE!
We Holiday OUR Way!
We holiday OUR way. Join us for a discussion on the many ways the holidays can look, but mostly feel, and how we have navigated that. There is a build-up of hyperintense emotions and activities around these times, no matter the holiday or culture; nuances that don’t become apparent until you are faced with the realities of having an autistic or neurodivergent child. We talk about the different sets of expectations and the comparison trap! This episode is brought to you by Fun and Function, chec
Talking Our Kids: Back To School Updates
We are halfway through school this semester and wanted to do a little check-in. We discuss each of our kids’ progress and the challenges that we are facing this year in school. Overall, we are all doing pretty well, but that doesn’t negate the fact that we still worry. It’s a lot and we know you get it too. We mentioned a book and documentary that has come out recently and is available in the US and internationally, go check it out. The Reason I Jump
Employing Autistic Adults w/ Eileen Youngberg
Today Tash & Shannon sit down with Eileen Youngberg, an Assistant Program Manager from Trillium Employment Services. Trillium is a non-profit organization based in Washington State. We dive deep into not only the work Eileen does but also the importance of why we need to be advocating and pushing for our kids as they are leaving the transition programs from high school to finding a place in the workforce, however that may look for them. Also, we discuss why it's important as a society to see the
The Importance of Peer-to-Peer Support
Come join us! Today we are talking about our community and defining the very pillar of why we exist as a podcast and community. Peer-to-Peer support can be defined as a person who belongs to the same group or shares the same lived experience. In contrast to mentorship where help is provided by an expert, in peer-to-peer support ALL peers are equally qualified. 3 Key Principles of Peer Support: respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement on what is helpful. Much evidence support that pe
How to Achieve Inclusive Education w/ Bre Gastaldi (Part 2)
In this next installment with Bre Gastaldi, Inclusive Education Consultant & Educator, we learn about the actionable steps that need to be taken at large as well as day-to-day. The goal is to make huge systemic shifts in education and it takes all of us adopting a core set of beliefs and values.
What Inclusive Education REALLY Is w/ Bre Gastaldi (Part 1)
Today we learn and discuss how people and institutions hold their own definition of what real inclusion means. We brought on Bre Gestaldi, an Inclusion Education Consultant & Educator, to break down the “What” + “Why” of what inclusive education REALLY is.
Facts + links provided in the episode:
Research reasons - No studies conducted since the late 1970s have shown an academic advantage for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities educated in separate settings (Falvey,
Creating Your Community with Sarah Watkins from AUsomesauce
Making connections with others can be very daunting, especially for special needs families. Where do you even start? We are so pleased to share our chat with Sarah Watkins, from AUsome Sauce, a non-profit organization based in Southern California, who saw a problem in her area and decided to do something about it. Sarah shares about her own family, what AUsome Sauce is all about, and ways that you can find or create a similar community where you live. Do it for your kids and do it for yourself,
Talking Tics
Today, we’re talking tics, involuntary movements, stimming, and other repetitive behaviors. What are they and how do we experience them in our own households, it’s quite the ride. Tics and other stimming behaviors are very common among autistic individuals. Sometimes they are very self-soothing and can really help someone feel grounded and regulated. We fully support this for our kids and others. Other times, it can be very disruptive and unsafe, or the person can get stuck in a loop, unable to
Moms Talk Moms #4
This episode is all about us ladies and some random facts! We love to have these episodes to not only share some personal stuff about us crazy girls but to also bring some fun lighthearted laughter to your week once in a while!
Can Grief and Joy Coexist?
It is thought that experiencing joy and experiencing grief are two mutually exclusive emotions or houses of emotions. In this episode, through an authentic conversation, we debunk that isn’t the case and prove the two can coexist and WHY it's important to embrace joy with grief.
Coming Together In Camas
This episode is ALL about our recent trip to visit Tash in Washington! We reflect on the trip and how meeting on Instagram has changed our lives so much. Come chat with us!
Grab Bag #8
Some great questions from our listeners today, focusing on speech therapy and communication. We deep dive into our kids’ speech and language development over the years and also discuss some of our favorite therapies. Not every therapy is available or appropriate for every child, so do your research and see what’s best for your family. Want to learn more about one of our favorite speech therapists? Go check out Katja from @bohospeechie and listen to our interview with here HERE Have a great topi
How Distrust Can Affect the Way You Advocate
Join us today as we discuss how our perception of trust and distrust in medical professionals has shaped our behavior as both a parent and advocate for our exceptional children.
Adaptive Diving : Discover Diveheart w/ Jim Elliot and Tinamarie Hernandez
You don’t want to miss this one! Such an amazing chat today with Jim Elliot and Tinamarie Hernandez of Diveheart. Diveheart is a non-profit organization that specializes in adaptive scuba diving to any child, adult, or veteran with a disability, in hopes of providing physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person. In their words, “Diveheart works with individuals who have a variety of disabilities, including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, a
Finding the Right Caregiver with Dr. Alisa Elliot
Today we talk with Dr. Alisa Elliot, who is the owner and creator of Chrysalis Spectrum in Houston, Texas. Her company provides in-home care for a variety of people in need, including those with disabilities. Today we’re chatting about why it’s important to have respite and in-home care. We also discuss what to look for in a provider, what to expect, and what to do if it doesn’t work out. Dr. Elliot has over 25 years of experience in direct one-on-one care with individuals and is a special needs
Mom Guilt 2.0
Step inside our brains for the second installment of Mom Guilt. Why because Mom Guilt is inevitable and provides endless amounts of opportunities to discuss. This time it is about the actual inner dialogue that takes place. “I am a failure.” “I am the worst mom.” Why are we like this?!
