Moms Talk Autism Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell from the Brave Together Podcast to talk about something we all need—real support. We dive into the power of community for caregiving moms, from connection circles to in-person retreats, and how finding your people can truly change everything. If you’ve ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or just in need of a space where you’re seen, this conversation is for you.

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Today we share a fun, real-life update filled with everything from emergency snack stashes and trip planning to home projects, car ride chaos, college prep, and the excitement of the Scholastic Book Fair. They also touch on more meaningful updates, including health progress, the ongoing juggle of IEP meetings, and insights from Temple Grandin, leading into a deeper conversation about puberty, anxiety, and learning styles in autistic individuals—reminding us, as always, to focus on strengths, keep a sense of humor, and turn challenges into understanding.

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Today Tash sits down with Tom D'Eri to talk about growing up with his autistic brother and how that experience led him to create Rising Tide Car Wash. What started as a personal journey turned into a powerful mission to create meaningful job opportunities for individuals with autism.

Tom shares insights on why structure matters, how the right first job can make a huge impact, and what true inclusion in the workplace actually looks like. It’s a real and inspiring conversation about building something purposeful, supporting the autism community, and rethinking what’s possible when given the...

A little Moms Talk Moms today! Come to find out…

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In this episode of Mom’s Talk Autism, hosts Brittney and Tash welcome Lori Rogers, who shares her journey raising her son Craig, who is on the autism spectrum. Lori reflects on the early days after diagnosis, navigating challenges in the education system, and how Craig’s communication evolved over time. Together, they discuss the importance of presuming competence, advocating for supportive environments, collaborating with care teams, and supporting siblings along the way. This conversation highlights the power of community, resilience, and maintaining hope while parenting through the complexities of autism.

LINKS:

Instagram 1: https...

In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between inclusion and true belonging — and why they’re not always the same. We talk about the pressure to include at all costs, the reality of navigating social situations with our kids, and why sometimes thoughtful exclusion is actually protective, not harmful.

We also get honest about autonomy, regulation, and the constant trial-and-error of finding what actually works as our kids grow. This conversation is about making intentional choices, building real community, and giving yourself permission to reevaluate along the way — because belonging should feel safe, not forced.

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In this episode, we sit down with school principal and autism grandma, Jennifer Kaufman, to talk about what it’s really like when your grandchild is diagnosed — and how that shifts expectations, roles, and relationships overnight.

We talk about:

How to give (and receive) advice without blowing up family dynamics

The awkward-but-necessary financial conversations

Why empathy matters so much in schools — and what educators need to understand

Water safety and why it cannot be an afterthoug...

Today we’re talking about the overwhelm cycle — how it starts, why it keeps looping, and what it actually looks like when you’re parenting neurodivergent kids, juggling puberty, appointments, social stuff, marriage, work, hormones, and your own identity.

We also talk about what disrupting the overwhelm cycle actually means. Not eliminating stress. Not becoming a zen monk. But noticing the pattern and interrupting it before it takes you out.

Because overwhelm isn’t just about too much on your plate.
It’s about carrying too much alone.

If you’re tired, stretched th...

Greer grew up in the US but moved across the pond to build her family and life abroad. Two kids and a lot of doctor and therapy appointments later, Greer has become a leading voice for autism advocacy and glimpses into neurodivergent life while living in England. We talk about the diagnosis process, what schools and therapies are and are not providing for her family, and what she is doing to change things for the better. Greer has her own podcast with a similar vibe and feel to ours. Check out the links below and listen to The Unfinished...

Updates from the hosts, our thoughts on how 2026 is going (not great, thanks so much), and our first MTA Book Club selection. Come read with us and let us know what you think. Also, we talk about our latch key childhoods, L.A. Gear light up shoes, and how Tetris made us who we are today. Good times.

Wintering by Katherine May

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

MTA Book Club: The Healing Power of Resilience by Tara Narula

Want to watch our recordings? Join us on P...

