Moms Talk Autism Podcast

Nobody prepared us for periods.

Not the hygiene. Not the sensory challenges. Not the school logistics. Not the mood changes. Definitely not the trial-and-error involved in figuring out what actually works for your child.

This week, Shannon and Brittney sit down with Ashley Lewis to talk honestly about what puberty has looked like with her autistic daughter, Presley.

We get into the practical stuff—period management, showers, bedding, bras, school support, gynecological care, and the little tricks that can make this stage feel more manageable.

But we also talk about the bi...

Six kids. All six on the autism spectrum.

Yeah… we had questions too.

This week, Brittney and Tash sit down with Laura Wampler to talk about what it has really looked like raising a house full of neurodivergent kids—from searching for the right diagnoses and fighting for support at school to navigating therapies, crisis moments, and figuring out what actually works for each individual child.

But Laura’s story didn’t stop with her own family.

Those years of learning, advocating, and building the right team eventually led her to help oth...

What if some of the behaviors we’re constantly trying to manage are actually clues?

This week, Brittney and Shannon sit down with Dr. Brandon Crawford to talk about functional neurology, neuroplasticity, sensory regulation, and what may be happening underneath some of the behaviors we see in our autistic kids.

We also get into a conversation that matters a lot to us: helping our kids function more comfortably in the world is not the same thing as trying to “cure” who they are.

And then, naturally, we turn the spotlight on ourselves. Because appare...

This week, Brittney shares a family update: one son is finding his independence, while another’s cancer diagnosis has brought a whole new set of decisions and emotions.

We talk about what it’s like to get hard news, care for a child with complex needs, and accept help when you’re used to holding everything together. It’s an honest conversation about fear, support, and figuring out the next step as you go.

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Twenty-five years ago, Daniella Mini moved to the United States with her young family searching for answers and support for her son, Diego.

Now Diego is an adult, and Daniella joins us to talk about what life looks like on the other side of childhood—the transitions, the hard work, the acceptance, and the ongoing process of helping an autistic adult build as much independence as possible.

Because parenting doesn’t magically stop at 18. It just changes.

Daniella’s story is full of honesty, humor, hope, and a reminder that this journey really is a m...

This week, there’s no guest and apparently no boundaries either.

We’re asking each other the invasive questions—from bad habits we’d absolutely do again and things we have no business being good at, to questionable Google searches, personality traits we may be interpreting a little generously, and the people or places that bring out our worst selves.

We also get into weird compliments, things we’re proud to have quit, and somehow attempt to sum up our entire week in three words.

Basically: oversharing, laughing at ourselves, and finding out just how w...

This week, we’re joined by Morgan and Sadie from the Mildly Crushing It podcast! We talk about the kids behind the diagnoses, finding your people, and the mix of joy and grief that can come with raising children with special needs.

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This week, we’re hearing from the dads! Shannon and Tash sit down with Joel Sheagren and Carl Young for an honest conversation about fatherhood, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and its overlap with autism.

Joel and Carl share what they’ve learned while raising children with complex needs, how they’ve adjusted their parenting along the way, and why support and community matter so much. We also talk about the differences between FASD and autism—and why more families need to understand FASD.

Website: embracing-neurodiversity.com

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In this episode, Andrea Moriarty shares her inspiring journey as a mother of twins, one of whom has autism, and how she navigated the challenges of early diagnosis, therapy, and supported living. Her story highlights the importance of family roles, resilience, and the power of community and self-care. In this episode, Andrea Moriarty shares her inspiring journey as an autism mom, highlighting the power of community, humor, and adaptive strategies. Discover how her family creates meaningful experiences and advocates for inclusion, all while maintaining joy and resilience.

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Back-to-school season is here, and apparently none of us are allowed to ease gently into a new chapter. In this episode, we’re catching up on all the transitions happening in our families—from Gracie and Ruby heading back to school to preparing older kids for college and life outside our homes. (We’re fine. Everything is fine.)

