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Not Your Average Autism Mom

Advertise on podcast: Not Your Average Autism Mom

Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
48 reviews
This podcast has
312 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/04/02
Latest episode
2026/11/05
Average duration
25 min.
Release period
9 days

Description

This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children, but has evolved, and we have listeners across the world who are relatives of someone with autism, special education teachers, and other professionals. My son Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old, now 29. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently. I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week, for 20 minutes or less (most episodes), I discuss topics that directly impact your life on this unique parenting journey. [email protected]

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Check latest episodes from Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast


282. High-Functioning Autism: What Does That Really Tell Us?
2026/11/05
Your child speaks, reads, or knows more about their favorite subject than most adults—and people assume they need less help than they actually do. Or they need substantial support, and people overlook their abilities. What do the words “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” really tell us? In this episode, I share how something I heard in an audiobook made me question a description I’ve often used for my own son, Jordan. We explore what functioning labels leave out, where autism support levels fit, and how to describe your child’s abilities and needs in ways that help others understand. You’ll hear: Why speaking doesn’t tell us how someone manages everyday life.How broad labels can hide support needs or lead people to underestimate abilities.What Levels 1, 2, and 3 describe—and what they don’t.Practical language you can use with family, teachers, and providers. You don’t have to downplay what your child can do to explain what they still need help with. 💻 FREE LIVE WEBINARBEYOND THE IEP: What Moms REALLY Need to Navigate the Autism Parenting Journey Wednesday, November 11, 20267:30 PM Eastern | 6:30 PM Central | 5:30 PM Mountain | 4:30 PM Pacific Join Shannon to discover three things no one tells you after an autism diagnosis—and how to decide what matters now, what can wait, and what to do next without second-guessing yourself. Register FREE:https://new.notyouraverageautismmom.com/registration-page Find coaching, resources, and a community of moms who understand at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com.
281. When the Developmental Gap Gets Harder to Ignore
2026/10/29
Your child knows every dinosaur but struggles to ask for help. They’re learning new things, yet the differences between them and other children their age are becoming harder to overlook. What does that mean—and what should you do next? In this episode, we’re focusing on the preschool and elementary years, when developmental differences can become more noticeable through play, communication, classroom expectations, and everyday independence. We’ll talk about: • What a developmental gap means—and why one “developmental age” can’t describe your whole child.• How strong abilities in one area can make support needs in another harder to recognize.• Why your child can make progress while the gap still becomes more noticeable.• Why families sometimes wait to seek an evaluation.• How to describe your concerns and request appropriate assessments.• What to ask the school or therapy team if your child already has a diagnosis. Whether you’re beginning to wonder about your child’s development or realizing their current support isn’t addressing what you’re seeing, this conversation will help you identify a practical next step. 💻 FREE LIVE WEBINARBEYOND THE IEP: What Moms REALLY Need to Navigate the Autism Parenting Journey Wednesday, November 11, 20267:30 PM Eastern | 6:30 PM Central | 5:30 PM Mountain | 4:30 PM Pacific Join Shannon to discover three things no one tells you after an autism diagnosis—and how to decide what matters now, what can wait, and what to do next without second-guessing yourself. Register FREE:https://new.notyouraverageautismmom.com/registration-page Learn about the Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership:https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com If this episode helped you, share it with another mom and leave a rating or review. You’ll help more moms find information and support for this parenting journey.
280. Autism Parenting: The Feelings You Don’t Always Say Out Loud
2026/10/22
You love your children. And sometimes, you wish this life were easier. You want to go places, take the pictures, and make family memories. But sometimes, being home is easier—and you feel disappointed, angry, or guilty that it is. In this personal episode, I’m talking about the feelings so many autism moms keep to themselves. The comparison. The fear of being judged as a parent. The embarrassment you feel guilty admitting. And the pressure to make experiences work because you wanted them so much for your child. With the holidays approaching, we’re talking honestly about: • Wanting experiences that may not work for your child right now.• Feeling misunderstood by people you love.• Making parenting decisions without needing everyone’s approval.• Navigating holiday plans and time with your other children.• Finding people you can talk to without having to explain everything first. After 25 years of navigating autism with Jordan, I still have worries. I’m sharing what I’ve learned about acceptance, changing plans, and making room for your own feelings along the way. You can be grateful for your child and disappointed about something your family couldn’t do. You deserve support for both. FREE WEBINARBEYOND THE IEP: What Moms REALLY Need to Navigate the Autism Parenting Journey Register here:https://new.notyouraverageautismmom.com/registration-page EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITYhttps://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com If this episode helped you feel understood, share it with another mom and leave a rating or review. You’ll help more moms find us.
