In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why autism parenting does not come with one perfect answer, even when the pressure to find one feels intense
• How the search for the right school, therapy, supplement, or treatment can drain your energy and fuel second-guessing
• Why autism mom guilt and self-blame create more suffering without helping your child
• How shame can cover deeper grief in autism parenting
• Why focusing on what you can control leads to better decision-making, steadier parenting, and stronger emotional regulation
• How these mindset shifts can help when you are navigating meltdowns, school struggles, anxiety, OCD, and major parenting decisions

Lisa’s Takeaway:

Autism moms spend a lot of time trying to find the right answer and carrying guilt for things that were never theirs to own. What helps more is learning to release the pressure of perfect decisions, step out of self-blame, and become more intentional about where your energy goes. That is where steadiness starts.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Intro

01:28 Why This Matters

02:28 The Myth of the Right Answer in Autism Parenting

03:52 The Late-Night Autism Research Trap

06:09 Why There Is No One Fix for Autism

08:10 Why Autism Is Not Your Fault

10:48 The Second Arrow of Shame and Self-Blame

11:52 Blame, Grief, and What Autism Moms Carry

13:15 More Power Than You Think

14:37 Focus on What You Can Control

15:34 Recap and Membership

16:51 Coaching Invitation and Outro

Links Mentioned:

• The Autism Mom Coach
• The Solid Circle waitlist
• One-on-one coaching with Lisa Candera

If you are looking for autism mom support that goes deeper than advice and gives you practical tools for meltdowns, emotional regulation, guilt, and hard decisions, visit theautismmomcoach.com to join The Solid Circle waitlist or schedule a consultation.

Lisa shares candid personal stories about navigating conflicting medical advice, the limitations of ABA therapy for her teenage son, and the real-world consequences of SSRIs prescribed without autism-specific knowledge. She also highlights examples from her coaching clients — including mothers whose children were diagnosed with everything except autism for years, and a mom whose own observations led to a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis that doctors had missed entirely.

This episode is a grounding, no-nonsense look at where we actually are in our understanding of autism, and what that means for you as the person closest to your child.

Key Takeaways

1. We are still in the early stages of understanding autism. Like other complex neurological conditions, we don't fully know what causes autism or why it presents so differently from person to person. Autism is not a simple spectrum — Lisa describes it as more of a "soup," where the interaction between autism, anxiety, sensory processing, ADHD, and OCD changes everything. Treatments that help one child may not help another, and the experts themselves frequently disagree on the best course of action.

2. Your parental judgment is one of the most important tools you have. When the professionals don't agree and the science is still catching up, the parent's proximity to their child becomes a critical source of information. You are the one who sees the full picture — before school, after therapy, after a medication change. Lisa urges autism moms to build the muscle of trusting their own observations, pattern recognition, and instincts, while being clear that this is not about blaming yourself for past decisions with the benefit of hindsight.

3. You need support — and you don't need a permission slip to get it. There is almost nothing in the current system designed to support the parent who is coordinating therapies, handling meltdowns, sitting in IEP meetings, and making high-stakes decisions every day. Lisa explains why she built her coaching practice to fill this gap, and why real support means something more substantive than being told you're a superhero or that God gives special kids to special parents.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction — Autism Awareness Month and why awareness is not the same as understanding
• [02:30] Lisa's updated podcast intro and coaching philosophy
• [04:45] Announcement: The Autism Mom Coach 2.0 rebrand and new website
• [07:00] Why we are in the "dark ages" of understanding autism
• [08:30] Autism is not a spectrum — it's a soup
• [10:15] Why the experts disagree: Lisa's experience with ABA therapy at age 13
• [13:45] Conflicting medication advice: SSRIs and autism
• [17:00] The disconnect between autism specialists and OCD specialists
• [19:30] Why your judgment as a parent matters
• [22:00] Mothers who suspected autism years before their child was diagnosed
• [24:30] Client story: How a mom's observations led to a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis
• [27:00] Why autism moms need real support, not platitudes
• [30:00] The gap in the system — and what Lisa's coaching practice is built to address
• [32:30] Closing: Visit theautismmomcoach.com

Resources Mentioned

• The Autism Mom Coach website: theautismmomcoach.com

About Your Host

Lisa Candera is a lawyer, certified life coach, and mother to an 18-year-old son with autism. After years of searching for support that actually addressed what she was going through as a parent — and not finding it — she built The Autism Mom Coach to help other mothers of autistic children stop white-knuckling it and start parenting from a grounded, regulated place. She has coached over 100 moms through meltdowns, impossible decisions, and the daily reality of raising a child with a complex diagnosis.

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to The Autism Mom Coach wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you can spare a minute, please leave a review — it helps other autism moms find the show.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How being unbothered helps you stay focused on what actually matters in the moment.
• Why defending yourself to a dysregulated child usually adds fuel instead of helping.
• How extra talking, explaining, and reacting can escalate tension at home.
• Where this mindset can help most, including meltdowns, boundary-setting, public situations, IEP meetings, and tense interactions with providers.
• How emotional detachment can lower your stress and help you access the most rational part of your brain.

Lisa’s Takeaway:

When I talk about being unbothered, I am talking about staying focused on my role instead of getting pulled into every reaction, accusation, or emotional spike around me. That shift gives me more access to my rational brain and helps me lead with more steadiness in the moments that matter most.

If this episode hit home, share it with another autism mom who is tired of getting pulled into every hard moment. For more personalized support, visit The Autism Mom Coach and learn how to work with Lisa.

She urges listeners to check in with themselves, drop the “suck it up buttercup” mindset, seek support (doctor, therapy, community), and reach out to her at lisa@theautismmomcoach.com or schedule a coaching consultation at theautismmomcoach.com.

00:00 Autism Changes You (Part 2) — Episode Intro & What We’re Covering

01:25 The Hidden Cost of “Positive” Traits: When Resilience Turns Into Survival Mode

01:58 Hypervigilance: Living on High Alert and the Toll on Your Body

04:12 When Your “Normal” Gets Warped: The Frog-in-Boiling-Water Effect

07:23 Resilience vs. Enduring the Unreasonable: Knowing When It’s Too Much

10:29 Check-In Questions: Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Overdrive?

