Not Your Average Autism Mom

By Shannon Urquiola

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Category: Parenting

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Rate for this podcast

Subscribers: 19
Reviews: 2
Episodes: 294


 Feb 7, 2022

Dawn
 Apr 12, 2021
this podcast has been so pivotal for me right now. we are almost a year after her diagnosis. some of the podcast have hit home in a good way! high recommend

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 30. 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. info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

Episode Date
BEST OF Summer Series— Rules Matter: Consequences That Teach, Not Punish
Jun 18, 2026
BEST OF Summer Series—Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation
Jun 11, 2026
BEST OF Summer Series—Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation
Jun 04, 2026
272. Summer is Coming... And I Know You're Already Tired
May 28, 2026
271. Planning Exit Routes Since 2001: When "Easy" Isn't Easy
May 21, 2026
270. When There is No Pause Button: Riding Out the Storm
May 14, 2026
269. Public Meltdowns and Private Shame
May 07, 2026
268. Why Autism Parents Don’t “Just Get a Babysitter”: The Truth About Trust
Apr 30, 2026
267. Autism Parenting and Marriage: Why Couples Struggle (And How They Reconnect)
Apr 23, 2026
266. Autism Changes Siblings Too: The Story Nobody Talks About
Apr 16, 2026
265. The Hard Lessons Autism Parenting Eventually Teaches Every Mom
Apr 09, 2026
264. The Invisible Communication Gap (And Why It Causes So Much Frustration)
Apr 02, 2026
263. ABA Therapy: Helpful, Harmful, or Misunderstood? What Parents Need to Know
Mar 26, 2026
262. When "Helpful" Advice Isn't Helpful: Navigating Advice From People Who Don't Understand
Mar 19, 2026
261. Biomedical Testing and Autism: Understanding a Complex Topic
Mar 12, 2026
260. The Most Important Page in the IEP (That Many Parents Forget to Use)
Mar 05, 2026
259. Is This Autism ... or Something Else? How to Know When to Look Deeper
Feb 26, 2026
258. The Loneliest Seat in the Room: When You’re the Only One Who Sees the Struggle
Feb 19, 2026
257. Rules Need Context — Why “Because I Said So” Doesn’t Work in Autism Parenting
Feb 12, 2026
256. The Long Game of Advocacy —and How to Keep Going
Feb 05, 2026
255. Autism Parenting Changes You: And That Isn’t the End of Your Story
Jan 29, 2026
254. Why All-or-Nothing Thinking Gets So Loud in Autism Parenting
Jan 22, 2026
253. Medication Merry-Go-Round: Autism, Meds & The Hardest Decisions We Make
Jan 15, 2026
252. Stranger Danger, Autism & Online Risks: When Safety Isn't Simple
Jan 08, 2026
251. Finding Your People: Why They Matter More Than Ever
Dec 18, 2025
250. After 250 Episodes... What I Wish Every Autism Mom Knew
Dec 11, 2025
249. “What Do I Even Get Them? Gifts, Expectations, and Letting Go of ‘Typical’ When Your Child Isn’t”
Dec 04, 2025
248. Reset & Reconnect: What to Do After You Lose Your Lane (and You Will)
Nov 20, 2025
247. Staying in Your Lane: Reducing Holiday Stress and Letting Go of What’s Not Yours to Control
Nov 13, 2025
246. Beyond Choosing Your Battles: Understanding Boundaries, Flexibility, and Growth
Nov 06, 2025
245. When It’s Not About the Behavior: What’s Really Behind Your Reaction
Oct 30, 2025
244. It’s Not About You: Learning Not to Take It Personally
Oct 23, 2025
243.Feelings First; The Step We Often Skip (and Why It Matters)
Oct 16, 2025