279. We Had This Figured Out: Understanding Your Autistic Child’s Changing Needs
2026/10/15
“We already figured this out. Why is this hard again?”Your morning routine was working. Your child loved going to the library. They could get dressed without much help. Now something feels different, and you’re wondering what changed. In this episode, Shannon shares everyday examples and experiences with her thirty-year-old autistic son, Jordan, to help you understand why familiar routines, activities, and supports may need adjusting. You’ll hear about:• Why a new school year can change mornings at home—even when your routine stays the same.• How your child can have a skill and still need help using it somewhere else.• Why a favorite library visit can suddenly become overwhelming.• How your child’s interests can change as they grow.• Making room for new possibilities while respecting your child’s preferences. Whether your child is speaking or nonspeaking, needing different support doesn’t automatically mean their progress is gone. Sometimes understanding what’s different helps you see what they need now. FREE WEBINARBeyond the IEP: What Moms REALLY Need Raising Autistic Children Join Shannon for a conversation about what deserves your attention now, what can wait, and what you need along your autism parenting journey. Register here:https://new.notyouraverageautismmom.com/registration-page You can also find event information on our Not Your Average Autism Mom Facebook Page. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss our weekly conversations, and share this episode with a mom who’s wondering why something that used to work suddenly doesn’t. Learn about our private membership:https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com
278. When Plans Change: Helping Your Autistic Children Handle Disappointment.
2026/10/08
A canceled outing. A favorite food that isn’t available. A friend who can’t come over. You see another option—but your child is still focused on the plan that disappeared. In this episode, Shannon shares practical ways to help your autistic children handle everyday disappointments while taking their feelings seriously. You’ll hear examples from life with Jordan, phrases you can use when plans change, and ways to support coping and problem-solving when your child is ready. We’ll talk about:• Acknowledging disappointment without changing a necessary answer• Giving your child time before offering alternatives• Supporting communication, including for nonspeaking children• Preparing for changes without promising outcomes you can’t control• Recognizing progress—even when there are still tears You can’t always fix what disappointed your child. But you can help them through it. And your child can still be disappointed while learning how to cope. Related episodes:Episode 89 — Calming Down Big Emotionshttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/o592Wn5u16b Episode 53 — Understanding Rigid Behaviors in Autismhttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/b3Zxkx7u16b You can also explore all the ways we can support you, join our FREE Facebook group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT, or catch up on more than 200 podcast episodes.If this episode helped you, share it with another mom and follow Not Your Average Autism Mom so you don’t miss our weekly conversations.
277. Autism and Friendship: Is Your Child Lonely or Are You Worried They Will Be?
2026/10/01
Does your autistic child need more friends—or are you worried because their friendships don’t look the way you imagined? In this episode, Shannon talks honestly about the sadness she has felt knowing that her son Jordan, now 30, has never had a best friend, sleepovers, or weekend plans with friends. She also shares what she has learned from paying attention to his experience: Jordan enjoys the familiar people and routines at his day program, and he has never told her he feels lonely. But some autistic children do desperately want friends and feel the pain of being left out. Shannon talks about how to listen when your child says they’re lonely, notice connections that may be easy to overlook, and help them pursue the kind of friendship they want. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is missing out, this conversation will help you separate your worry from what your child is telling you—while making room for your feelings, too. For more on social interest and the pressure to fit in, listen to episode 176, Discovering Unique Paths: Navigating the Social Dance. For ideas on teaching social skills and creating opportunities to practice them, listen to episode 88, Social Awkwardness. Looking for more support? Join my FREE webinar, Beyond the IEP: What Moms REALLY Need to Navigate This Autism Parenting Journey—save your spot here. You can also explore all the ways we can support you, join our FREE Facebook group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT, or catch up on more than 200 podcast episodes.