11:53 What Help Can Look Like: Doctor, Therapy, Community—and Stepping Back

13:11 You’re Not Alone: Reach Out + Coaching Invitation (Closing)

Recording in January 2026, Lisa looks back 16 years to the moment of diagnosis. She shares what it felt like to sit in shock, download the Autism Speaks 100 Day Toolkit, and hear the phrase: “This diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is.”

While that statement is true, Lisa explores the deeper truth many mothers experience:

Autism parenting changes you.

This episode dives into how raising a child with complex needs expands emotional capacity, rewires belief systems, strengthens advocacy skills, and transforms the way a mother leads her home.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. How an autism diagnosis impacts a parent’s nervous system and identity
2. Why behavior is information—not defiance or “bad behavior”
3. How to shift your mindset at the IEP table and advocate with calm authority
4. What it means to stay in your lane instead of comparing therapies, milestones, and family life
5. How autism parenting develops empathy, resilience, and emotional leadership
6. Why protecting your nervous system is foundational for supporting your child

Lisa shares personal stories about:

1. Confronting early beliefs about “good” and “bad” behavior
2. Setting ego aside to see struggle underneath escalation
3. Asking for meaningful supports at IEP meetings
4. Practicing self-compassion as a solo parent
5. Becoming a steady, grounded presence in her household

If you’re an exhausted autism mom wondering how this journey has changed you, this episode will help you see your growth with clarity and respect.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Autism Mom Coach Podcast

00:36 – January reflections: The day of diagnosis & feeling numb

01:52 – “Autism didn’t change him — it changed me”

04:25 – How autism strengthened my advocacy skills

06:32 – Reframing behavior: Moving beyond “bad kid” narratives

07:52 – IEP mindset shift: Asking for supports with confidence

09:49 – Staying in your lane: Releasing comparison in autism parenting

10:57 – How autism parenting has changed you too

13:29 – Next steps: Coaching and consultation

Ready to Apply This Work?

If this episode resonated and you want structured support in building emotional regulation, advocacy confidence, and steady leadership in your home, schedule a consultation call:

👉 https://theautismmomcoach.com

One-on-one coaching focuses on nervous system regulation, mindset shifts, and practical tools so you can lead your autism household with clarity and authority.

Dr. Tay shares her personal journey and professional insights on creating a holistic, family-focused approach to autism care. They discuss the importance of not just supporting the autistic child but also providing much-needed support to the entire family, including siblings and parents. Dr. Tay explains the nuances between accommodation and over-accommodation, how parents can process their own grief, and offers strategies for helping children understand their own neurodivergence. The conversation covers previewing changes, collaboration between parents and children, and the importance of seeking support.

Tune in to learn how to create a balanced approach that benefits the entire family ecosystem.

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Special Guest: Dr. Taylor Day

01:34 Dr. Tay's Personal Journey and Professional Insights

02:26 Challenges and Gaps in Autism Care

04:02 The Importance of Family Support 07:20 Therapy and Personal Growth

11:08 Parental Challenges and Strategies

19:49 Accommodation vs. Over-Accommodation

34:25 Conclusion and Resources

To learn more about Dr. Tay, visit her website: https://drtaylorday.com/

We talk about the part of autism parenting that gets overlooked: the parent’s nervous system. Not behavior charts. Not better scripts. The parent.

This conversation is about what it actually looks like to be your child’s safe person—without absorbing their distress, trying to fix what’s neurological, or burning yourself out in the process.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Why parent regulation comes before co-regulation
2. What “being the safe person” actually requires (and what it doesn’t)
3. How staying in your own lane reduces escalation
4. Why behavior is information and how the meaning we attach to it fuels stress
5. What it means to lead as the CEO of your autism household
6. How acceptance strengthens leadership rather than weakening it

Lisa’s Takeaway

For a long time, I thought I needed better answers, better strategies, better plans, better experts. What actually changed things was learning how to regulate myself under pressure.

You can still be the safe person. You can still lead. And you don’t have to do everything for your child to do that.

About Dr. Taylor Day

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed child psychologist and parent coach specializing in neurodivergent-affirming care. She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as an autism sibling, with a strong focus on supporting the entire family system—not just the child.

Resources Mentioned:

1. The Autism Mom Coach: https://theautismmomcoach.com
2. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook: @TheAutismMomCoach
3. Free Resource: The Autism Mom’s Meltdown Plan — a clear Before-During-After framework for supporting your child while staying regulated yourself

The conversation explores why this story felt different to tell and to watch. Tyler shares how the film came to him through a producer parenting a profoundly autistic daughter and how interviews with families shaped the script. John talks about stepping into the role as a father raising an autistic son himself, and how closely the character’s experiences mirrored his own.

They discuss institutions, marriage breakdowns, system failures, meltdowns, and the way autism parenting requires constant recalibration. The focus stays on learning your child over time, reading early cues, and understanding behavior as information rather than something to correct.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear and Learn

1. What Learning You is about and how the story came to be made
2. Why the film centers on institutional decisions and their impact on families
3. How John’s experience parenting an autistic son informed his performance
4. How parents learn to recognize early signs before a meltdown escalates
5. Why behavior often reflects nervous system overload
6. How autism parenting evolves as children grow and change

To watch Learning You, visit https://www.learningyoumovie.com to find a theater near you or learn more about the film’s release.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. How acceptance evolved from a one-time idea into a moment-by-moment practice
2. Why resistance to reality can interfere with decision-making during crisis
3. What unconditional love looks like when your child feels unfamiliar
4. How holding hope differs from denial—and why it requires courage
5. Why clearer advocacy came only after facing what was actually happening

Lisa’s Takeaway:

The teen years forced me to accept what was happening in real time, love my child without conditions tied to outcomes, and hold hope even when there was no evidence yet. Those three principles changed how I showed up as a parent—and as an advocate.

Links Mentioned:

1. Schedule a consultation: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/
2. Email Lisa: lisa@theautismmomcoach.com

If this episode resonated and you’re carrying a lot right now—whether you’re in crisis or simply worn down—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation at talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me and let’s talk through what support could look like for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Why Rain Man has become shorthand for autism—and why that’s a problem
2. What it’s like to live under constant comparison to a stereotype
3. How autistic characters are often written as flat or robotic
4. What masking actually feels like from the inside
5. Why kids come home exhausted after holding it together all day
6. Why autistic people deserve to tell stories beyond autism

Lisa’s Takeaway:

Hearing Bella describe masking as acting shifted how I understand what so many kids carry every day. When we see behavior as effort instead of defiance, the picture changes—and so does our response.