Explicit Content Warning: This episode is not for young ears.

In this conversation, we sit down with sex educator Amy Lang, M.A. to tackle a topic many parents avoid: sex education for neurodivergent kids.

Amy shares her story, along with practical tools for talking about puberty, consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Together, they explore why using correct language matters, how to normalize sexual feelings (without shame), and the unique challenges our kids face when it comes to navigating social interactions and sexuality.

It’s a real, raw, and im...

In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we sit down with Sarah Kernion, a mom of three—including two autistic kids—to talk about the beautifully messy reality of motherhood. Sarah shares her honest experience navigating family dynamics, raising neurodiverse children, and learning (sometimes the hard way) why caregiver self-care is not optional.

We talk flexibility in parenting, letting go of perfection, and the power of community support when things feel overwhelming. This conversation is a reminder that being present matters more than doing everything “right”—and that none of us are meant to do this alone.

Come...

In this episode, Jean and Brittney sit down with Jacob Blaeser from Ventures ATL to talk about employment opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse adults—and why the traditional workforce often gets it wrong.

We discuss the unemployment gap in the neurodiverse community, how Ventures ATL approaches direct employment and support, and what redefining success in the workplace really looks like. Jacob also shares insights on hiring for potential, navigating the transition to adulthood, and the importance of community, communication, and human connection at work.

This conversation is honest, hopeful, and a reminder that meaningful employment is...

In this episode, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and talking honestly about what we want more of (health, growth, adventures) and what we’re actively working on letting go of (burnout, guilt, and doing everything the hard way). We dive into personal and community goals, the role of accountability, and why self-care isn’t optional—even when family life is loud, busy, and occasionally unhinged.

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a special bonus episode because this is the year to stop doing motherhood alone. This one’s all about building your support system, finding your people, and creating real community for you and your family. Let’s go.

We’re joined by Megan Champion, the creator of Mothers Together—a first-of-its-kind global community designed specifically for moms of neurodivergent kids. Their mission? Improve moms’ mental health by fostering genuine friendships, deep connection, and a judgment-free space where you don’t have to explain yourself (because honestly… exhausting).

Megan shares why...

Our 2025 Year-End Episode is here! We’re looking back on the wins, the hard moments, the lessons our kids taught us, and all the laugh-out-loud chaos that came with being autism moms this year.

We answer questions like:
• What did our kids teach us in 2025?
• What were our biggest mom wins—and our toughest moments?
• Which episodes surprised us the most?
• What themes kept showing up in our community?
• What do we want more (and less!) of in 2026?

It’s honest, messy, funny, emotional, and the perfect way to close out the...

In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we let go of the heavy stuff and dive straight into the hilarious, totally unhinged conversations only close friends have. From “Who would go missing first?” to “Which one of us is getting arrested?” to a full-on zombie apocalypse strategy session, nothing is off-limits.
We also tackle the really important debates—like the ultimate sandwich, questionable fashion choices, brand loyalty, and a police story involving a teenager and a fart (yes, really).

It’s light, ridiculous, and the perfect peek into our friendship and the humor that keeps us going as mom...

In this episode, we sit down with Medina Faizy-Hashemi, an Afghan-American mom raising an autistic son. Medina opens up about navigating diagnosis, cultural expectations, and the unique challenges families in the Afghan-American community face when seeking support. We talk about representation, storytelling, advocacy, and why every culture needs more understanding, visibility, and acceptance. It’s honest, powerful, and a conversation we’re honored to share.

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In this episode, we sit down with Daniella Mini, who moved to the U.S. 25 years ago in search of answers, services, and support for her son, Diego. She shares her family’s journey through diagnosis, acceptance, and the ongoing evolution of raising an autistic child into adulthood. Daniella talks about the hard work, the hope, the constant transitions, and what independent living really looks like when caregivers are still deeply involved. Her story is honest, encouraging, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating life with an autistic adult. Be sure to check out their website and so...