Halfway There : A Summer Break Update
Insert Bon Jovi song lyrics... Today we sat down and recapped the summer so far. The good, the bad and the ugly. Come hang with us as we chat summer. And then hop on IG and let us know how it's going for YOU!
Let's Get Physical : Movement & Our Kids
Today’s episode we sat down with guest and author ,Sheena Leedham, to talk all about movement and the benefits it provides for our exceptional needs children. We do a dive into how this movement can not only help on a physical level but also bring confidence and inclusion with their Neurotypical peers. Links: Follow this link to learn more about The Power of a Note, and I Can Jump Rope! Both books can be found on Amazon, Bookbaby, and elitefts.com. She's even providing four weeks of her 12-Wee
The Different Parenting Styles
On this episode we identify, breakdown and apply the four traditional styles of parenting: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive and Uninvolved/Neglectful. We dive into the newer developed parenting styles such as Tiger, Attachment, Positive/Gentle, Outsource and Helicopter. Why we may operate mainly with only one or two of these styles, at any point in our lifetime as parents, we can presume any of these styles depending on the season or situation. Additionally the rub comes when our indivi
Participating in Therapy While Allowing Our Kids to be Their Authentic Selves with Dr. Kristin Wegner
We are thrilled to have Dr. Kristin Wegner on today, discussing ABA and other behavioral therapies. Kristin talks about her background working with neurodivergent children and the educational and professional journey that has brought her where she is today. We dive into the history of ABA and how it has evolved over time. We discuss both the positive and negative sides of behavior therapies and always want to emphasize the importance of finding what is best for your child- it’s not going to be t
Grab Bag #7
It’s a grab bag of your most asked questions this week! Here's what you've been asking about: 1. Eating habits and sensory-related food aversions @8theplate SOS Approach to Feeding 2. Driving and riding in the car: safety and car seat alternatives Buckle Up For Life 3. Making friends: peer support and maintaining friendships Special Olympics
Life with my Boys, One Autistic and the other Deaf : Jen Haase's Story
Today Jen shares her story with our community. From having two boys in 13 months to having her youngest diagnosed as deaf shortly after birth, to then having her oldest diagnosed as autistic, Jen shares how this has changed the dynamic in her family. She shares how they have to balance the wants, needs, and sensitivities of both children as well as how they approach life adapting to both of their kids sometimes opposing needs. Thank you Jen for sharing your story and giving us perspective. We
Slipping & Sliding Into Summer: Handling the Transition
It’s summertime, aren’t you excited? Or are you wondering how to fill all of those hours of unstructured time at home? We go into depth on each of our summer plans and talk about camps and programs that are offered in our areas. We also touch on sports and vacations. Camping with autistic kids, it’s possible as long as you're flexible…and know where the nearest fast food drive-thru is located. Have a great summer, we’ll still be publishing episodes, so put on some headphones to drown out the car
They Said It Would Get Easier...
"They" said it would get easier.. but does it really? Let's have some real talk about this. There isn't this magical, easy place that we are searching for or journeying to. If that's what you're looking for you had better pack some serious bags. Lots of clean undies. But what we can say is that while it doesn't get easier, we DO get stronger. We learn new tools to deal with each new challenge. Meet us on the pod today and let's talk about it all.
Profound Autism : A Day With Austin
We started this episode with a certain goal and topic in mind. Like so many things in life, it quickly pivoted in an unexpected direction, turning into an interview of Brittney and her perspective as a caregiver of Austin and his profound needs. We always intended to have an episode like this on Moms Talk Autism. Some of the extremes of Austin’s life are not often spoken of or even acknowledged, even within the autistic community. It’s not a desired place to be: the outlier of the outliers. Hav
Moms Talk Moms #3
Time for another Moms Talk Moms episode! This week we have Tash, Brittney, and Shannon on the mics. We have some fun ones but tossed in a few deeper ones for you too. Let’s get to know one another better! Today we talked about anything from our first celebrity crushes and favorite concerts to things like tasks that we secretly despise and some of our greatest regrets. Join us! And because we don’t want to forget… here’s the deep Hair Conditioner link that Brittney talked about: https://a.co/d/
Living Apart From My Son: Emely Zavala's Story
We want to start by giving you a trigger warning; this episode could be hard to listen to and may evoke some big emotions. We ask that you listen to this episode with an open heart and mind. There is a percentage of our community who have children with what may be considered more profound autism. In this journey, these parents may have to make decisions for the safety of not only themselves but also their child, in order for them to flourish in this life. Today we get personal with a beautiful m
Medical Insurance with Chris Olmanson of Beaming Health
It may not be a fun or exciting topic to cover, but it is so very important! We are thrilled to have our special guest, Chris Olmanson, on to discuss his experiences working for a large health insurance company. Chris shares practical tips and tricks (takes notes, it's worth it) as well as some personal stories of the special needs families he has worked with over the years. Chris is now co-founder of Beaming Health, one of our most favorite websites and resources to recommend to families, espec
Gestalt Language Processing with @BohoSpeechie!