Links Mentioned:

Once More, Like Rain Man

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another autism mom who’s tired of stereotypes and surface-level understanding. And if you want deeper support, schedule a consult at talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me.

This episode breaks down your three actual moves when someone’s behavior clashes with your values, standards, or instincts: let it go, make an adjustment, or enforce a boundary. These choices help you reclaim your steadiness, drop unnecessary resentment, and lead your home with more intention, especially during the holiday pressure cooker.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How your expectations get built — and why the internal ones hit the hardest

• The power of choosing your battles instead of reacting from urgency or indignation

• Why “letting it go” is sometimes the most strategic move in an autism household

• What adjusting looks like when someone simply operates differently than you

• How to enforce a boundary without drama, panic, or self-judgment

When you stop holding people to your personal rulebook, you stop burning energy on the wrong things and free up bandwidth for what actually matters to you.

Ready to take this work deeper?

Work with Me: This is where we clean up the mental load, the resentment, and the overfunctioning so you have capacity again: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me

Here’s the truth: you are never the baseline for anyone else’s behavior.

The minute you stop measuring other people’s choices against your internal rulebook, everything from holiday plans to everyday interactions feels lighter and easier to lead through.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How expectations form through structure, routine, and the rules you carry in your head
• Why holiday shifts land harder in autism households and spike nervous system stress
• The emotional weight that settles on you when you assume others think like you
• How releasing yourself as the “standard” creates breathing room in your body and your mind

This shift frees up the mental space you need to guide your home with steadier energy, clearer decisions, and far less resentment.

If this work speaks to what you’re living, here are a few ways to go deeper:

Schedule a consultation for private coaching and get tailored support for your family: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me

In this episode, Lisa Candera, autism mom coach and host of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, shares why savoring—not just gratitude—is the missing piece in emotional regulation for autism parents. You’ll learn how savoring helps your brain record safety and connection as real, not rare, and why that matters for both you and your child’s nervous system health.

Lisa explains how constant vigilance wires the body for stress, how negativity bias keeps you scanning for threat, and how brief, intentional pauses can retrain your brain to recognize safety. This isn’t mindset work—it’s nervous system retraining through small, consistent moments that actually stick.

By the end, you’ll know how to use savoring as a real-world regulation skill that shifts your body from tension to steadiness—one breath at a time.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What savoring means and why it matters for autism parents
• How negativity bias keeps your nervous system stuck in threat mode
• The science of how savoring rewires the brain for safety and balance
• Why gratitude alone doesn’t create regulation without embodiment
• Simple ways to practice savoring in daily life without extra effort

Lisa’s Takeaway:

Savoring is how you remind your body that good moments count too. Each pause, each exhale, each second you let safety land—it all adds up to regulation and resilience.

Links Mentioned:

• Download The Autism Mom’s Meltdown Plan
• Schedule a consult with Lisa Candera

Your nervous system becomes their roadmap. Your breath, tone, and posture tell their body whether it’s safe or in danger. This is why your steadiness matters more than any script or strategy.

In this episode, autism mom coach Lisa Candera breaks down the science and skill of co-regulation for autism parents — how two nervous systems sync, how stress transfers between you and your child, and how to use your own body as the anchor that helps them recover.

You’ll learn what’s actually happening in those intense moments — the fight, flight, or freeze responses you both experience — and how to interrupt the cycle by leading with your body’s cues instead of your child’s behavior. Lisa explains why co-regulation is often the missing piece in emotional regulation for autistic children and what it takes to build this skill over time, even when your own nervous system feels maxed out.

This episode goes beyond theory. You’ll get specific, repeatable tools for steadying yourself during meltdowns, transitions, or any moment of dysregulation, and see how these small shifts can reduce reactivity, shorten recovery time, and strengthen trust between you and your child.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What co-regulation means and how it develops before self-regulation
• Why your nervous system sets the tone for your child’s emotions and behavior
• The patterns that keep autism parents stuck in survival mode
• How your own body history shapes your reactions under stress
• Five practical ways to use your body cues as steadying signals during meltdowns

Links Mentioned:

• Schedule a consult with Lisa Candera
• Download The Autism Mom’s Meltdown Plan

But what does that really mean when your child is melting down in front of you, your body tightens, your pulse spikes, and your mind goes straight to “make it stop”?

This is not a mindset issue. It’s biology. Your nervous system is wired to mirror your child’s. When they escalate, your body reacts. You feel it. And that’s why prevention and control, as much as we rely on them, only take us so far.

You can plan every detail, anticipate every trigger, and still find yourself in the middle of a storm, running on adrenaline. Because in that moment, what matters most isn’t what you do, it’s how you are.

In Episode 184 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, I talk about what it really means that regulation starts with you. I share what happens when you meet your child’s distress with your own, how your energy shapes the room before you say a word, and how to steady yourself when everything feels like it’s coming apart.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between reacting and regulating

• How your body’s signals matter more than your words

• Simple ways to bring yourself back to baseline

Regulation is awareness. It’s catching yourself sooner, breathing before you speak, and becoming the steady presence your child can lean on.

🎧 Listen to Episode 184: Why Regulation Starts With You — because your energy teaches your child how to find theirs.

Being the Calmest Nervous System in the Room: It’s one of the hardest parts of parenting an autistic child. But this isn’t about being zen or unbothered. It’s about learning how your body reacts, spotting it sooner, and choosing steadiness over reactivity.

That’s why working 1:1 with a seasoned autism mom and experienced coach is a game changer!

If you’ve been craving support + skills to do tomorrow better, schedule a consult HERE.

Key Takeaways

• Mental-health shifts often begin earlier than we expect.
• Feelings live in the body; naming them is regulation.
• “School refusal” is often emotional overload, not defiance.
• Recovery isn’t avoidance—it’s necessary work.

Lisa’s Takeaway

Watching your child’s mental health shift can feel disorienting and scary. I know what it’s like to live on alert, waiting for the next crash, trying to keep it all together. What I’ve learned—personally and through coaching—is that recovery isn’t a pause; it’s the work. Rest and regulation are how we rebuild. The same applies to our kids.