In this episode, we’re sharing our go-to gift ideas—practical, cozy, creative, and a little unexpected. From the comfort items we swear by to the surprisingly life-saving stuff (yes, even blue tape), we talk about why the best gifts don’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s the simple, everyday things that bring the most joy, especially in our world.

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In this episode, we share the practical, annoying, random, and downright hilarious things we never expected to be grateful for as autism parents. From the little lifesavers that get us through the day to the weird wins only our community understands, we read your submissions and add a few of our own. It’s light, relatable, and a reminder that sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

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In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, Tash and Shannon chat with Brenda Kennedy and Amanda Harpell-Franz from Canine Companions about the incredible impact of service dogs on families. Brenda shares how these dogs are trained and matched with their handlers, while Amanda opens up about her son Evan’s life-changing bond with his dog, Calvin. Together, they explore how service dogs reduce anxiety, build confidence, and strengthen family connections—along with the harder moments, like saying goodbye when it’s time to retire a beloved companion. It’s a heartfelt look at love, he...

In this episode, Rita Miceli shares her powerful journey as a mom raising her autistic son, Giaci. From early diagnosis to navigating therapies and fostering independence, Rita opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. She talks about the importance of family support, resilience, and celebrating small victories, offering encouragement and real advice for parents at every stage of the autism journey.

Follow Giaci and Rita’s story on TikTok and Instagram.

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Dad and author, Daryl Potter, joins us today as we talk about the ups and downs of caregiving for adult children with disabilities and complex medical conditions. As you can imagine, grief is a recurring theme, and finding joy in everyday life amidst the stress and strain of extreme caregiving is always the goal. No one signs up for this, so now what do we do about it? Real, honest, raw, heartfelt moments with our guest today, we are so honored to chat with him and bring a small part of Daryl’s story to you.

Daryl’s we...

Holidays with neurodivergent kids can feel like a game of “expectation whack-a-mole” — plans change, sensory overload hits, and suddenly we’re rethinking everything from costumes to candy routes. In this episode, we talk about how our priorities as parents shift, why simple traditions often mean the most, and how to give ourselves some freaking grace.

Whether you’re dealing with surprise weather, overstimulation, or That Relative with big opinions — we’ve got you. Let’s find joy in the chaos and celebrate in ways that actually work for our families.

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MTA is honored to have Dr. Daniela Owen and Jake Loupe on to talk about parenting neurodiversity and the importance of community support. Dr. Owen is a clinical psychologist and author aimed at helping kids understand their emotions. Jake shares his journey as a father to his neurodiverse son. Together, they host a podcast all about parenting and caregiving for all kids, regardless of diagnosis. In this episode, we cover the importance of inclusive environments, coping skills, empowering parents, and navigating mental health for both parents and children.

Dr. Owen and Jake have a wonderful podcast. Check...

Back home from Galveston... Today, we are talking about the re-entry process, sixth-grade science camp, and periods... oh my!

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This one’s full of feel-good vibes! Tash and Shannon sit down with Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, a nonprofit that partners with professional artists and organizations to give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the spotlight they deserve—literally! From leading roles in integrated performances to the magic that happens when inclusion meets creativity, this conversation will leave you inspired and smiling.

PS - she also wrote an amazing book for kids in her spare time!

You can find Melissa/Backlight Productions here:

https://www.instagram.com/backlightproductions/

https://back...

In this episode, JJ McLeod shares her journey as a special education teacher and mom to her son Milo, who was diagnosed with autism. She opens up about the shock of diagnosis, the challenges of navigating both autism and other health needs, and the stigma families often face. Through her story, JJ reminds us of the resilience it takes to parent neurodivergent kids—and the power of community and compassion along the way.

Instagram: autismembrace

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Today Emily Zavala returns to share her journey of navigating autism care for her son, Justin. From the struggle of finding the right group home, to the heartbreak of rejection, to the relief of finally discovering Hope House—Emily opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy and caregiving.