276. When Your Child Is Afraid to Get It Wrong: Understanding Performance Anxiety
2026/09/24
Your child knows the answer but won’t say it. They’ve completed the task before, but suddenly insist, “I can’t.” They refuse to begin, ask you to do it for them, or fall apart when someone is watching. It may look like defiance, laziness, or a lack of effort. But sometimes your child isn’t refusing because they don’t want to try. They’re afraid they’ll get it wrong. In this episode, Shannon explains how performance anxiety can show up in autistic children, teens, and adults—and why being watched, timed, corrected, or asked to perform in a different setting can make it harder for your child to access a skill they already have. You’ll learn how to respond without increasing the pressure, make a task smaller and clearer, support your child without doing everything for them, and help them discover that mistakes are part of learning—not proof that they have failed. Shannon also shares questions to ask the school, possible supports to consider, and one practical way to look differently at a task your child regularly avoids. Looking for more support? Join my FREE webinar, Beyond the IEP: What Moms REALLY Need to Navigate This Autism Parenting Journey—save your spot here. You can also explore all the ways we can support you, join our FREE Facebook group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT, or catch up on 200+ podcast episodes.
275. Autistic Shutdown: When Your Child’s Struggle Gets Quiet
2026/09/17
A child who is screaming, crying, or falling apart is clearly struggling. But what happens when an autistic child’s response to overwhelm becomes quiet? Autistic shutdowns can look like ignoring, refusing, withdrawing, or simply choosing not to participate. Your child may stop speaking, become unusually still, retreat to their room, stare into space, or temporarily lose access to skills they normally have. Because shutdowns don’t always disrupt the room, they are much easier to miss—and often misunderstood. In this episode, Shannon explains: What an autistic shutdown may look like Why a verbal child may temporarily be unable to answer How overload can build throughout the day What parents may mistake for attitude, stubbornness, or defiance Why asking more questions can add pressure How to reduce demands and support communication without speech What recovery may look like afterward When a change in your child’s behavior deserves medical attention Shannon also shares what she learned from the questions she used to ask Jordan immediately after school—and why the connection she wanted sometimes had to wait until he had time to recover. Your child does not have to fall apart loudly to be overwhelmed. Sometimes their struggle fills the room, and sometimes it disappears inside them. Both deserve attention, understanding, and support. If everything has been feeling like too much in your home, register for Shannon's FREE live training, happening September 24 at 7:30 pm Eastern: Helping Your Autistic Child When Everything Feels Like Too Much —save your spot here. And whenever you're ready for more: Explore all the ways we can support you by visiting   www.notyouraverageautismmom.com .   Join our FREE FB Group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT (NOTE: You must answer the questions or you won't be let in) Click HERE
274. Impulsive or Oppositional? Why Knowing Better Doesn’t Always Mean Doing Better
2026/09/10
Your child knows the rule. You’ve explained it, practiced it, reminded them—and they may even be able to tell you exactly what they’re supposed to do. So why do they keep doing the thing they KNOW they shouldn’t? It’s easy to assume they’re being defiant, refusing to listen, or deliberately pushing back. But knowing what to do and being able to access that information quickly enough to stop an impulse are two very different skills. In this episode, Shannon talks about why impulsivity in autistic children can look a lot like opposition, and why the difference matters. She shares a memorable story from Jordan’s childhood, explains how executive functioning, processing, regulation, and impulse control can affect behavior in real time, and gives you practical questions to ask before deciding your child is simply choosing not to listen. You’ll also hear why understanding what’s driving a behavior does not mean excusing it or removing boundaries and expectations. Instead, it helps you figure out what your child may actually need to learn, practice, or be supported with. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “But they KNOW better!” this episode will help you look at those frustrating moments differently—and ask one important question: They may know better...but can they USE what they know in this moment? Looking for support beyond a weekly podcast?  Join our FREE WEBINAR, Helping Your Autistic Child When Everything Feels Like Too Much —save your spot here. And whenever you're ready for more: Explore all the ways we can support you by visiting   www.notyouraverageautismmom.com .   Join our FREE FB Group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT (NOTE: You must answer the questions or you won't be let in) Click HERE
273. Before You Ask Again: Give Them Time to Process
2026/09/03
You ask your child a question. You wait a beat. Then you ask again, explain it differently, or add another direction. But what if your child is still processing the first thing you said? We’re back with brand-new episodes after our BEST OF Summer series! I’m sharing a quick update on my recovery from hand surgery and basal cell removal on my nose, then getting into a conversation that’s especially useful as school routines begin. In this episode, we’re talking about slow processing and what happens between your question and your child’s response. As a fast processor raising Jordan, who needs more time, this is something I continue to practice myself. You’ll hear about: Why getting your child’s attention and allowing processing time are different. How repeating questions can add more for your child to sort through. Making room for spoken responses, gestures, typing, and AAC. Practical ways to approach rushed mornings and school conversations. What you tell yourself while you’re waiting—and how that affects your response. You’ll leave with one simple practice to try this week: before you ask again, leave a little room for the answer. Looking for support beyond this weekly podcast? Join our webinar, Helping Your Autistic Child When Everything Feels Like Too Much—save your spot here. You can also visit NotYourAverageAutismMom.com to explore all the ways we can help. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance, help navigating a challenge, or connection with moms who understand, you deserve support for your part of this parenting journey, too. That’s what we’re here for, and we’d love to help. Has this podcast helped you feel a little less alone? Leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and share an episode with another mom. Your words could be what encourages her to press play. YOU, Mama, are doing AMAZING at this MOM thing.