Today we had the opportunity to sit down with Katja Piscitelli and chat all things gestalt language processing! Katja, also known as @BohoSpeechie on Instagram, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She owns her own practice called Total Spectrum Speech. We talked about what gestalt language processing even MEANS, how it applies to our kiddos, and ways that we as parents, teachers, and providers can help our exceptional children. This was such a great episode and we are so excited to share
We Wish We Would Have Known...
It’s so easy to spiral down in the “what if” game and second-guess ourselves. When it comes to our exceptional children and their care, it can feel even more stressful, like if you screw up this one therapy, medication, opportunity, etc then I’ve failed as a parent. We are here to tell you that’s NOT TRUE! Today we look back and discuss what we wish we would have known. If you don’t remember anything else from this episode, remember Shannon’s advice: NEVER SAY NEVER. Because, if you do, you wil
Moms Talk Moms #2
Another Mom Talk Moms! How do we get to know one another better?! By asking questions that friends would ask friends as they’re getting to know one another! So, tackling some of those today! Dream vacations, biggest inspirations, free time activities (what's that?!), and more! Let’s chat, friends! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Rage Against the Machine: Navigating Insurance
What a rude awakening it can be to get your first "NO" after the journey of getting a diagnosis, what gives?! This conversation covers the scope of the many nuances of the private marketplace, medicare, Medicaid healthcare, and other state programs that may provide specific needs. It's just the tip of the iceberg packed with some helpful nuggets! We share a little bit of what we wish we knew, especially out of the gate. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brit
Grab Bag #6
It's another grab bag, your questions answered! This episode we will touch on five different topics: *vocal stimming and how we handle volume in a public space *anxiety in our kids and how we approach it *ABA vs. Preschool *extracurricular activities tips/tricks/ideas for our ND kids *cultivating adult relationships especially with those who do not have ND kids Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.co
Connecting and Joining with your Child
This week is all about how we connect with our neurodivergent children through play. We will talk about our four individual experiences, but also some ideas we've heard from experts. Remember, each ND person is different and the way we engage with them should be considered through their cues and interests. With time and experience, we can fine tune and explore great options for play and connection. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momst
Moms Talk Moms
Moms talk.. Moms?! Whatttttt? That’s right. Today, we are talking about the moms. The idea and hope for this episode is that you’ll get to know each of us a little better. Yes, as moms to exceptional kids, but also as you know... regular humans. Think of this as a fun conversation with your girlfriends at the coffee shop! Let’s build community. Get to know one another a little better. Time to chat, friends! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com je
KultureCity, The Super Bowl, and Tash
Our very own Natasha had the honor and privilege to attend this year’s Super Bowl as a volunteer for KultureCity! We talk about the who, what, why, and how it all came about as Tash talks about her amazing weekend in Phoenix. The best part? Tash got to see and experience what KultureCity is all about firsthand. She was able to tour the Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV), pass out Sensory Bags to ticket holders attending the many events during the week of the Super Bowl, and meet so many amazing p
Interview with author Meg Raby
We are thrilled to bring you our interview with Meg Raby, author of the children's book series, "My Brother Otto". Meg is autistic herself and discusses many relevant topics on the website "Scary Mommy". You will feel inspired and walk away learning things you didn't know about, not just Otto, the beloved character in her childrens' literature series, but so much about Meg, her additional advocacy, her work as an SLP, and many more life-changing endeavors to come. Sites
Kulture City Interview with Renae Ingles
Today's episode is all about our favorite non profit, KultureCity! We had the incredible privledge of sitting down with board member Renae Ingles to chat about her family’s autism journey for their son Jacob. That experience brought them to their advocacy and work with KultureCity. Renae tells us all about the influential and important work of this amazing organization and how all of us can be involved. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did! Check out KultureCity here: https://www.k
Our Experience With Specialists
The doctor will see you now... If your child has an autism diagnosis, there's a good chance you are also seeing some medical or therapy specialists. Everyone has a different path and will respond to treatments in different ways. We hope you can gain some insight from our experiences with specialists to figure out your own therapy and medical plan. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momsta
Regression vs. Refusal
Regression can happen in many different areas of our kids' lives: language, functional skills, physical abilities, academics, etc. Refusal can also manifest itself in many ways. Join us as we discuss these differences and share some of our own struggles in trying to distinguish between these two parenting challenges. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Grab Bag #5
It’s time for another grab bag episode baby! We’re answering your questions and diving deeper into what you want to know. Join us as we discuss relevant topics, share stories, and just spend some good old fashioned quality time together. Topics for this episode include birthday parties for our autistic children, mood swings/changes and their possible triggers, packing school lunches (no judgment here), and more. As always, if you have any questions for us, please reach out. We are always adding
The Care Map: What I Wish My Teacher Knew
What did you wish your teacher knew?!?! I think that answer changes over time. It's static. And our experience and engagement with our educators can feel one or two-dimensional at most times. I will tell you what helps, though; it's drawing out your care map. Who freakin’ knew?!?! If you don’t know what that is, Google it. There is not one website I recommend over another, but knowing how to make a care map can serve as one of the foundational documents for parenting a child with any disability