242. Advocating Without Burning Out: Managing Your Energy for the Long Haul
Oct 09, 2025
241. Rules Matter; Consequences That Teach, Not Punish
Oct 02, 2025
240. Pragmatic Language; Why It Matters and How to Help Your Child Build It
Sep 25, 2025
239. The Long Game of Independence; Parenting for Their Future
Sep 18, 2025
238. The Hardest Part of Letting Go; The Truth We Don’t Want to Hear
Sep 11, 2025
237. The Gift of Struggle; Letting Kids Learn Without Rescue
Sep 04, 2025
236. These Questions Could Have Come Straight From Your Living Room
Aug 28, 2025
235. Autism, Bullying, and the Fear That Keeps Us Up at Night
Aug 21, 2025
234. Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation
Aug 14, 2025
233. Back-to-School Parent Pep Talk; What Every Autism Parent Needs to Know
Aug 07, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - The Inclusion Debate; What Works, What Doesn't and Why It Matters
Jul 31, 2025
BEST OF Summer Series- Why Uncertainty Triggers Meltdowns
Jul 24, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - Regression Roadmap; What it Means & How to Cope
Jul 17, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - Autism Isn't a BAD WORD; Unless We Make It One
Jul 10, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - Defiance Without Drama; Winning the Parenting Game
Jul 03, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids Back
Jun 26, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - The Behavior Puzzle; Grace Under Pressure
Jun 19, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series – Manic Moments; High Energy in Autism
Jun 12, 2025
BEST OF SUMMER Series - Unwrapping the Rule Book; Strategies for Discipline
Jun 05, 2025
232. Real Love in the Real Hard: Parenting Through the Struggles
May 29, 2025
231. Holding It Together: When the Brain Can’t Hold On
May 22, 2025
230. The Unspoken Dynamic in Autism Families; Are They Helping Or Carrying Too Much
May 15, 2025
229. Stuck on Repeat: Understanding Perseveration in Autism
May 08, 2025
228. The Real-World Classroom: Preparing Our Kids for Life, Not Just School
May 01, 2025
227. They're Not Ignoring You; It's a Skill Gap
Apr 24, 2025
226. Tantrums, Emotional Dysregulation & Meltdowns; What’s Really Going On
Apr 17, 2025
225. Autism Isn’t a Bad Word; Unless We Make It One
Apr 10, 2025
224. The Gut-Brain Connection; The Hidden Culprit
Apr 03, 2025
223. When One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Parenting Autistic Siblings
Mar 27, 2025
222. Locked Pantries & Naked Kids: Autism Parenting Chronicles
Mar 20, 2025
221. When Behavior Speak; Medical Insights Into Autism Aggression
Mar 13, 2025
220. Surviving the Time Change; Spring Forward Without The Stress
Mar 04, 2025
219. How to Avoid Holding Your Child Back (Without Even Realizing It)
Feb 27, 2025
218. Planning for the Unplanned: A Legacy of Care
Feb 20, 2025
217. Your Words Matter; Raising Resilient Kids
Feb 13, 2025
216. Defiance Without Drama; Winning the Parenting Game
Feb 06, 2025
215. The Inclusion Debate: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why It Matters
Jan 30, 2025
214. Finding Common Ground; Advocating Without Fighting
Jan 23, 2025
213. Creating Safe Spaces: Breaking Down Stress at School
Jan 16, 2025
212: When Progress Pauses; Regression 101
Jan 09, 2025
211. New Year, Same Us: Building Strength for the Road Ahead
Jan 02, 2025
210: Navigating Resistance and Opposition (Part 2)
