Moms Talk Autism Podcast

They're back to chat and with a new book! Dr Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredrikson are once again here with us to discuss our neurodivergent kids, finding the appropriate therapies and care for them, and how to talk to our kids about autism. What is autism? How do I explain such complex concepts to my child? Where do I even start? Ultimately, we want to think long-term for our kids' overall success, give them the tools to understand the world around them, and, most importantly, empower themselves.  Instagram- @neuropsychmoms Different Thinkers: Autism- our favorite book to talk to your kids about autism Different Thinkers: ADHD Contact us at hello@momstalkautism.com

In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, Jean and Shannon chat with communication and processing specialist & parent coach, Eloise Zareian, about what it takes to support kids with special needs, especially around communication and caregiver burnout. Eloise shares how her journey led to founding Livewyre Learning and why helping parents is just as important as helping kids. They dig into language development, the difference between receptive and expressive language, and how to meet autistic kids where they're at. Whether you're deep in IEPs or just trying to survive the day, this episode offers real talk, support, and a few lightbulb moments. You can find Eloise here: www.livewyrelearning.com https://www.instagram.com/theautismcommunicationcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-zareian-520ab783/ https://www.facebook.com/livewyrelearning

Welcome back with the moms! Today, we sit down and chat about ALL the puberty stuff currently happening in our homes. We are NOT experts. Trust us. We are just trying to make it through! Chat with us.. We would love to hear your puberty stories too! You can email us at hello@momstalkautism.com Don't forget to join us on Patreon! We have video and bonus episodes there!

One of the worst pieces of news a mother can receive: your child has cancer. Our friend, Kara Ryska, knows how that feels, her family has lived and continues to live with that life changing diagnosis. We discuss the shift from one expectation for your family to a completely different frame of mind. We can change and grow and alter our perspectives AND we can thrive in our new life! Kara's journey has shaped the work she does today: a life coach and community leader for other special needs moms. She also has an amazing podcast (we've been guests on there!) Go check it out and send us your feedback on how her story has touched your life. Kara's Website Kara's Instagram Kara's Podcast We Are Brave Together Find us on Patreon! (The full video is here!) Contact Moms Talk Autism: hello@momstalkautism.com

Today, Tash and Shannon sit down with Dr. Eric Weiss—a father, a physician, and a passionate advocate for innovation in autism care. Dr. Weiss shares his deeply personal journey raising a child with autism and how it led him to shift from a career in plastic surgery to exploring emerging autism research. In this episode, we discuss the potential of stem cell therapy to address brain inflammation, success stories from his practice, and the challenges faced in gaining broader acceptance within the medical community. As a podcast rooted in lived experience and intentional advocacy, we know conversations about evolving science—especially around topics like maternal health, inflammation, and treatment—can be layered and sensitive. These themes have long histories and complex impacts within the autism community. Our goal is not to take a stance on specific approaches, but to hold space for curiosity and care. We remain grounded in the values that guide every episode: • We reject cure culture and center the well-being of both autistic individuals and their caregivers. • We believe in thoughtful inquiry—approached through a lens of inclusion, respect, and critical thought. • And above all, we honor the uniqueness of every journey. This episode may spark reflection, dialogue, or questions—and that's something we welcome. In solidarity ❤️

Real and honest chat about imposter syndrome in autism parenting with Shannon, Jean & Tash! Come and chat.. let us know what you think!

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness. Eric explains the crucial role of fitness for individuals on the autism spectrum. We talk about common fitness misconceptions why fitness should be a fundamental aspect of health and well-being for autistic individuals. IG: @TheAutismFitness

Shannon broke Brittney last week. She called to check on Brit, to see how she was doing with all of the stuff in the media. And she broke her (in the best way possible...). So, today is a full on friend therapy session. Gets a bit deep, friends. But it's good. Let's chat with Brit about all the things.

Today, we enjoyed speaking with Becky Large from Champion Autism Network (CAN)! We often discuss how difficult it can be for our families to travel. Becky fills us in on how CAN and Autism Travel Club help families like ours go on vacations that we may not normally be able to enjoy!  You can find Becky on her site at: https://beckylarge.com  

So many of you loved the last episode with Dr. Brandon Crawford, so we brought him back! This time around, we discussed the difference between standard neurology and functional neurology. We also discussed not just stopping at the symptom but digging deeper. Also touched on were reflexes and bedwetting, the importance of co-activation, and what to look for if you are looking for a functional neurologist in your area! You can find Dr Brandon on his site: https://www.drbrandoncrawford.com/ Also, his medical practice site: https://www.neurosolutionatx.com/ Another mentioned resource: https://www.iafnr.org/ As always, please do your own research and due diligence. Find out what is best for your family. We are not medical providers; we are just always hungry for knowledge and a great conversation!