2023 Focus with Moms Talk Autism
Discussing a new year ahead of us: new goals, new experiences, and more time together with YOU! 2023 is filled with possibilities, let's talk about. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
2022: Year in Review
It's here, the 2022 Year in Review! We have a year much like many of you, filled with ups and downs and everything in between. Thank you for letting us be a small part of your lives. Enjoy our last episode of this year and we'll see you in 2023! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Best Practices with guest Lisa Baskin Wright, IEP and Special Education Coach
Join us as we chat with one of our favorite returning guests, IEP Coach Lisa Baskin Wright! We love to pick Lisa's brain with all of our (and your) special education and IEP questions. Lisa is a fountain of knowledge and experience. Dive in and don't forget to contact her directly if you have further questions or thoughts. Lisa mentions two of her favorite speech therapy Instagram accounts on this episode. We've provided the links for you if you want to check them out: @meaningfulspeech @bohosp
Sorting Through Misinformation: How to Decide
As parents to autistic children, we only want what is best for our kids. Making decisions on what therapy, diets, or supplements to give them can quickly become confusing. There are so many people, companies, and professionals with differing ideas. How do we decide what information is helpful and what can be potentially harmful? We will share a little insight on what to keep in mind when doing your own research. Our biggest takaway is, ultimately as parents, we should always listen to our intu
Marriage and Autism
Join us today as we discuss marriage and parenting kids with diverse needs. We talk about our own experiences and stories, but also marriage in general and how autism can affect a relationship in postive, and sometimes, negative ways. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Finding Faith and Perspective with Tash and Brittney
The Tash and Brittney episode is here! This week is all about FAITH and the blessing of believing. We are Christians and speak of our own experiences, perspectives, and faith. We would never presume or try to speak for any other faiths or churches, but know that we think this topic, and our approach, can be applied to any belief system, Christian or not. This is about believing in a higher power, whatever that may be, and how that belief can help aid you in your day to day life caring for and pr
Grab Bag #4
Topics and questions discussed in today's episdoe: Working outside of the home Finding friends and community support Regression/breaks from therapy Bonus: potty training and who's the best cleaner/stain remover in the group. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Dynamics of First Responders Families
That first responder family life, though... you know? And if you don’t, we'll talk all about it today. What does life look like when you layer first responder life with special needs parenting? Tash and Shannon talk about it from their personal experiences. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Additional Diagnoses and Testing
In today's episode we'll talk all about those extra diagnoses that our kids have in addition to autism. We have different experiences: some receiving other diagnoses before or after the autism diagnosis. For others, it was all at the same time. Either way, it can be a lot to take in. We will share what those diagnoses are, how they present for our kids, and the specialists and/or medications we use to treat certain behaviors or medical concerns. Though our kids may have similar or the same autis
Separation Anxiety
Come join in the conversation as we discuss separation anxiety and autism. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
Holiday Expectations
Do the holidays bring you feelings of happiness and joy OR is it a time of stress and anxiety? Maybe a combination of both? For our kids, there are added layers of sensory awareness and accommodations that need to be considered, prepared for, and executed. If the upcoming hoildays fill you with dread, specifically because of these extra layers that are added to our plate, this is the episode for you! Let us know what you think and if there additional related topics that we can chat about. Insta
Grab Bag #3
Today, we answered a few of the behavior-related questions you've been asking about. Here’s a breakdown of the chat: How do you handle self-harming behaviors? What obsessive behaviors do you experience with your kiddos? Any advice on how to handle certain sensory behaviors? How do you talk to siblings about behaviors? Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
All About Halloween
Tricks, treats, and an honest conversation about Halloween and all the extra variables to consider during this holiday with our neurodivergent kids. Let us know what you think and if you have anything to add to our chat. We'd love to hear from you! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com brittney@momstalkautism.com jean@momstalkautism.com shannon@momstalkautism.com tash@momstalkautism.com
ADHD with Beth Gardner
Tash and Jean talk all things ADHD with our special guest this week, Beth Gardner. Beth was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 13. She is now raising her son with the same diagnosis and strives to help other families with similiar situations and challenges. In 2019, Beth started an online support group, "Driven to Connection". We are so thrilled to learn and talk with Beth and we hope you enjoy it too. You can learn more about Beth and her organization here: Instagram: @bethg_driventoconnection T
Caring for an Autistic Adult with Tami Mayne
Join us as Brittney talks with her friend Tami, a mom of six, living in California. Tami and her husband care for their adult autistic son, Jaron. We talk about Jaron’s initial diagnosis, growing up, and what it’s like to care for him now. There are programs available for autistic adults (although not as many as we would like), listen and find out how you can find programs in your area. We also touch on the subject of conservatorship, wills, and trusts. Tami is an amazing person and wonderful mo
Grab Bag #2
Answering YOUR questions again! One of our FAV things to do! Here is what we talked about today! How do we handle tantrums/meltdowns? How do we differentiate them? (2:10) Physical strength. Worrying about our kids being too fast or too strong. (21:40) How do you deal with the real (or imagined) judgment when your kids have meltdowns in public? (31:50) How do you manage public restrooms with our kids, particularly mother & son pairs? (40:15) How do you fit in healthy meal options? (45:48) Hop o