Dec 26, 2024
209. Why Uncertainty Triggers Meltdowns: Understanding Escalating Behaviors (Part 1)
Dec 19, 2024
208. The Perfect Mom Myth; It's a Balancing Act
Dec 12, 2024
207. The Behavior Puzzle; Grace Under Pressure
Dec 05, 2024
206. Clingy or Cautious? Decoding the Mixed Signals of Touch
Nov 21, 2024
205. When the World Gets Loud; Managing Vocal Stimming
Nov 14, 2024
204. Finding Flexibility in a World of Rigid Thinking
Nov 07, 2024
203. Unlocking Motivation: Teaching Kids on the Spectrum
Oct 31, 2024
202. Strength in Knowing: Why Self-Awareness Matters
Oct 24, 2024
201. Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids Back
Oct 17, 2024
200. Milestone Moment; Thriving Amidst the Chaos
Oct 10, 2024
199. Fast Emotions; A Guide to Regulating Intensity
Oct 03, 2024
198. Reading the Room; Why They Don’t “Get It”
Sep 26, 2024
197. When Curiosity Crosses the Line; Navigating Sexual Boundaries
Sep 19, 2024
196. The Social Side of Autism: Myths, Facts, and Reality
Sep 12, 2024
195. Changing the Narrative; How Focus Impacts Behavior
Sep 05, 2024
194. Regression Roadmap; What it Means & How to Cope
Aug 29, 2024
193. Manic Moments; High Energy in Autism
Aug 22, 2024
192. Beyond the Surface; Understanding Autism's Diversity
Aug 15, 2024
191. Unlocking The Mystery; Decoding Splinter Skills
Aug 08, 2024
BEST OF Summer Series - Disconnect to Reconnect; The Impact of Screen Addiction
Aug 01, 2024
BEST OF Summer Series - In Sync Parenting; Two Perspectives, One Goal
Jul 25, 2024
BEST OF Summer Series - Social Expectations vs Autism Reality
Jul 18, 2024
BEST OF Summer Series - Slow Processing Impacts Everyday Life
Jul 11, 2024
BEST OF Summer Series - Perseveration Puzzle; Helping Your Child Shift Gears
Jul 04, 2024
190. High Functioning, Low Functioning: What Do They Really Mean?
Jun 27, 2024
189. Breaking the Cycle; Managing Explosive Behavior
Jun 20, 2024
188. Out and About; Mastering Public Outings
Jun 13, 2024
187. The Gaming Guide: Easing Video Game Stress
Jun 06, 2024
186. Unexpected Blessings; Living Alongside Autism
May 30, 2024
185. Autism in Action; Meltdowns and Shutdowns
May 23, 2024
184. Independence Matters; Beyond Limits
May 16, 2024
183. Navigating the Ripple Effect; Life Beyond the Diagnosis
May 09, 2024
182. To Tell or Not to Tell; The Autism Disclosure Dilemma
May 02, 2024
181. Impulse IQ: The Maze of Impulsivity in Autism
Apr 25, 2024
180. Two Worlds Collide; Emotions and Facts
Apr 18, 2024
179. Stress-Free Strategies ; Mastering the Seven Stressors
Apr 11, 2024
178. PDA Realities; Decoding Your Child's Behavior
Apr 04, 2024
177. From Anxious to Assured; The Q & A Maze
Mar 28, 2024
176. Discovering Unique Paths; Navigating the Social Dance
Mar 21, 2024
175. Inside Out; Navigating the World of Self Injury
Mar 14, 2024
174. Unwrapping the Rule Book; Strategies for Discipline
Mar 07, 2024
173. Front Seat Chronicles; Your Passengers Matter
Feb 29, 2024
172. Spectrum Spotlight; Dignity and Self-Awareness
Feb 22, 2024
171. Jumpstart Participation; Motivating the Unmotivated
Feb 15, 2024
170. The Ripple Effect; Skill Building Secrets
Feb 08, 2024
169. The Social Playbook; Teaching Children with Autism to Think Socially
Feb 01, 2024
168. Navigating the Autistic Brain; A Complex Journey
Jan 30, 2024
160. Autism, Sleep and You; Dreaming of Solutions
Jan 21, 2024