Rapid Fire Q&A with our friend, Ashley Lewis, today! Questions we tackled in this bonus episode are: Building Confidence with your kids Daily Routines Childhood memories Stimming triggers

Today we sat down with our friend, Ashley Lewis, to discuss the sibling dynamic in our homes. How do we foster positive relationships with our kids? How can we help our families function as a team? Come chat with us! Questions Answered: Creating a family team Explaining autism to siblings Responsibility vs. being a kid Later Care for autistic sibling Presley's friends

Today Tash and Shannon chatted with Dr. Ariel Rubin. She's a child psychiatrist who has a personal connection to autism through her brother. Dr. Rubin shares her journey into psychiatry and explores the dynamics of growing up with a sibling with autism. Today we focus on autism and ADHD, how these conditions intersect with mental health, the importance of late diagnoses, and the emotional challenges faced by children and their families. We also talk about the need for self-awareness and understanding within families, as well as the significance of seeking professional help when necessary.

Shannon and Brittney get to chat with their IRL friend today! Rachel shares her journey with her daughter, Audrey, who has a rare genetic disorder known as CASK. We discuss the challenges of navigating the diagnosis process, the impact of early intervention therapies, and the importance of finding the right educational fit for Audrey. Rachel is a member and regional leader of “We Are Brave Together”, the non-profit  group that connects moms worldwide. Rachel's work and passion highlight the significance of connecting with other parents and advocates, sharing valuable resources, and advice for those new to the special needs community. Rachel's Instagram We Are Brave Together Instagram We Are Brave Together Website

It's a GRAB BAGGGGG! Questions we discuss today are: What is your Patronus? Please geek out with us. Our thoughts on ABA vs School in early diagnosis. How do I help support a friend who is also going through a diagnosis with her child? How do you balance staying informed vs protecting your mental health? We discuss laundry and how much we loathe it and how to get through it. If you could hire someone to do one thing at your house, what would it be? Have we listened to the Telepathy Tapes? Also, don't forget to visit us on PATREON for video AND bonus episodes!

Today Tash & Shannon had the pleasure of speaking with Jeffe Boats, an autistic father and professor, who shares his journey of self-discovery and parenting an autistic son. We explore Jeffe's early life, the challenges of understanding autism, and the importance of representation in literature. Jeff discusses his debut novel, which features an autistic protagonist and emphasizes the need for diverse voices in storytelling. Jeffe also shares his perspective on parenting neurodiverse children with patience and understanding, highlighting the unique experiences and perspectives of being neurodiverse. **Jeffe was kind enough to share a discount code with our listeners for his book on his website where you can get a SIGNED COPY for less than you can find it anywhere else! Use code "6MOMS" here! ** You can find Jeff's debut novel on his website HERE!

Part 2 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation also touches on the societal pressures parents face and the significance of self-love in effective parenting. Sounds serious.. But don't worry.. There's plenty of laughs and LOTS of entertainment!

Part 1 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation also touches on the societal pressures parents face and the significance of self-love in effective parenting. Sounds serious.. But don't worry.. There's plenty of laughs and LOTS of entertainment!

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, 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 is an online community for you and me and all other moms of disabled families out there who feel disconnected, discouraged, and alone.  Mothers Together Website On the Hard Days- Megan's Instagram On the Hard Days podcast  

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!

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 on their lives, and how it helped them make sense of their past struggles. Great laughs, new insights, and unique perspectives from autistic adults, what more can you ask for? Listen here and then go check out their podcast.  Warning: there's some swearing in this episode, so if you don't want the kids hearing/repeating, go grab those headphones.   

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 advance Ad Free- no skipping ahead required Unedited (real life, real swears, extra sassy banter) Our “messy hair, don't care” smiling selves Extra bonus content, episodes, and ways to connect ONLY on Patreon  

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!