Links & Resources

Autism Blueprint Podcast

Work with Lisa

If your teen or young adult is struggling with anxiety, masking, or emotional overwhelm—and you’re unsure how to help without burning out—support is available. I work 1:1 with autism moms to build calm, clarity, and confidence in the hardest moments.

Schedule a private consultation at talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me

Janine—mom of two autistic young adults and a psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience—shares how constant stress, high-alert living, and unprocessed trauma shape the nervous systems of autism parents. Together, Lisa and Janine discuss what healing can look like, how to create boundaries without guilt, and why sustainable self-maintenance is essential for both parent and child.

This episode is part one of a two-part series on Autism and Mental Health.

In This Episode:

• How chronic high-alert living impacts the body and mind of autism moms
• What trauma looks like in parents of autistic children—and how EMDR can help
• Why guilt often masquerades as responsibility
• How to shift from fixing your child to leading your household with steadiness
• Real-life boundary work that protects both parent and relationship

Key Takeaways:

• Regulation first. You can’t pour from an empty nervous system.
• Behavior is information. Over-functioning hides data about your child’s needs.
• Boundaries are leadership. Clear limits protect your energy and your child’s stability.
• Guilt is a false alarm. Learn to tell the difference between true accountability and internalized pressureot always better. Sustainable support beats constant doing.

🔗 https://autismblueprint.com

About The Autism Mom Coach:

Lisa Candera is a solo mom to a young adult with severe autism and OCD, a practicing attorney, and a certified life coach. Through her coaching programs, she teach moms how to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and parent from steadiness instead of survival.

🔗 Learn more: https://theautismmomcoach.com

🔗 Book a free consultation: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be one of the most effective tools for helping children with autism—but it’s often misunderstood. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, host Lisa Candera talks with Alisha Simpson-Watt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst who leads Collaborative ABA Services in Middletown, Connecticut.

Alisha explains why ABA therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. She shares how modern ABA focuses on individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. As both a professional and an autism mom, Alisha offers a compassionate, real-world perspective on what quality ABA looks like today—and how the field has evolved toward trauma-informed, collaborative care.

Listeners will learn:

• What ABA therapy is and how it supports behavior change and skill building
• Common misconceptions about ABA and how the science has advanced
• The importance of parent training and collaboration in every treatment plan
• Key questions to ask when choosing an ABA provider
• Why it’s never too late to start ABA therapy—and why parents deserve grace in the process

If you’re an autism parent navigating the world of ABA, this episode will help you feel more informed, confident, and empowered to advocate for your child.

Alicia's Links:

Individual Accounts for Alisha:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-simpson-watt-lcsw-bcba-lba-866083280

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadingwithalisha/

Collaborative ABA Services, LLC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086038215957

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborativeabaservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collaborative-aba-services-llc/

TikTok:  www.tiktok.com/@collaborativeaba

Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@collaborativeabaservices

Collaborative ABA Store:

https://collaborative-aba-services-shop.fourthwall.com/

When I first saw Melissa sharing about IEP Slay on Instagram, I knew I had to learn more. As special needs parents, we are constantly surrounded by information — but not all of it is complete, accurate, or useful. And when it comes to IEPs and 504 Plans, sifting through endless research, Facebook groups, or Google searches can leave us overwhelmed and exhausted.

That’s why IEP Slay caught my attention: a one-stop membership resource curated by a practicing special education attorney, designed to help parents feel educated, prepared, and supported before, during, and after their IEP meetings.

In this episode, Melissa shares:

• Her personal journey from educator to attorney and autism mom.
• Why she created IEP Slay and how it’s built to empower parents.
• The tools and resources inside the membership, including legal breakdowns, scripts, templates, and emotional support strategies.
• How IEP Slay helps parents reduce isolation through a connected community.
• Details about becoming a founding member — with lifetime pricing and early-bird bonuses.

Melissa’s story is inspiring, and her mission to turn IEP advocacy into a movement is something every autism parent will want to hear.

🔗 Learn more & join the IEP Slay waitlist HERE.

✨ If you’re ready to take what you learn on this podcast and apply it to your own life, schedule a consultation with me: https://theautismmomcoach.com/work-with-me

If you’ve ever blamed yourself for your child’s autism…

If you’ve felt judged for your parenting choices…

If you’re tired of hearing that moms are at fault…

This episode is for you.

As autism moms, we are already toughing it out every single day—navigating therapies, schools, meltdowns, doctors, and the constant undercurrent of guilt and shame. The last thing we need is another message telling us we’re to blame.

Inside this episode, I share:

• Why blaming moms for autism is nothing new (hello, “refrigerator mom” theory).
• The impact these narratives have on our mental health.
• Why autism is not your fault—and how to remind yourself of that truth.
• How to stop internalizing guilt and start having your own back.

Whether you’re frustrated, angry, or just exhausted from toughing it out, this conversation will give you validation and support.

Work with Me

Podcasts give you aha moments, but real change happens when you apply these tools in your own life. That’s what we do inside my 1:1 coaching program—helping you regulate your emotions, release the guilt, and show up as the mom you want to be.

📅 Schedule your consultation here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/work-with-me

This is a question autism parents face often:

• Do I explain my child’s meltdowns or behaviors so others understand?
• Should I tell neighbors or teachers more to support safety?
• Can sharing help me feel less alone and more connected?

In this episode, I walk you through the three principles I use when deciding what to share and with whom: Clarity, Care, and Connection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why there’s no “right” or “wrong” amount to share about your child’s diagnosis

✅ How this information can help others understand your child’s behaviors

✅ When sharing is important for your child’s safety and care

✅ How sharing can build connection and reduce isolation for autism moms

In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, is a light-hearted take on what it means to clock the tea you are serving yourself and why it is the key to interrupting the stories that are keeping you in a chronic state of stress and self doubt.

What I cover in this episode:

• Why your brain creates these “tea” stories in the first place.
• The difference between thoughts that feel true and actual facts.
• How believing your own negative commentary keeps you stuck in guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
• Real stories from me and my clients of learning to pause and “clock it.”
• A quick process you can use to catch yourself in the moment.