167. Dare to be Different; Autism without Conformity
Jan 18, 2024
166. Perseveration Puzzle; Helping Your Child Shift Gears
Jan 11, 2024
165. Confidence in Uncertainty; Finding Strength in the Unknown
Jan 04, 2024
164. In Sync Parenting; Two Perspectives, One Goal
Dec 28, 2023
163. Less Stress, More Joy; Navigating the Season
Dec 21, 2023
162. From Silence to Celebration; A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Dec 14, 2023
161. The Resilient Parent: Reframing the Journey
Dec 07, 2023
A Thanksgiving Message; With Love and Gratitude
Nov 23, 2023
159. Autism on the Go; Navigating Through Chaos
Nov 16, 2023
158. Navigating Hygiene Struggles: Path to Cleanliness
Nov 09, 2023
157. Reframing Defeat; Progress is Closer Than You Think
Nov 02, 2023
156. Disconnect to Reconnect; The Impact of Screen Addiction
Oct 26, 2023
155. Our Stories are Similar, Yet Different; Real Moms Living Life
Oct 19, 2023
154. Behind Closed Doors; Finding Hope in Motherhood
Oct 12, 2023
153. Calm Kids, Happy Homes: Mastering After-School Transitions
Oct 05, 2023
152. Moving from "Why Me?" to "What Now?"
Sep 28, 2023
151. Beyond the Noise; Tuning Into Autism
Sep 21, 2023
150. From Struggles to Strength; Relationship Survival Guide
Sep 14, 2023
149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone
Sep 07, 2023
148. Shifting Perspective; Looking Through A Different Lens
Aug 31, 2023
147. When Words Take Flight; The Fascinating World of Verbal Stimming
Aug 24, 2023
146. The Myth of "One Day"; Spectrum of Strengths
Aug 17, 2023
145. Differently Wired; A Glimpse into Autism Parenting
Aug 10, 2023
144. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] From Worries to Wins; Preparing for the New School Year
Aug 03, 2023
143. Social Expectations vs Autism Reality
Jul 27, 2023
142. Embrace the Spectrum; From Knowing to Acceptance
Jul 20, 2023
141. The Lying Paradox: Exploring Truth & Autism
Jul 13, 2023
"BEST OF" Summer Series - Ripping the Band-Aid Off on Electronics
Jul 06, 2023
“BEST OF” SUMMER SERIES - Rigid Thinking and the Inability to be Flexible
Jun 29, 2023
"BEST OF" SUMMER SERIES - What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean
Jun 22, 2023
"BEST OF" SUMMER SERIES - Autism vs Autistic; A Mother's Perspective
Jun 15, 2023
140. Unleashing Potential; Believing in the Possibilities
Jun 08, 2023
139. Summer Survival. Successfully Navigating Summer
Jun 01, 2023
138. Understanding and Addressing Toe Walking
May 25, 2023
137. Explaining our Children's Differences
May 18, 2023
136. The Truth about Being "Triggered"
May 11, 2023
135. Having Language vs Using Language. There is a Difference.
May 04, 2023
134. Food and Body Awareness
Apr 27, 2023
133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence
Apr 20, 2023
132. The Dreaded "P" Word
Apr 13, 2023
131. The Unpleasantries of Transitions
Apr 06, 2023
130. What is your Story about your Life?
Mar 30, 2023
129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors
Mar 23, 2023
128. Hold that Thought. Easier Said than Done
Mar 16, 2023
127. Seeing the Forest through the Trees
Mar 09, 2023
126. I Know you have Asked … Is it their Autism or ?
Mar 02, 2023
125. Increase Positive Social Interactions Teaching Problem Solving
Feb 23, 2023
124. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] What to do When They Say No