Future Planning with Jeffrey Stephens, Partner at GVM Law, LLP
What can we do as parents to help plan for the future of our children? Just like everything else in life, there are additional layers and concerns when it comes to future planning for our children with special needs. What kind of legal options are available to me? What should I do to ensure the well-being of my child? Jeff Stephens is a lawyer in Northern California who focuses on tax and estate planning. He has three young children, one with autism. Jeff answers our questions and gets us starti
The Mindset Around Grief: A Wheel of Adaptation
This is the final installment on our version of the stages of grief. We bring it all together and discuss what happens during and after the process of grieving an autism diagnosis. You've reached a level of acceptance and peace...now what? There is a wheel of adaptation in relation to grief, broken down into four hemispheres, all intersecting and overlapping. This concept was first presented in the book "Nobody's Perfect" by Dr. Nancy B. Miller. We hope you find her research and our discussion
Acceptance and Grief: Learning to Move Forward
The idea of acceptance can give the false impression that everything is ok or that you are not struggling anymore. A better way to look at acceptance is that you have reached a certain level of resolve or can see the reality of your life for what it is now. In this episode, we talk about the first time we reached a level of acceptance with our autistic children and how we strive to come back to that place over and over in a variety of ways. It's a great discussion, real and raw, about the diffic
Depression and Grief: Allowing yourself to feel
Depression is an appropriate response to processing any kind of grief. It is often portrayed as unnatural, something to be fixed, or to get rid of as quickly as possible. The truth is, it would be unusual NOT feel it. There are times and circumstances when a longer period of depression may be part of your life and having discernment to recognize and know when you are depressed is essential to your grief journey. This episode explores the many sides of depression and how it has shown up in our li
Bargaining and Grief: Let's Make a Deal...
This stage usually goes hand and hand with feelings of guilt, whether or not those feelings are well founded or not. A frequent thought in this stage is the "if only" statement: "If only I would have done THIS, than THAT would have never happened", etc. Bargaining can last a while as we sort through our emotions. It can also be fleeting thoughts that come and go as we begin to process our child's diagnosis. Moving in and out of bargaining quickly or being in this stage while simultaneously in an
Anger and Grief: It's a Mad, Mad World!
On to the next phase of grief: ANGER! When we think of anger, we tend to associate it with being vexed or upset with others. The closer we are to someone emotionally, the more anger we can feel towards them. It's also important to remember that anger can be directed towards ourselves. This is an important part of grief, allowing time for us to feel, acknowledge, and process. It's not the best place to stay sitting in for long though, as we tend to stall in this stage, not making much progress. I
Denial & Grief: When you're too scared to face your child's diagnosis
Denial: It’s the first stage of grief and it can be a sneaky, tricky thing. Most people think of denial as being bad, but truthfully, denial can fill an important role as protector. Denial can give a semblance of control when confronted with situations that are unknown or overwhelming. It allows us time to adjust and grow while grieving. Listen in as we dive into all things denial and our personal experiences with it! Don’t forget to give us a 5 star review if you love the show! Instagram: @moms
Back to School Transitions
Let's talk all about back to school transitions! We'll discuss how we prepare not only the little things, like school supplies and clothes, but some of the bigger tasks like IEP reviews, transportation services, and working with new teachers. It's hard to get our kiddos back into the routine of early bedtimes and morning wake ups. Hopefully this will give you some great ideas and time to get your own lists started. We would love to hear about your school transitions and experiences: Instagram: @
The Comparison Trap
You have all heard the cliches about comparing ourselves to others and we know it can be quite harmful if not in check. In this episode, we have a raw conversation, just scratching the surface really, about contrast in the autism community. There are so many different ways to compare: families, abilities, parenting styles, behaviors, the list goes on and on. We've all done it and we're hear to talk about it and share. We want to hear your stories and experiences too! Let us know what kind of com
Special Education and Advocacy with Catherine Michael
Join us and our guest, Catherine Michael, as we continue the conversation of educating our kids and the barriers we face. Catherine Michael JD, has spent more than twenty years working with thousands of families, behavior therapists, psychologists, parents, and teachers on designing success for children with special needs. She is the managing partner of the Connell Michael Kerr, LLP law firm and the founder of Coffee with Catherine, LLC. Catherine is a well-known speaker, and has been feature
Trusting Others with our Children with Doug Crabtree
How do you get to a point where you can leave your special needs child with another adult? How do we feel comfortable doing so? What steps can we take to help our kids, and let's be honest, ourselves, feel like we can trust others to care for our kids? Today, we have Doug Crabtree (Brittney's husband) on to discuss some of these questions and more. Trusting others is a daunting task and can take time and extra preparation in order to establish good relationships between caregiver and a special
Living Abroad and Fragile X Syndrome with Charley Qaqa
Special Guest Alert! We are thrilled to have Charley Qaqa on the podcast with Brittney today. Charley has three children, two diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder closely related to autism. She and her family have also lived outside the United States and experienced special needs services abroad. Charley talks about the early years, life in Fiji, and the decision to move back to the United States. She explains Fragile X Sydrome so well, we really appreciate her insights and will
Will I Ever Sleep Again?