Here’s the truth: your brain will keep serving tea. But when you learn to clock it, you stop letting those stories run your life. You create a little bit of space between the thought and your reaction — and that’s where your power lives.

Want to go deeper?

If you’re tired of your thoughts running the show during meltdowns, grab my free guide: The Autism Mom’s Meltdown Plan.

And if you want help putting this into practice, you can schedule a consult with me here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a personal update as my son turns 18 and we navigate the realities of conservatorship, independence, and what the future holds. It’s bittersweet, and it has me reflecting on the very real fears autism parents carry about what comes next for our children.

To support you in this, I’m replaying an earlier episode on anticipatory anxiety—the fear of what might happen in the future, and how it drains us without preparing us. You’ll hear a client story, practical tools for calming your nervous system, and why staying grounded matters more than trying to control the uncontrollable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why anticipatory anxiety is so common for autism parents
• How fear of the future shows up in your body and your energy
• A real-life example of a mom preparing for her child’s blood work
• Practical tools for calming your nervous system before stressful events
• Why accepting “hard” as part of the journey can actually bring relief

If you’ve ever caught yourself bracing, white-knuckling, or walking on eggshells about what’s ahead—this episode is for you.

Whether your summer was packed with activities or you let the schedule breathe a little, there’s value in what you did — and what you didn’t do. Resting is work, and sometimes it’s the most productive thing we can do for ourselves and our kids.

In this episode, I share:

• How to reframe school disruptions, refusals, and hiccups as information instead of failures

• The mindset shift that has helped me (and my clients) ride the roller coaster of a school year without bracing for the worst

• The SINGLE reminder I want you to keep front of mind when things feel overwhelming.

I’ll also tell you how to get my Back-to-School Guide — 7 tips I’ve used myself and shared with clients to set them up for a smoother transition.

While cognitive rigidity is a characteristic of Autism, it is also alive and well in all of us to some degree. In fact, as parents, the more stressful our lives become, the more we tend to rely on the safety of all-or-nothing thinking, becoming more rigid as a result of this thought process. So, what can we do about it?

Tune in this week to discover where rigid all-or-nothing thinking is impacting your parenting, and what you can do to manage it. I’m sharing why our brains love this way of processing the world around us, and I’m showing you how to see the thoughts that are leading you down the path of this either-or mindset.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• Why all-or-nothing thinking is a default for all human beings.
• How this cognitive rigidity might be showing up in your life right now.
• The thought patterns that lead to all-or-nothing thinking.
• What you can do to manage your mind when you find yourself stuck in all-or-nothing thinking.

eye, tantrums and meltdowns usually look very much the same. If

something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck,

you are going to conclude it’s a duck. But when it comes to tantrums and

meltdowns, this isn’t the case.

Although tantrums and meltdowns may look similar,

they are actually very different. However, the fact that they appear

similar can create a lot of misunderstanding and suffering for us as

moms of children with Autism. So how can you tell whether your child is

having a tantrum or a meltdown, and how do you deal with them

appropriately while being conscious of other people’s opinions? That’s

what I’m teaching you in this week’s episode. 

In this episode, I share

the similarities and differences between tantrums and meltdowns, help

you normalize the experience of an Autism meltdown, and assist you in

dealing with individuals who may not understand. Discover how to think

about and respond to the different behaviors your child exhibits, some

of the thoughts that may come up when your child is having a tantrum or a

meltdown, and how to use what I’m teaching you this week to be an

ambassador for parents of a child with Autism.

Summer is the perfect time to

start coaching with me! We can transform how you show up to your

experience of parenting a child with Autism, and equip you with the

tools you need to best support yourself no matter what is happening. If

you’re interested in changing the trajectory of your summer right now, click here to schedule a consult.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• Some of the typical behaviors that appear in both tantrums and meltdowns.
• Why a meltdown is not a teachable moment.
• How to deal with Autism meltdowns in a way that helps both you and your child. 
• Why so many people associate screaming, yelling, and uncooperative behavior with a bad kid, or a bad parent. 
• How to tune out other people’s opinions of your child’s meltdown.

In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey of how I used to treat summer like a catch-up bootcamp for my son—drills, flashcards, workbooks, and more. I explain how this approach, fueled by fear of regression and pressure to “keep up,” ended in stress, dysregulation, and disappointment for both of us.

You’ll hear:

• The hidden anxiety behind “making the most” of summer
• How fear of regression can sabotage your best intentions
• What to do instead: setting small, achievable goals
• Tips for engaging your child without turning your home into a summer school
• Why your energy matters more than any worksheet

If you’re bracing yourself for the summer months, this episode will help you rethink your expectations and shift into a mindset that supports both your child’s growth and your well-being.

Resources:

Schedule a consultation: https://theautismmomcoach.com

Rob discusses his experience of navigating solo parenting three boys on the Autism spectrum.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The biggest problems that dads of children with Autism face.
• Rob’s philosophy of doing your best and knowing that’s always enough.
• Some of the challenges posed by our kids with Autism transitioning into adulthood.

And so much more. Tune in now & soak up Rob’s pearls of wisdom.

This story reminds us that autism parenting requires constant adjustment. And that even when things go sideways, we always find a way to make it work..

Summer Plans for an Autistic Child --What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to prepare for the unpredictable summer shift as an autism family.

✅ Why it’s essential to build flexibility into summer plans for an autistic child.

✅ How coaching can help you manage stress, pivot, and support your child effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating summer plans for an autistic child can be an overwhelming time for autism parents, with ESY schedules, camps, and co-parenting logistics creating complex routines.
• No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues (like sudden childcare changes or unexpected home visits) can derail your plans.
• Flexibility and resilience are essential tools for autism parents to navigate summer challenges with confidence.

Tune in now!

P.S.  Feeling overwhelmed?

Download my free Meltdown Action Plan (MAP).

P.P.S. Want to learn more about my coaching program?

Book a consultation call to explore how we can work together to support your child and your family.

This powerful concept applies directly to autism parenting. Parents of autistic children accumulate valuable, practical knowledge through years of firsthand care. These parents are uniquely positioned to understand their child’s needs, behaviors, and challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• What the Karen Read retrial reveals about the meaning of expertise.
• The difference between credentials and real-world experience.
• Why you are the expert on your autistic child.
• How to trust your instincts and build confidence in parenting.