We talk about balancing school, ABA therapy, and downtime—and how hard it can be to know when to push for more support and when to let our kids simply be kids. We also get into parent involvement, communicating with tea...

Erin Clarelli is back for round two! Erin is an occupational therapist specializing in whole-body apraxia, and this conversation had us looking at behavior—and ourselves—a little differently.

We talk about learning to respond instead of react, navigating disagreements with your spouse about behaviors and teaching skills, potty training, and observing what the body is communicating without automatically assigning intention.

Erin also challenges us to examine our own beliefs, reactions, and motivations. Because supporting our kids requires patience, teamwork, and the ongoing challenge of regulating ourselves while helping our kids regulate too. Because apparently, we’r...

This week, we’re all over the place—in the best way. Shannon is trying to figure out where behavior ends and anxiety begins, Tash is getting ready for her big England adventure, Jean is talking women’s heart health, and Brittney is bracing for the wild world of middle school.

Basically: parenting, travel, health, transitions, and the usual “are we doing this right?” conversations. Come hang out with us.

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In this episode, Bonnie Nofsinger shares expert insights on planning and executing vacations for families with neurodivergent members. We discuss challenges, strategies, and tips to create enjoyable, inclusive travel experiences.

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In this lighthearted episode, we’re talking all things summer—favorite foods, travel plans, bucket-list adventures, beach days, concerts, festivals, and the vacations we still can’t stop thinking about.

We share some of our best summer memories, talk about the sensory chaos that can come with a day at the beach, and dream about future adventures—including whether we could actually survive something like Coachella. We also check in on what summer really looks like for families, especially caregivers and anyone living somewhere that feels approximately seven inches from the sun.

It’s a fun, nosta...

In this episode, Jean and Tash sit down with Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, to talk about the work the organization is doing to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Kendra shares how she found her way into the nonprofit world, why advocacy and collaboration matter so much, and the personal stories that continue to drive her work. It’s a hopeful and heartfelt conversation about creating stronger support systems—and the real difference they can make for families.

IG: eastersealshq 

Linkedin: Easterseals, Kendra Davenport

https://drive.google.com/op...

In this episode, Shannon and Brittney talk about one of those feelings no one really wants to admit out loud: jealousy.

After reading a listener email about feeling jealous of families with neurotypical kids, they unpack what is often underneath it all—grief. Grief for the conversations you wish you could have, the experiences you pictured, and the version of parenting you thought you were going to get.

They also share their own experiences with acceptance, mental health, supportive friendships, and the way grief can sneak back in when you least expect it. This is an...

 In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Clarelli, a neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapist, to rethink the way we understand behavior, communication, and motor challenges in autistic and disabled children.

Erin explains why behavior is often a form of communication—especially for nonspeaking individuals—and why interpreting that behavior can feel so complicated for parents. We discuss the power of connection, narration, and slowing down long enough to understand what a child may be communicating through their body.

We also explore apraxia and the misconception that it only affects speech. Erin explains how motor-planning differences can impact...

In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we’re talking about the kind of friendship that can make a hard day feel a little less impossible. After receiving a listener email from someone who wants to better support her friend raising an autistic child, we dive into what helpful support can actually look like—and why simply showing up without judgment can mean more than people realize.

We talk about navigating outings, communicating needs, building trust, and how friends can offer help without making a parent feel like a burden. We also get honest about the mental load...

Today Brittney and Tash welcome Sara Intonato, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and a mother of two. Sara shares her unique parenting journey, focusing on her experiences with her non-speaking son, Rocco, and the importance of self-care for parents. The conversation delves into the significance of community support, the impact of yoga on mental health, and the discovery of spelling as a communication method for non-speakers.

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No interviews. No heavy topics. Just moms sharing the funny, chaotic, and surprisingly relatable moments that come with raising autistic kids. From food battles to sensory adventures and everything in between, this episode is full of laughs, real-life parenting stories, and the reminder that you're never alone in this journey.