BEST OF Summer Series - Back to School Pep Talk
2026/08/13
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 233, The Back-to-School Parent Pep Talk: What Every Autism Parent Needs to Know couldn't be more timely. School has already started for some of our families, and for others, that first day is right around the corner. Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, this is one I want every mom raising an autistic child with an IEP to hear as we head into another school year. Because back-to-school isn't just new backpacks, school supplies, and first-day pictures when your child has an IEP. It's wondering whether the new teacher has actually read it. It's hoping accommodations will be followed. It's worrying about transitions, new expectations, new staff, and whether you're going to have to explain your child all over again. And it's figuring out when to wait and see... and when it's time to speak up. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon breaks the beginning of the school year into 5 Big Back-to-School IEP Buckets: 💙 Know What's Actually in the IEP — Don't assume you remember it. Pull it out, read it again, and make sure it still reflects your child. 💙 Prompts Are Not the Plan — Support matters, but so does building independence. What's the plan for fading those prompts? 💙 Communicate in Writing — Carline conversations and phone calls are great, but when it comes to your child's education, documentation matters. 💙 Your Child's IEP Is Not Set in Stone — You do NOT have to wait until the annual meeting if something isn't working. 💙 Evaluation Drives Services — Current, comprehensive data matters when determining what your child actually needs. Shannon also shares important back-to-school reminders about early IEP changes, accommodations across different environments, updated evaluations, diploma tracks, and some of the most common special education misconceptions parents still hear. Most importantly, this episode is your reminder: You don't have to know everything to be a strong advocate for your child. You can learn. You can ask questions. You can request clarification. And you can speak up when something doesn't feel right. 🎥 This BEST of Summer episode is available on video! Watch on Spotify or listen wherever you normally enjoy the podcast. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode helps you feel more prepared for the school year ahead, please consider leaving a review and share it with another autism mom navigating an IEP. Helping another parent find this information matters. 💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode… I created something specifically for you. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on." If that sounds familiar, take a few minutes to read about it here: 👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 🎧 And don't forget—with more than 270 episodes of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, there is an entire library waiting for you. Search for the topic you're struggling with right now, revisit an old favorite, or simply scroll until something speaks to where you are today. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio, and wherever you enjoy podcasts.