Whether you’re navigating IEPs, therapy options, medical decisions, or everyday challenges, this episode will help you trust your own expertise.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction to The Autism Mom Coach
• 00:41 – A True Crime Obsession
• 01:50 – The Battle of the Experts
• 03:22 – Credentials vs. Experience -- You've Done Your 10,000 hours
• 04:53 – You Are the Expert on Your Child
• 06:17 – Trust Yourself as a Parent
• 07:59 – Conclusion and Next Steps

Listen Now

You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

👉 Visit The Autism Mom Coach to learn more and connect with Lisa.

Autism meltdowns are intense, overwhelming, and often misunderstood—not just for the child, but for the parent as well. In Episode 168 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera shares a groundbreaking, trauma-informed tool designed specifically for autism moms who feel frozen, reactive, or helpless during their child’s dysregulation.

Introducing the Meltdown Action Plan—a step-by-step, easy-to-follow framework that gives parents the tools and structure they need to stay calm and take purposeful action during meltdowns.

Drawing on her personal experience as a solo parent to a teen with autism and her work with hundreds of coaching clients, Lisa explains how to shift from crisis-driven reactions to empowered parenting with her signature MAP Method:

• Meltdown Prep
• Action During
• Post-Meltdown Recovery

This episode is a must-listen for every autism parent who’s ever thought:

“I don’t know what to do during a meltdown.”

“Why can't my autistic child just calm down?.”

“Why is this still happening?”

Lisa answers those questions—and more—while offering hope, clarity, and a plan.

🎁 Download the Free Meltdown Action Plan

Lisa’s new resource includes:

✅ The 3 phases of the MAP Method

✅ Fill-in-the-blank worksheets

✅ Real-life examples from autism moms

✅ Guided prompts to help you regulate yourself before, during, and after a meltdown

👉 Get it here: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach.com/map

📅 Ready for personal support? Book a free consultation with Lisa here:

https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

⏱️ Timestamps for This Episode:

00:00 – Introduction to Episode 168

00:23 – Why Lisa Created the Meltdown Action Plan

01:35 – The Real Problem With Meltdowns (Hint: It’s Not Just the Behavior)

03:27 – What Is the MAP Method?

03:55 – Phase One: Meltdown Preparation

04:28 – Phase Two: Action During a Meltdown

05:07 – Phase Three: Post-Meltdown Recovery

06:01 – What’s Inside the Free Download

06:30 – Final Thoughts and Invitation to Work With Lisa

💡 What Parents Will Learn:

• Why trying to “fix” meltdowns often makes them worse
• The difference between reacting vs. responding
• What meltdowns signal about your child’s nervous system
• The single shift that helped Lisa stop dreading meltdowns and start preparing for them
• How Lisa helps clients create personalized meltdown action plans that actually work

This Episode Is For: Autism moms who want a clear, repeatable plan for handling autism meltdowns with more skill and compassion -- for their child and themselves.

About Lisa Candera:

Lisa Candera is a solo mom to a teen with severe autism and significant aggression. She’s a certified life coach and the creator of The Autism Mom Coach, a coaching program designed to help autism moms regulate their emotions, reduce burnout, and become confident leaders in their homes. With a background in law and over 40 years of lived experience with autism, Lisa brings a unique blend of strategy, science, and soul to every episode.

👉 If this episode resonates with you:

✔️ Subscribe

✔️ Share with another autism parent who needs a plan that works

Using a real-life story from a coaching client, Lisa explains:

✅ Why there's no perfect moment to act

✅ How to treat parenting decisions like experiments

✅ What “friction” actually means in your child’s growth

✅ How to move forward even when things don’t go perfectly

✅ And why sometimes... you have to break some chairs

🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you're stuck in second-guessing or afraid of doing too much (or too little) for your child.

🕒 Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Follow-up from Last Week

01:13 – Real-Life Moments That Raise the Question

02:20 – The Goldilocks Myth of “Perfect Timing”

03:35 – Coaching Story: Rachel’s School Bus Decision

05:08 – Reframing the Outcome

06:00 – Growth = Try, Monitor, Evaluate, Calibrate

06:52 – Final Thoughts + Coaching Invitation

Am I expecting too much or not enough from my child with autism?

Through a real-life story from one of her private coaching clients, Lisa illustrates the emotional push-pull autism moms face when deciding whether to stretch their child or simply let them enjoy the moment. She explores the hidden fear that often drives the urge to do more, and how that fear can overshadow meaningful progress.

Whether you’re feeling pressure to push your child, second-guessing your parenting, or simply wondering what the right amount of expectation looks like—this episode will help you slow down, reflect, and lead with confidence.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why “Am I doing too much or not enough?” is the wrong question
• How fear of falling behind drives panic parenting
• Why your child’s success doesn’t mean it’s time to push harder
• The power of parenting from curiosity instead of fear
• Why every win doesn’t need to become a stepping stone

✨ About Lisa Candera:

Lisa Candera is a solo mom, attorney, and certified life coach for autism moms. Through 1:1 coaching, she helps parents regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and support their children with clarity and confidence—even during meltdowns.

🔗 Learn More & Connect:

📅 Book a free consultation with Lisa:

https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

🌐 Website:

https://theautismmomcoach.com

🎙 Listen to the podcast:

https://theautismmomcoach.com/podcast

📸 Follow Lisa on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theautismmomcoach

What You'll Learn

• How the developmental gap can trigger stress responses in parents
• Why middle school often represents a turning point where social differences become more pronounced
• The counterproductive nature of constantly trying to "catch up" through additional therapies
• Practical strategies for pausing before making reactive decisions
• How acknowledging reality creates space for more intentional parenting choices

Case Studies

• Lisa discusses her son Ben's experience with social skills development as peer interactions became more complex in middle school
• A client's realization when her son's differences became apparent during a track practice that had previously been successful
• Common patterns of parental response when confronted with developmental differences

Special Announcement

Lisa currently has two openings in her one-on-one coaching program. This opportunity includes:

• Personalized coaching tailored to your specific challenges
• Access to the group program (only available to current clients and alumni)
• Support for becoming a calm, confident parent your autistic child needs

About Your Host

Lisa Canera is a lawyer, certified life coach, and full-time single mother of a teenager with autism. Her evidence-based approach helps parents navigate the complexities of raising children with autism while maintaining their emotional wellbeing.