"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 about the neurodivergent community and wants to help everyone be safe and have fun around water in appropriate ways. http://www.watersafetywithmissdayna.com

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 important, along with our role as caregivers in supporting our neurodivergent children. Website: https://www.drbrandoncrawford.com/         Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/bcrawforddc/ Dr. Crawford's podcast: https://www.drbrandoncrawford.com/podcast/the-longevity-formula   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Functional Neurology and Dr. Crawford 10:41 Understanding Neurodivergence and Autism 20:53 The Role of Sensory Processing in Neurodivergent Children 29:11 Neuroplasticity and Treatment Plans for Autism 31:10 Understanding Brain Function and Neuroplasticity 34:14 The Role of Care Plans in Autism Treatment 37:30 The Importance of Caregiver Well-being 40:36 Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers 44:46 The Impact of Light on Neurochemistry 51:01 Grounding and Its Benefits 55:39 Grounding Techniques and Cold Plunge Benefits 58:44 Managing Stress and Cold Exposure 01:01:05 Post-Cold Plunge Recovery Strategies 01:05:06 Starting Small: The Importance of Gradual Change 01:11:58 Never Accept Never: A Call to Action for Caregivers

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.. Come and join the fun!!! You can find us HERE on Patreon!  Exciting collaborations, professionals, guests, community member interviews, guest hosts, and new topics coming our way this year. As always, we'll have honest, real conversations about caregiving and disability. Connecting, commiserating, crying, and laughing at ourselves are all included, we wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for being here. You don't want to miss our last segment on this episode. We read some of your funniest “I'm That Mom” story submissions. Send us more, they are our favorite emails!  

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

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 it with you! If you don't already follow Katja on IG, be sure you go find her! Her content is so helpful! In addition, we mentioned a few apps: TD Snap, Proloquo2go, Touch Chat, and Nova Chat. We also mentioned a few other notable items/people/websites: Katja Piscitelli - www.totalspectrumtherapy.org - @bohospeechie Marg Blanc - www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com Lisa Baskin Wright (@lisabaskinwright) Meaningful Speech (@meaningfulspeech) - Meaningful Speech Course

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 of our older episodes, we each give our recommendations from this past year, highlighting some of our favorite guests of 2024. Happy holidays and onto a new year! We've got some fun guests, topics, and more ways to connect with us in 2025. Let's go!

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 definitely “never” sooner than you think.

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.

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!  

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 the importance of community connections for families with children with disabilities, the struggles faced by siblings, and the positive traits that can develop from these experiences. She emphasizes the need for advocacy and planning for lifelong services as children transition into adulthood. Lastly, she shares her journey as an author, creating literature that supports understanding and acceptance of autism in educational settings.

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!

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 of families affected by autism.

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 with your relatives? Which family member do you most confide in?

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 for legal or mental health advice. Please contact professionals in your area to ensure you get the proper guidance for your particular situation.   https://lisazeiderman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/ https://www.instagram.com/lisazeiderman/ www.savvyladies.org   lz@mzw-law.com 914-455-1000

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 Personal Reflections and Updates Health and Wellness Insights Navigating Life Changes Balancing Ambition and Reality Navigating Growth and Change in Children Understanding Puberty and Emotional Development The Challenges of Communication and Boundaries Reintegration After Absence: Emotional Responses Finding Balance in Parenting Chaos

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 provide valuable lessons for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with autism. We discuss the story behind his book, "From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity" and how important it is for the fathers of autistic kids to have support and community as well as the mothers.  website: HarryPsaros.com Facebook: Harry Psaros Instagram: Harry Psaros Twitter: @PittGuru LinkedIn: Harry Psaros

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 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 road: the tangled and twisted musings of an autism mama     

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 find her research and our discussion insightful. You can purchase Dr. Miller's book HERE Tell us what you think: Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com

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 disciplinary matters and Title IX investigations. Kristina Supler Student & Athlete Defense, Co-Chair Kristina Supler is co-chair of KJK's Student & Athlete Defense / Title IX Practice Group. Her experience is regularly enlisted for complex cases involving allegations of sexual assault, and she has worked on national defense teams representing students and executives facing prosecution in the United States and abroad.  Enjoy the mini tool kit on Understanding IEP's & 504 Plans here!

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 goodness and growth that can come from it. We'd love to hear about your take on this discussion: Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com

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

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. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences as well. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com

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 and your family. Want to learn more? Here's ALL the links: https://spellers.com/ Instagram Facebook Facebook Group Spellers San Diego LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-johnson-phd-66056a2b/ YouTube: Spellers The Movie Docuseries Episodes: https://www.underestimated.tv/ Underestimated Book Ido in Autismland Book

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 can think of bargaining as our mind trying to restore or find our way back to the way things were before diagnosis. Knowing that can help us identify when we are stuck in these thoughts and hopefully propel us toward acceptance and progress. Instagram: @momstalkautism Email: hello@momstalkautism.com

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, Puzzle Pieces, a Kentucky-based nonprofit that serves individuals with disabilities, offering them targeted autism services, residential living, vocational training, supported employment, behavior services, and more. SO many great nuggets in this episode! You can find Amanda here:  Instagram Website & Book

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.