Proper sleep is elusive to so many special needs families! Join us as we chat about our own kids' sleep histories (thus far) and what we have done to try to not only help them sleep better, but help ourselves catch a few more zzzz's. There isn't a one size fits all perfect answer, but there are a few things we have learned along the way. How's your sleep schedule going right now? Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Autism and the Teen Years with Jane Merrill
We have a special guest on the show with us this week! Brittney and Jane have been friends for over a decade, their autistic boys have been in the same preschool and elementary special eduation classrooms through the years. The moms get together often to check up on each other and the boys' progress. We hope you enjoy learning more about Jane's journey with her son, Alex, and how both she and Brittney are learning to care for their autistic teenagers. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@moms
All About Siblings
We're talking all things siblings in this episode! We offer our perspectives on our kiddo's sibling relationships. How do our neurotypical and neurodivergent kids interact and live in the same space? We'll also share some ideas on how we as parents can tend relationships with each of our children, making sure they feel special in their connection to us. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Excluding Our Neurodivergent Children
We are ALL about inclusion over here at Moms Talk Autism. We want to include our kids in everything we can and we want others to do the same. There are times, however hard it is to make that call, where it just may not be best to to bring our kids. Whether it's due to environmental factors, safety concerns, upsetting others around us, or you know they just wouldn't enjoy the event, we have to make that tough call and exclude from time to time. We'll talk about our personal experiences in this re
Brittney's Story
The last of our Mom Bonus series this month. Come listen to Brittney's story. Mom of four, two with autism. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Traveling and New Environments
It's hard enough to care for our children in the comfort of our own homes, surrounded by familiar objects, food, and routines. It's asking way too much to expect us to take our kids on vacation. Traveling...no way! It is really difficult, and not every experience out in the great, big world is going to go well. It is vitally important for our families to go out on excursions and experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the end, it is worth it. Safe travels everyone, we'll see you out ther
Tash's Story
A bonus episode all about our girl Tash! She is fiesty, loyal, warm, loving, and ready to have real talk about anything and everything. Tash is married to her husband, Tyler, and they have two amazing kids, Jack and Sloan, along with their angel baby, Jameson. Tash's energy is infectious. Her love of life, Christ, and plant care is strong and very inspiring to all of us. Have a listen and learn more about one of our favorite people. She has some really great insights to share. Instagram: @momst
Grab Bag
We're answering listener questions today! Over the last few weeks, we've been collecting your questions through emails and social media. We can't wait to dive and discuss, let's go! If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us talk about in a future episode, contact us here: Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Shannon's Story
Shanny Shan Shan...first responder's wife, Jill of all trades, and mother of all mothers! This lady truly is extraordinary at all things, but she truly shines as a mom. She loves her girls more than anything and is fierce in her advocacy for them. Shannon is all about self-care, especially in the form of moving your body daily. She believes that when we fill our cups first, we can adequately pour into our kiddos. Run over and listen to Shannon's story: where it all began and how it's currently
The Medication Question
To medicate or not to medicate...that is the question! Brittney, Jean, and Tash talk about looking into over the counter and perscription medications for their autistic children. What works for one child won't necessarily work for another, but hearing our experiences will hopefully shed some light if you are considering medications now or in the future. Disclaimer: we are not doctors or trained medical professionals. ALWAYS consult your doctor if you are thinking of starting or stopping medica
Jean's Story
Jean: a simple name, complex in nature. Many of us walk into parenthood with our "stuff". It shades and colors our lens when seeing our child’s diagnosis. Jean wanted an exceptional child and the universe delivered an extraordinary, beautiful, autistic son. Gone were the days of the fast-paced, creative life in hospitality. She carried her intensity and advocacy into a new life; one focused on slowing down and experiencing a deeper, richer side to humanity. Her story is about transformation th
Mom Mental Health
How do we manage our child's exceptional needs AND our own health, specifically mental health? It's a question we strive to answer in this episode. We share our own personal experiences, struggles, and successes in this area of our lives. We would love to hear your thoughts on this VERY important topic. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Dad Interview #4 with Jay
Dad's Talk Autism Final Bonus Eposide! In our final April Dad installment, we will hear from Jay: husband to Shannon and father to Gracie and Maya. Jay gives another view of our interesting, and sometimes challenging, parent life. He's honest and you'll never have to wonder where he stands on any topic. Jay also dives into a subject that Shannon hasn't shared on the podcast: his adult autism diagnosis. Tune in and get a look from his perspective! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@mom
Dad Interview #4 with Jay
Dad's Talk Autism Final Bonus Eposide!
In our final April Dad installment, we will hear from Jay: husband to Shannon and father to Gracie and Maya.