Take Action

Visit theautismmomcoach.com to schedule your consultation call.

This is not a political take. It’s a reminder that autism parenting doesn’t look the same for every family—and that true acceptance starts with making space for each other’s stories, even when they differ from our own.

🎧 Listen now.

Are you ready to get the support you need and deserve as an autism mom? Get started now, by scheduling your complimentary consultation call here:

https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me

In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, we unpack the PTSD of being “on display” as the parent of a child with autism.

Episode Summary

Public meltdowns can trigger deep emotional distress for both the child and the parent. Prolonged exposure to judgmental stares, unsolicited advice, and sudden confrontations often leads to anxiety, hypervigilance, and feelings of fear or helplessness. Drawing from real-life events, this episode shines a light on why these experiences stay with us, how our brains respond to perceived threats, and practical ways to build resilience for you and your child.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt criticized, misunderstood, or singled out in public while managing your child’s meltdown, this episode is for you. Gain trauma-informed insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you cope and heal. By addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of public meltdown stress, you’ll walk away feeling more equipped, supported, and empowered in your parenting journey.

Subscribe & Stay Connected

• Listen now to Episode 163 of The Autism Mom Coach on your favorite podcast platform.
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with actionable advice for parenting children with autism.
• Connect on social media for more autism-friendly strategies, PTSD awareness, and mental health resources.

Have you ever felt like all eyes are on you when you're in public with your child? Whether it’s the school drop-off line, the grocery store, or waiting in line at Chipotle, those moments when your child’s behavior stands out can feel like you’re center stage in a performance you never auditioned for.

In this episode, I share my own experience of what it means to be on display as the parent of a child with autism—and how my mindset has shifted from shame and over-apologizing to pride and advocacy.

You’ll hear:

• Why being "on display" used to feel like failure to me
• What changed over time as I redefined what autism acceptance looks like
• The story of a school drop-off panic that left me feeling exposed and mortified
• Why I stopped apologizing for my child’s autism
• A powerful moment on an Amtrak train that reminded me what true inclusion looks like
• Three practical tips to feel more grounded when you’re “that family”

Whether your child is melting down at the playground or wearing a Paw Patrol shirt at 15, these moments are opportunities—not for hiding—but for showing up and modeling what support, advocacy, and love look like in action.

Remember: Autism acceptance starts with us.

Resources & Links:

🎧 Want support navigating these moments in real time?

Schedule your complimentary consultation here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

This episode explores autism masking—when autistic children hide their natural behaviors to appear neurotypical. Learn why masking happens, the heavy emotional and sensory toll it takes, and practical steps you can take to support your child.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What autism masking is and the reasons children engage in it, including avoiding bullying, negative consequences, and internalized shame.
• How masking can mislead educators into thinking your child doesn't need support.
• Why People Think My Child ISN’T Autistic - The Coke Bottle Effect Explained by autistic advocate Orion Kelly.
• Key signs your child might be masking, such as drastic behavioral differences between school and home, frequent bathroom breaks, increased stimming, and physical complaints.

Work with Me: If you're feeling caught between pushing your child forward and holding back to prevent overwhelm, schedule your complimentary consultation today and let's create a plan to support both you and your child effectively.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation HERE. 

“My child is doing so well that the school reduced their IEP support!”

Sounds like progress, right? Wrong.

The harsh reality is this: a child’s progress is not a reason to remove supports—it’s proof that those supports are working. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

• What the IEP trap really is.
• The real reasons it happens.
• What you can do to protect your child’s services and mental health.

If you’ve ever been told your child’s progress means they don’t need as much help, this episode is for you. Tune in and get the clarity you need to keep advocating for your child’s true needs.

Want more support? Book your complimentary consultation call here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

 In this episode , I’ll teach you how to:

•  Understand why we take our child’s behavior personally (and why it’s a natural response).
•  Recognize what happens in your brain when you get triggered—and how to stop reacting.
•  Break the cycle of co-escalation and become a calming presence for your child.
• Develop a new response strategy so you can stay in control, regulate your own emotions, and actually help your child.

When you shift your mindset, everything changes. You will stop feeling like your child’s behavior is an attack and start responding in ways that help them feel safe and supported.

Want more support? Book your complimentary consultation call here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The biggest mindset shift that helped Rachael stop feeling ashamed of her son’s behavior
• How she built confidence as an Autism parent and became a stronger advocate for her child
• Simple but powerful strategies that helped her navigate school struggles with less stress

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I handle my child’s school challenges without feeling defeated?
• Why do school struggles impact me so much?
• What can I do to support my autistic child and take care of myself?

This episode is for you! Tune in now.

We persisted, we prayed, and we paid for them to learn this skill.

And now… they have it.

But sometimes, that means hearing words that **sting**.

“I hate you!”

“That was terrible.”

“You’re annoying.”

After all that effort to help them communicate, **this** is what we get? It can feel like a punch to the gut.

But here’s what I want you to remember: *it’s not personal.

In this episode of *The Autism Mom Coach*, we’re breaking down:

•  Why autistic kids communicate so bluntly (and why it’s not the same as being rude).
•  How to stop taking their words personally—so you can respond, not react.
•  The simple mindset shifts that help you decode what they *actually* mean.
•  Why staying calm matters more than forcing politeness.

Tune in now to learn how to handle these moments with more understanding, less stress, and a whole lot more patience.*

At first, it’s a relief—finally, an explanation! But then comes the frustration, the sadness, the overwhelm. What does this mean for your relationship? For your emotional connection? For the life you imagined?

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

• The emotional rollercoaster of realizing your spouse might be autistic.
• Why a diagnosis—*or his agreement with it*—doesn’t actually change your relationship.
• How your *thoughts* about him shape your experience more than anything else.
• Why even small efforts can be meaningful (if you choose to see them that way).
• The difference between accepting your spouse *as he is* and settling for less than what you want.If this is something you’ve been grappling with, you’re not alone. Tune in now for real talk, practical shifts, and a new way of looking at your relationship.

Listen now on *The Autism Mom Coach*!*

It is called “The Gift” by Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist and author who teaches that children **aren’t here for us to "fix"—they are here to teach us**.

And who knows this more than Autism parents?

Tune in now to hear The Gift and how you can apply it to your Autism parenting journey today.