She reflects on the resilience it takes, the community that makes it possible, and the positive changes Justin has experienced since his move. This is a story of hope, connection, and the power of not giving up.

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We’re talking about the “Autism Tax”—not a bill from the IRS, but the hidden costs families like ours face every day. From therapies and medical expenses to careers put on hold and time stretched thin, this invisible weight is heavy.

In this episode, we share our own stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to carry it all. Because while the “tax” is real, so is the strength of our community.

Want to share your Autism or Disability Tax story? Email us at hello@momstalkautism.com

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Today, Shannon and Jean sit down with Dr. David Amaral and Carolyn Komich from Autism BrainNet to talk about a topic that’s not always easy, but so important—brain donation for autism research.

Dr. Amaral shares the emotional side of this conversation, why understanding autism at a deeper level matters, and how families can play a role in shaping the future of research. Carolyn walks us through what Autism BrainNet is doing to increase awareness and support families who want to learn more.

It’s a tender but powerful conversation that shines a light on the...

Explicit Episode Alert

Fellow caregiver and mom, Inga Krevatas, shares the story of her twin girls’ diagnoses, over twenty years ago. Since then, Inga has built a community around her and her family and is now able to use her experiences to work with and advocate for others in her community. Look around, do the research, use what’s available right now. If that doesn’t fit or you outgrow the services offered, it’s time to start building! You want a well-rounded life for you and your children? Go get it!

Contact Inga- ing...

Hey friend… let’s be real for a sec. When someone asks, “How are you?” as a special needs parent or caregiver… do you ever just freeze?

It’s not that we don’t know how we feel—it’s that the answer is complicated. Some days it’s pride and joy, other days it’s exhaustion and overwhelm. And layered in there is the constant tug-of-war: do I open up and be honest, or keep it short to protect my family (and maybe myself)? Do I share because I need support, or hold back because I don’t want pity?

Today we sit down with Lia McCabe, host of the Embracing Autism Podcast. Lia shares her personal journey as an autistic parent raising neurodivergent children, her advocacy work through Autism Wish, and the importance of education and empathy in understanding autism.

Lia McCabe: Host of the Embracing Autism Podcast and founder of Autism Wish.

Website: www.AutismWish.org

Patreon: patreon.com/AutismWish

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Today Brit, Shannon and Tash discuss ending the chase for "normal" and share pivotal moments that shaped their understanding of their children's needs. We revisit grief and acceptance, as well as the emotional complexities of parenting in a diverse family dynamic.

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Today Jean and Tash welcome Nicole Studt, a fellow autism mom, who shares her unique journey of parenting a neurodivergent child. Nicole discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced from diagnosis to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community and support.

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In this episode, Shannon and Tash sit down with the incredible Allison Bolson—a mom of four (yes, four!) neurodiverse boys. Allison shares what it’s been like raising her crew in Australia, from the ups and downs of getting diagnoses to figuring out education plans that actually work for her kids.

They dive into the messy, beautiful reality of IEPs, how hard it can be to find the right support, and why open conversations about neurodiversity at home matter so much. Allison’s honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom will leave you feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a...

In this episode, Tash, Shannon, and Brittney are diving into life with almost-teens—because puberty waits for no one. From navigating school systems and prepping for big educational changes, to decoding the daily dose of sass and side-eye, we're covering it all.

Let’s be real: parenting at this stage feels like trying to translate a foreign language… while blindfolded… on a rollercoaster. We don’t always get it right (understatement of the year), but we’re learning to give ourselves—and our kids—plenty of grace. Tune in as we laugh, vent, and figure it out together.

In this heartful and honest conversation, Tiffany Feingold opens up about her journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child—and the power of finding your voice through advocacy. From the grief that often shadows a diagnosis to the empowerment that comes from building community, Tiffany walks us through the real, raw, and inspiring moments that have shaped her mission to support families just like hers.

This episode dives into the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in schools and workplaces, the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting, and how parents can collaborate with professionals to create a mo...