BEST OF Summer Series — Unlocking the Mystery: Decoding Splinter Skills
2026/08/06
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 191, Unlocking the Mystery: Decoding Splinter Skills is one of those episodes that helps parents understand one of the most fascinating—and often misunderstood—aspects of autism. Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope this episode gives you exactly what you need today. Have you ever wondered how your child can do something incredibly advanced in one area... yet struggle with something that seems much simpler? Maybe they can recite every line from their favorite movie but struggle to have a conversation. Maybe they can solve complex puzzles but have difficulty following everyday directions. Or perhaps they can read fluently but don't understand what they've just read. These are often called splinter skills, and understanding them can completely change how you support your child. Summer is the perfect time to notice these unique strengths and intentionally help your child connect them to everyday life through real-world experiences. In this episode, Shannon explains: • What splinter skills are and why they occur • Why autistic children often have an uneven or "spiky" skills profile • Real-life examples of splinter skills you may recognize in your own child • Practical strategies for building on your child's strengths while supporting areas of challenge • Why celebrating progress matters just as much as teaching new skills • How to help your child generalize their amazing abilities into everyday life One of the most important reminders from this episode is this: Every child has strengths. Our job isn't to change who they are. Our job is to help them connect the pieces. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other autism parents discover the podcast and reminds them they aren't alone. 💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode… I created something specifically for you. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on." If you're ready to move out of survival mode and start feeling more like yourself again, take a few minutes to learn more here: 👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 💚 Looking for coaching, practical strategies, and a community of moms who truly understand this journey? Visit www.notyouraverageautismmom.com to learn more about our private membership. 🎧 With more than 270 podcast episodes, summer is the perfect time to explore the podcast library and discover conversations that meet you exactly where you are today. ☀️ BEST of Summer Series Note: This episode was originally recorded before the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast moved to video format, so it is available on audio podcast platforms only.
BEST OF Summer Series— They're Noy Ignoring You: It's A Skill Gap
2026/07/30
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 227, They're Not Ignoring You: It's a Skill Gap is one of those episodes that changes how parents see one of autism's most misunderstood challenges. Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope this episode gives you exactly what you need today. Summer gives us something we don't always have during the school year... Time. Time to slow down, connect, and intentionally build the skills our children need most. If you've ever felt like your child ignores you, doesn't respond when you call their name, or seems completely focused on objects, screens, or their own interests, this episode is for you. Because here's the truth: They're not ignoring you. They're missing a skill. Attention to people is a foundational skill that many autistic children need to be intentionally taught. And the wonderful news is... skills can be built. In this episode, Shannon explains why attention to people is so challenging for many autistic children and shares practical, age-specific strategies you can begin using today. You'll learn: • Why attention to people is a learned skill—not a behavior problem • Why many autistic children naturally attend to objects before people • How autism and ADHD together can make attention even more challenging • Practical strategies for toddlers, school-age children, teens, and young adults • Everyday ways to build connection without pressure or power struggles • Why meeting your child where they are is always the best place to begin One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is this: Connection comes before correction. When we understand the "why" behind our child's behavior, we stop taking it personally and start teaching the skills they need to succeed. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other autism parents discover the podcast and reminds them they aren't alone. 💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode… I created something specifically for you. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on." If you're ready to move out of survival mode and start feeling more like yourself again, take a few minutes to learn more here: 👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 💚 Looking for coaching, practical strategies, and a community of moms who truly understand this journey? Visit www.notyouraverageautismmom.com to learn more about our private membership. 🎧 With more than 270 podcast episodes available, summer is the perfect time to explore the podcast library and discover conversations that meet you exactly where you are today. BEST of Summer Series Note: This episode was originally recorded before the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast moved to video format, so it is available on audio podcast platforms only. You can listen to this episode—and explore our library of more than 270 episodes—on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio, and wherever you enjoy podcasts.
BEST OF Summer Series — Pragmatic Language: Why It Matters and How to Help Your Child Build It
2026/07/23
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 240, Pragmatic Language: Why It Matters and How to Help Your Child Build It continues to be one of the episodes parents tell me changed the way they think about communication. Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope this episode gives you exactly what you need today. Summer is one of the best times to help your child build pragmatic language skills. From ordering at a restaurant and greeting neighbors to taking turns in conversations and navigating family gatherings, everyday summer moments create opportunities to practice the social side of communication in real life. Pragmatic language is about so much more than talking. It's the invisible set of social rules that help conversations flow, friendships grow, and relationships develop. And for many autistic children, it's one of the biggest communication challenges they face. In this episode, Shannon explains what pragmatic language really is, why it matters so much, and how you can help your child strengthen these skills without making it feel like therapy. You'll learn: • What pragmatic language is and why it matters • Why many autistic children struggle with the social side of communication • Practical ways to build these skills during everyday activities • How to use summer outings as natural teaching opportunities • Simple strategies to help your child gain confidence in conversations • Why connection—not perfection—is always the goal Communication isn't just about words. It's about understanding people, building relationships, and feeling connected to the world around us. And every conversation is an opportunity to grow. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other autism parents discover the podcast and reminds them they aren't alone. 💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode… I created something specifically for you. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on." If you're ready to move out of survival mode and start feeling more like yourself again, take a few minutes to learn more here: 👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 💚 Looking for additional support on this parenting journey none of us planned? Visit ⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠ to find resources designed specifically for moms raising autistic children. 🎧 With more than 270 episodes available, summer is the perfect time to explore the podcast library and discover conversations that meet you exactly where you are today.