The Gift

Dr. Shefali Tsabary

I’ll walk you through practical strategies to:

• Build your own patience so you can demonstrate it in everyday moments
• Set SMART, achievable goals to help your child develop patience step by step
• Use tools like timers and narration to make waiting more predictable
• Reinforce patience with positive support—not pressure

If you ever feel like patience is impossible in your home, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn simple, actionable steps to help both you and your child build this essential skill. Ready to take this work deeper? Book a free consult with me at talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me.

In this week’s episode of The Autism Mom Coach, I’m breaking down what anticipatory anxiety really is, how it shows up in your life, and why it’s stealing your energy. Plus, I’ll teach you a powerful strategy called positive projection to stop the cycle and start parenting with more confidence.

Don’t forget—my free webinar, “Stop Walking on Eggshells and Start Parenting with Confidence,” is happening tomorrow. I’ll go even deeper into how to break free from bracing for your child’s emotions. Register through the link here or my Instagram bio.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/151

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Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:

https://theautismmomcoach.com/ep-138-stop-googling-autism/

Listen in this week to hear the toll scrolling on social media can have on your experience as an Autism parent, and how our brains are wired to compare ourselves to others. You’ll hear practical strategies that will help you reclaim your peace of mind, and my top tips for transforming social media from a stress-inducing scroll to a tool for support and empowerment. 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/135

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Discover why you're reluctant to take respite, even when the option is available to you. I explore why respite is vital for Autism parents, and you'll learn how to shift the way you think about respite so you can flip the script and approach the idea of respite from a more helpful angle.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/114

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Discover why you might consider coaching over therapy, and learn how coaching and therapy can work in tandem on your journey as an Autism parent.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/103

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What I’ve learned is that we need to shift from this state to one of focusing on ourselves. We’ve all heard the oxygen mask analogy, but none of us really believe it. Autism moms everywhere have sacrificed our mental, emotional, and physical health to help our kids get through the day, and I’m sharing the work I’m doing this year to guide you in 2024.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/97

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I’m offering some of the most common worries I hear from parents of children with Autism about this time of year, and three things you can do to ease your summer break anxiety.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/66

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I'm exploring what second guessing is, why we do it, and how this habit might be showing up in your life. You’ll hear how we’re socialized to believe we can’t be trusted, and next week, I’ll give you specific steps to begin unwinding this habit. 

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/61

I have 10 lovely soaps to give away. To enter the Mother's Day Giveaway, rate and review the podcast by May 14th, and email me the title of your review. For those of you who have already rated and reviewed the podcast, you can get a soap by sharing the podcast on your social media feeds and tagging me and Trev. I want to support Trev and Tia, and I want to spread the word about this podcast to as many autism moms as possible.

To enter the giveaway,

• Rate & Review the podcast
• Tag The Autism Mom Coach & Trev's Trades
• Email lisa@theautismmomcoach.com the title of your review & mailing address. 

Instagram: The Autism Mom Coach & Trev's Trades

Facebook: The Autism Mom Coach & Trev's Trades

That is why, in this week's episode of the podcast, I am interviewing Dr. Mary Barbera. Dr. Barbera is the mother of a young adult with Autism, a registered nurse, board certified behavior analyst and a best selling author.

Dr. Barbera's latest book Turn Autism Around, her online courses, weekly podcast and social media posts help parents and professionals start turning things around for young children with early signs of autism and older children with an autism diagnosis who are struggling with talking, tantrums, eating, sleeping, potty training, and more.

In this Episode of the podcast, you will learn:

How Dr. Barbera went from complete denial of the signs of her son's Autism to a BCBA;

What Dr. Barbera means by the phrase, "Turn Autism Around"; and

Dr. Barbera's 4 Principles for turning autism around.

For full show notes, links to Dr. Barbera's work, and more information on working with me here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/60

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Find out how an advocate can help make sure your child is getting the service they need without creating a divide at the table, and what to consider if you’re currently having a difficult time advocating for your child.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/57

Behind every child with autism, are parents who are feeling afraid and overwhelmed by the dizzying amount of responsibility and uncertainty that comes with raising a child without a road map. 

That is why, for Autism Awareness month, I am shining a light on parental burnout with my free webinar for autism parents: “Overcoming Burnout in 5 Simple Steps." 

In this webinar, you will learn the real reason you are burnt out (spoiler alert: it is not the diagnosis) and how to shift from chronically stressed to resourceful and resilient.

Register now using the link below and don't miss out on this opportunity to take care of your child’s most important resource: YOU.  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/56

Discover why words matter, and how the language we use for dysregulated behavior in our children needs to shift. I’m sharing my preferred language for referring to violence or aggression, and how we can start focusing efforts on ways we can better understand and support our children.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/55

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Discover how to repattern your habit of seeking external validation. I’m sharing why so many moms of children with Autism fall into this trap, and most importantly I’m showing you why you aren’t powerless in getting out of it.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/52

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/51

This week, I show you how to give yourself a much-needed permission slip for self-care, and share why we focus our time and energy on our children at the exclusion of ourselves. Learn how to give yourself permission to do something for yourself instead of always acting in service of others.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/50

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For full show notes and to sign up for the course, go to: https://theautismmomcoach.com/46

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Tune in this week to discover why the Think-Feel-Act Cycle is always at work, and how it’s driving everything you do or don’t do. I’m sharing how your thoughts interact with your feelings, which drive your actions, and how you can start to influence all of it and use this information to your advantage.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/5

Tune in this week to discover how your negativity bias is impacting your parenting. I’m sharing why this is such a tricky thing to spot in the moment, but I’m also giving you a simple exercise you can to bring a little more balance when your brain is feeding you negative thoughts about your child’s progress.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/4

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In this podcast, I’ll show you how to radically change your life by transforming your relationship with Autism and special needs parenting. You’ll learn how to shift away from being a victim of your circumstances to being the hero of the story that you get to write. 

This isn’t your normal podcast about Autism, it’s not about how to handle our kids, it’s about how to handle ourselves. It’s about accepting the fact that Autism is hard and now what... Each week we'll discuss practical strategies and actionable steps to help you accept and understand your own triggers and how to choose how to respond.

The truth is Autism is not in charge of your life. YOU are, and you have more power than you think.