Jay gives another view of our interesting, and sometimes challenging, parent life. He's honest and you'll never have to wonder where he stands on any topic. Jay also dives into a subject that Shannon hasn't shared on the podcast: his adult autism diagnosis. Tune in and get a look from his perspective!
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@momstalka
Having Another Child After Diagnosis
An autism diagnosis can be life chaning for your child. It can also greatly impact your family and what the future holds for family planning. In this episode, we tell our personal stories of when we decided to have or not have more children after diagnosis. It's a very personal decision and we hope hearing our stories will help you along your family's autism journey. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Having Another Child After Diagnosis
An autism diagnosis can be life chaning for your child. It can also greatly impact your family and what the future holds for family planning. In this episode, we tell our personal stories of when we decided to have or not have more children after diagnosis. It's a very personal decision and we hope hearing our stories will help you along your family's autism journey.Instagram: @momstalkautismEmail: hello@momstalkautism.com
Dad Interview #3 with Tyler
Tyler, husband to Tash, father to Jack, Sloan, and Jameson (their angel baby).
The Dillmons lead an extraordinary life as a first responder family, working as a Fire Captain in their community. Tyler tells the remarkable story of overcoming the grief of the loss of one child and stepping in as a father, parenting their autistic son and surviving twin, Jack. He also shares a heartwarming story about how autism touched his life before Jack was diagnosed.
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@mom
Dad Interview #3 with Tyler
Tyler, husband to Tash, father to Jack, Sloan, and Jameson (their angel baby). The Dillmons lead an extraordinary life as a first responder family, working as a Fire Captain in their community. Tyler tells the remarkable story of overcoming the grief of the loss of one child and stepping in as a father, parenting their autistic son and surviving twin, Jack. He also shares a heartwarming story about how autism touched his life before Jack was diagnosed. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@mo
Interview with William Wherli
In this episode, we are interviewing a fantastic guest. William Wherli is an incredible voice in this community who shares powerful knowledge and insight into living as an autistic adult. He covers many subjects, including what it was like growing up as a child. William shares excellent advice to everyone about what he wants the world to know, some insight for parents raising autistic children, and some inspiration to all of us to be and do better for our disabled communities. Follow William:
Interview with William Wherli
In this episode, we are interviewing a fantastic guest. William Wherli is an incredible voice in this community who shares powerful knowledge and insight into living as an autistic adult. He covers many subjects, including what it was like growing up as a child.
William shares excellent advice to everyone about what he wants the world to know, some insight for parents raising autistic children, and some inspiration to all of us to be and do better for our disabled communities.
Follow William:
@w
Dad Interview #2 with Doug
Doug is Brittney's husband and father to their four children. Austin and Ruby are autistic and have very different challenges and needs. Doug is one of the most easy going personalities out there, he's a go with the flow kinda guy, and we love him for it. He offers his perspective on fatherhood and raising children with a wide range of needs and abilities. He tells the story of diagnosis of both children and offers some great advice for newly minted special needs parents. We hope you enjoy heari
Dad Interview #2 with Doug
Dads Talk Autism Bonus Episode! Doug is Brittney's husband and father to their four children. Austin and Ruby are autistic and have very different challenges and needs. Doug is one of the most easy going personalities out there, he's a go with the flow kinda guy, and we love him for it. He offers his perspective on fatherhood and raising children with a wide range of needs and abilities. He tells the story of diagnosis of both children and offers some great advice for newly minted special needs
Where are they now: Updates on the kids
One of our most requested topics! We get asked often what our children are up to with their current struggles/victories. So, let's talk where the kids are NOW! Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Where are they now: Updates on the kids
One of our most requested topics! We get asked often what our children are up to with their current struggles/victories. So, let's talk where the kids are NOW!
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Dad Interview #1 with Brad
Dads Talk Autism Bonus Episode!
Brad, husband to Jean, father to Rory and McKenna, is our very first dad to be interviewed in this series.
He doesn’t mince words; a black and white, no grey area kind of guy. Incredibly smart and witty, Brad is never absent of humor or sarcasm, casting him as the cynic in their relationship.
Brad and Jean experienced Rory's initial autism diagnosis very differently, but both are important stories and perspectives to hear. Stay tuned, 3 more Dad episodes coming at
Dad Interview #1 with Brad
Dads Talk Autism Bonus Episode! Brad, husband to Jean, father to Rory and McKenna, is our very first dad to be interviewed in this series. He doesn’t mince words; a black and white, no grey area kind of guy. Incredibly smart and witty, Brad is never absent of humor or sarcasm, casting him as the cynic in their relationship. Brad and Jean experienced Rory's initial autism diagnosis very differently, but both are important stories and perspectives to hear. Stay tuned, 3 more Dad episodes coming a
Interview with Tiffany Hammond
Autistic people aren’t two dimensional creatures. Being a member of the community as a caregiver or parent isn’t either. In this episode, we talk with our very special guest, Tiffany Hammond, from Fidgets and Fries. We discuss how she navigates life as an autistic, black female, as well as a parent to two autistic boys. Tiffany draws the distinction of being autistic and parenting autistic children and how they can be vastly different experiences. We hope you find her insights as profound as w
Interview with Tiffany Hammond
Autistic people aren’t two dimensional creatures. Being a member of the community as a caregiver or parent isn’t either.