BEST OF Summer Series —When Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights into Autism Aggression
2026/07/16
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where we're revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 221, When Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights into Autism Aggression continues to be one of the conversations that has helped parents look beyond behavior and ask a different question: "What if my child's behavior is trying to tell me something?" Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope this episode gives you exactly what you need today. Summer often brings changes in routine, sleep schedules, travel, heat, different foods, and increased sensory demands. For many autistic children, those changes can lead to an increase in challenging behaviors—including aggression. But what if aggression isn't simply "bad behavior"? What if it's communication? In this episode, Shannon explores the often-overlooked medical factors that can contribute to aggressive behavior and why it's so important to look for the why before assuming it's purely behavioral. You'll learn: • Why aggression is often a form of communication • Medical issues that may contribute to challenging behaviors, including gastrointestinal concerns, hidden pain, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, and more • Why "it's just autism" isn't always the complete answer • How to advocate for further medical evaluation when something doesn't feel right • Practical strategies for working with healthcare providers to uncover potential root causes • Why understanding the "why" behind behavior changes everything This episode is a reminder that behavior always has meaning. Sometimes the answer is behavioral. Sometimes it's medical. And sometimes it's both. When we stay curious instead of making assumptions, we become better advocates for our children. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other autism parents discover the podcast and reminds them they aren't alone. 💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode... I created something specifically for you. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on." If you're ready to move out of survival mode and start feeling more like yourself again, learn more here: 👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 💚 Looking for additional support on this parenting journey none of us planned? Visit www.notyouraverageautismmom.com to find resources designed specifically for moms raising autistic children. 🎧 With more than 270 episodes available, summer is the perfect time to explore the podcast library and discover conversations that meet you exactly where you are today. BEST of Summer Series Note: This episode was originally recorded before the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast moved to video format, so it is available on audio podcast platforms only. You can listen to this episode—and explore our library of more than 270 episodes wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Podcast reviews

Read Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
48 reviews
★★★★★
emrn5 2025/10/31
Wonderful!
Shannon is such a great speaker! She is relatable and honest. I love listening to her podcasts. They help me get through the week.
★★★★★
Barabug29 2025/09/26
Great Episodes
Shannon does a great job every episode making you feel like you are not alone in this journey of being an autism mama. There are so many great tips an...
★★★★★
StongMom 2025/05/04
The Real-World Classroom
This was one of many of Shannon’s excellent podcasts! I appreciate, so much, how she takes her time to share her personal lessons and experience with ...
★★★★★
The Dabble 2025/05/03
The Best!
This is a must subscribe to podcast. It is so helpful and encouraging for those of us who are in the daily of autism. Thank you!
★☆☆☆☆
dyactavc 2024/06/17
just another dumb autism mom
I am so fed up with those women who are like "oh I'm an autism mommy I'm a HERO" NO YOU ARE NOT! - Someone with Autism
★★★★★
Jennyj214 2024/04/25
She’s right. We are all doing AMAZING at this mom thing.
Title: A Beacon of Support and Concise Insight: Review of Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast Shannon Urquiola's "Not Your Average Autism Mom" podcas...
★★★★★
Kcarylivingtruth 2024/04/12
So encouraging and empowering
Shannon thank you for keeping it so real AND for giving us practical strategies to grow in our mom journeys!
★★★★★
brenda0512 2024/02/23
My village and my safe haven
I found this podcast in my lowest of lowest times trying to figure out how to become a mom yet let alone how to provide all his needs for my son who w...
★★★★★
MamasJourney67 2024/01/26
Truly a Godsend
I don’t know how I found this group but I’m so happy that I did. I’m a person that hides in the background but doesn’t mean that I’m not paying attent...
★★★★★
bb4kids53 2024/01/22
Autism sleep and you. Episode 160
If you’re wanting some valuable tools to assist with understanding autism and sleep, this is for you!! It’s full of beneficial information and provide...
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