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This week, Tash is joined by special needs mom and advocate Julie Hillyard for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, perspective, and finding joy in the hard. Julie shares her family's journey raising a son with autism and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, along with the lessons she's learned about advocacy, comparison, kindness, and giving both yourself and others a little more grace. Whether you're navigating school challenges, public misunderstandings, or just a difficult season of parenting, this episode is packed with encouragement and hope.

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Have you ever felt stuck asking "Why us?" In this episode, we're having an honest conversation about victim mentality, acceptance, and the mindset shifts that have helped us navigate autism parenting. We share personal stories, talk about finding joy in the middle of hard seasons, and discuss how taking back control of the things we can control can change everything. It's real, it's relatable, and it's a conversation every autism parent needs to hear.

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Understanding autism isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. While many are exploring the spectrum, it's crucial to recognize that every child is unique. Rebecca Fontanetta, a neuropsychologist and a mom navigating the world of neurodivergence, shares her insights on the importance of individualized care. From her early experiences working with children with autism to her evolving views on interventions, her story emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in supporting families.

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In this episode, we’re getting real about boundaries (the kind we know we need but don’t always set ). We talk through our own experiences with grief, support, and how community has shifted—from in-person friendships to more online connections.

We also dive into balancing advocacy, friendships, and actually having time for ourselves. Friendships look different in every season, and finding your people—whatever that looks like—matters more than ever. Consider this your reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t optional.

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In this episode, Jean and Tash sit down with Juliana and Kelly from the Refrigerator Moms to talk about the messy, funny, emotional reality of parenting neurodivergent kids. From waiting room friendships and unsolicited advice to autism stigma, self-care, and finding your people in real life (not just on Instagram), this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and the kind of support only other autism moms truly get.

Refrigerator Moms Podcast

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In this episode, we’re talking about autism “levels” — what they mean, what they miss, and why autism is anything but one-size-fits-all. We share our own experiences with diagnoses, support needs, and how every autistic child can look completely different.

We also talk about moving beyond the deficit-focused view of autism, recognizing strengths alongside challenges, and why community and understanding matter so much in this journey. 

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Parenting can be a rewarding journey, but when it involves neurodivergent teens, it brings a unique set of challenges and triumphs. In this post, we dive into the insights shared by Jessica Shaw, a seasoned journalist and host of the podcast "Everyone Gets a Juice Box," who offers a fresh perspective on navigating this complex landscape. From understanding the nuances of raising children who think differently to finding community support, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Everybody Gets a Juice Box podcast

Understood.org

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In this episode, we’re diving into the very overwhelming world of autism therapies and treatments—because why are there 500 options and zero clear answers?

We talk about how we figure out what actually makes sense for our kids (not just what everyone on the internet says we “should” be doing), why every child’s needs are different, and how our family dynamics play a bigger role than people realize.

We also get into the pressure we feel after diagnosis, what advocacy actually looks like in real life, and how we choose therapies that align with our f...

Today we share the highs and lows of family time, including navigating divorce, shifting family dynamics, and the constant juggle of support, patience, and flexibility. We also swap ideas for creating inclusive, meaningful celebrations—like a movie theater birthday that actually works for everyone.

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Today we are joined once again by Jonathan Alderson for a thoughtful and honest conversation about one of the biggest topics in the autism world: acceptance vs. treatment. We talk about why those ideas don’t have to be opposites, how parents often know their children best, and why support should never be one-size-fits-all. Jonathan shares his approach to helping families by combining different therapies based on each child’s unique needs. We also discuss the emotional side of parenting, the pressure families can feel from schools and professionals, and how true acceptance can create space for growth, connection, and...

In this episode, we’re answering some of your real-life parenting questions—from “When did your child start talking?” to how we actually handle sickness in our homes (because it’s never simple over here). We share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the little adjustments we’ve had to make along the way when it comes to communication and caring for our kids when they’re not feeling their best.

We also open up about navigating diagnosis grief—what it looked like for each of us and how we’ve moved through it over time. And because we have to...

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.

...

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...