In this episode, we talk with our very special guest, Tiffany Hammond, from Fidgets and Fries. We discuss how she navigates life as an autistic, black female, as well as a parent to two autistic boys.
Tiffany draws the distinction of being autistic and parenting autistic children and how they can be vastly different experiences. We hope you find her insights as profound as we
Autism Acceptance Month Introduction
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Join us as we discuss the history and share some of our insight on what this month means to each of us. However you decide to acknowledge and bring awareness is a personal choice and we honor that. We also discuss how we can better advocate and educate ourselves through listening to the autistic community. We hope no matter where you are on this journey, you will find joy in this month and a community to support you and your child. Instagram: @momstalkautism Em
Autism Acceptance Month Introduction
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Join us as we discuss the history and share some of our insight on what this month means to each of us. However you decide to acknowledge and bring awareness is a personal choice and we honor that.
We also discuss how we can better advocate and educate ourselves through listening to the autistic community. We hope no matter where you are on this journey, you will find joy in this month and a community to support you and your child.
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Em
Stimming and Repetitive Behaviors
This episode is all about stimming and other repetitive behaviors that our kids do or have done throughout the years. There's a delicate balance when it comes to stimming, each behavior needs to be individually assessed. A lot of times they can really help regulate and calm an individual, autistic or not. They can also be unsafe and disruptive to a person or others around them. Lots to discuss and talk about, join in and let us know what you think. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstal
Stimming and Repetitive Behaviors
This episode is all about stimming and other repetitive behaviors that our kids do or have done throughout the years. There's a delicate balance when it comes to stimming, each behavior needs to be individually assessed. A lot of times they can really help regulate and calm an individual, autistic or not. They can also be unsafe and disruptive to a person or others around them. Lots to discuss and talk about, join in and let us know what you think.
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@momsta
Mom Guilt: Battling the Inner Judge
Do you ever feel guilty as a mom for not "doing enough" or "being everything" for your kids? Mom Guilt is a real problem! Although we can laugh about certain situations in hindsight, we hope you find comfort and maybe some helpful tips in battling the judgement in your own head. You're doing great, we know it, hope you can realize it too.
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
IEP Meeting Crash Course with Lisa Baskin Wright
"Oh CRAP.. Our IEP meeting is in FIVE DAYS." Today, we discuss this situation with our guest and IEP Master Coach, Lisa Baskin Wright! If you are down to the wire prepping for your meeting, Lisa gives us all the advice on what to focus on. It's a longer episode, so here is a breakdown of times stamps. We have something for everyone in this episode!
2:00 - Who is Lisa? What is an IEP coach?
5:30 - Struggles faced when it comes to IEP's.
13:17 - Loud dog bark. Sorry, real life!
13:30 - Rights at
Medical and Other Appointments: What to do and how to prepare
There is nothing worse than trying to get a child to an exact place and time when they do not want to go. Dentist, doctor, therapist, haircut appointments, etc can become huge struggles and points of stress and anxiety not only for your child, but for you as the parent. We've talked to other neurodivergent families and have learned a few things along the way ourselves. We want to share them all with you today.
If you have some tips to help with medical or other appointments with kids, please con
Potty Training: What Do We Know?
We wish we had the magic formula or all the perfect steps for potty training special needs kiddos. We don't, not even close. You can, however, listen in as we tell our stories of trying to teach independence in the bathroom. There are successes, works in progress, briberies, and lots of messes to clean up along the way. One of the most important things to do is laugh about it whenever you can, it's a lot more fun than crying. Ready or not, here it comes!
We'd love to hear from you, contact us!
I
Unsupportive vs. Supportive Family Members
It all looks different for each of us: different intersectionalities, cultural beliefs, gender, age, biased ideas regarding how each of us was raised all play a contributing factor in navigating the landscape of our family dynamics. It is a lot to the field and can be entirely all-consuming.
Navigating Friendships with Neurotypical Kids
We're talking about our friendships with adults who have neurotypical kids. We'll be chatting about when other kids struggle to understand our neurodivergent children and how we navigate peer interactions. We also touch on educating neurotypical peers and when we know it's time to protect ourselves and our kids from toxic relationships.
Awkward Conversations: How to Field Unwelcome Remarks and Unsolicited Advice
This week's episode is all about those uncomfortable remarks, questions, and advice offered to you from strangers and friends alike. We all receive unwanted parenting advice from time to time, but there is another layer added when it comes to the special needs aspect to our families' dynamics. Comments and confrontations can range from rude, to ignornant, to genuinely asking hearfelt questions. We've heard it all, and if you haven't, it's only a matter of time. We try to laugh about it and, most
Self Care and Caregiver Burnout
Self Care! Yes, it's totally a buzzword these days, but we talk about it in conjunction with Caregiver Burnout and how imperative it is to not just recognize when we’re in that phase, but also how we can truly start making ourselves a priority. Self care can look luxurious but it's also very much about setting personal boundaries in our lives. Mental health should always be a priority for us as special needs parents. We truly hope that you will find something relatable from this episode, maybe e