Feb 16, 2023
123. Why our Kids Playtime might Look Different
Feb 09, 2023
122. It Happens, You are Human
Feb 02, 2023
121. What we Do with What we Hear
Jan 26, 2023
120. Our Relationship with our Autistic Children
Jan 19, 2023
119. Sibling Talk with Maddie
Jan 12, 2023
118. Support isn’t Optional, it is Essential
Jan 05, 2023
117. Let's Dump the Mom Guilt
Dec 29, 2022
116. Relationship Challenges when Parenting an Autistic Child
Dec 22, 2022
115. Judgment and Parent Shaming
Dec 15, 2022
114. The Holidays Look Different in our House
Dec 08, 2022
113. Helpful Holiday Reminders
Dec 01, 2022
112. Special Education Edition
Nov 17, 2022
111. Experiencing Loss and Grief
Nov 10, 2022
110. Have you ever Secretly Hated Autism?
Oct 27, 2022
109. Why Waiting is So Difficult
Oct 20, 2022
108. How Life was Supposed to Go
Oct 13, 2022
107. Where You Get Information Does Matter
Oct 06, 2022
106. The Way it Feels DOES Matter
Sep 29, 2022
105. When Your Child Reads Early
Sep 22, 2022
104. Focusing on Your Child's Strengths
Sep 15, 2022
103. The Never-Ending Questions on Repeat
Sep 08, 2022
102. Special Needs, Escaping the Stigma
Sep 01, 2022
101. Giving them their Voice
Aug 25, 2022
100. Lessons I have Learned Along our Journey
Aug 18, 2022
99. Collaboration for Success in the Classroom
Aug 11, 2022
98. Chaos Happens. It is Part of the Journey for Most of Us.
Aug 04, 2022
97. Strategies for Deficits in Executive Functioning
Jul 28, 2022
96. Our Parenting Journey IS Different
Jul 21, 2022
95. Your Child Refusing to Cooperate
Jul 14, 2022
94. Not All Autism is the Same
Jul 07, 2022
93. When your Autistic Child isn't your Only Child
Jun 30, 2022
92. Slow Processing Impacts Everyday Life
Jun 23, 2022
91. Exploring Tic Disorder and Tourette Syndrome
Jun 16, 2022
90. The Many Negative Impacts of Yelling
Jun 09, 2022
89. Calming Down BIG Emotions
Jun 02, 2022
88. Social Awkwardness
May 26, 2022
87. The Retention Dilemma
May 19, 2022
86. Understanding Commonalities of Dyspraxia and Autism
May 12, 2022
85. Understanding Pragmatic Language
May 05, 2022
84. Helping them Find their way in Relationships and Dating
Apr 28, 2022
83. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] Assessing Your Child's IEP
Apr 21, 2022
82. Relationship Dynamics in the Teen Years
Apr 14, 2022
81. Toe Walking and Autism
Apr 07, 2022
80. Today I am Talking Labels
Mar 31, 2022
79. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] Uncharted Territory in Special Education
Mar 24, 2022
78. Having an Autistic Child is on the Rise
Mar 17, 2022
77. It's Only 1-Hour, What's the Big Deal?
Mar 10, 2022
76. Should I Pursue an Autism Diagnosis?
Mar 03, 2022
75. The Taboo Topic of Self-Injurious Behaviors
Feb 24, 2022
74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time
Feb 17, 2022
73. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] Let's Clear up the Confusion about Category of Eligibility
Feb 10, 2022
72. Ripping the Band Aid Off on Electronics
Feb 03, 2022
71. Worry is Not a Requirement
Jan 27, 2022
70. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean?
Jan 20, 2022
69. Searching for Answers in our Autism Parenting World
Jan 13, 2022
68. Consistency is Key in our Parenting
Jan 06, 2022
67. Changing your Script in the New Year
Dec 30, 2021
66. Our Families and the Holidays
Dec 16, 2021
65. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] What you need to know about about ESY (Extended School Year) Eligibility
Dec 09, 2021
64. Self-Injurious Behaviors & Autism
Dec 02, 2021
63. Effective Communication is Critical in Special Education
Nov 18, 2021
62. Potty Training 101
Nov 11, 2021
61. One of our Biggest Fears & Keeping our Kids Safe.
Nov 04, 2021
60. The MOST IMPORTANT Relationship in your Autism Parenting Journey
Oct 28, 2021
59. Making Difficult Decisions and More
Oct 21, 2021
58. Tackling Challenging Behavior with Positive Interventions
Oct 14, 2021
57. The Benefits of Setting Boundaries
Oct 07, 2021
56. Pushing the Boundaries of Routine Matters
Sep 30, 2021
55. Functional Skills and a Functional Curriculum
Sep 23, 2021
54. Understanding Memory in Autism
Sep 16, 2021
53. Rigid Thinking and the Inability to be Flexible
Sep 09, 2021
52. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] Strategies for Academic Success along your Educational Path
Sep 02, 2021
51. Tantrums are Common and Meltdowns are Inevitable
Aug 26, 2021
50. Are your Expectations too High or too Low?
Aug 19, 2021
49. School Refusal and Strategies to Overcome
Aug 12, 2021
48. Differentiating a Speech Delay and/or Autism
Aug 05, 2021
47. Keys to Success in the New School Year
Jul 29, 2021
46. Why Conversations are just HARD
Jul 22, 2021
45. Strategies for Talking about Tragedy and Death
Jul 15, 2021
44. Building a Better Connection with your Child
Jul 08, 2021
43. Diving into the Challenges of Communication
Jul 01, 2021
42. Making the Guardianship Decision
Jun 24, 2021
41. Emotional Ups and Downs of Raising a Child with Autism
Jun 17, 2021
40. The Impact of Mind Blindness
Jun 10, 2021
39. OCD or OCPD and Autism
Jun 03, 2021
38. Emotional Dysregulation and the Challenges that come with it
May 27, 2021
37. Answering your Most Asked Questions about IEP Meetings
Apr 29, 2021
36. Autism vs Autistic, A Mom's Perspective
Apr 22, 2021
35. Early Intervention and and IFSP Explained
Apr 15, 2021
34. How do you Share your Child's Autism Diagnosis
Apr 08, 2021
33. Having the "Autism Talk" with your Child
Apr 01, 2021
32. What is an FBA and Why Your Child Might Need One
Mar 25, 2021
31. Are You Dealing with an Angry Child?
Mar 18, 2021
30. The Eligibility Determination Meeting & the Differences of a 504 Plan and an IEP
Mar 11, 2021
29. The Evaluation Process of Special Education
Mar 04, 2021
28. Let's Talk Autism in Girls
Feb 25, 2021
27. Special Education Things That You Should Know
Feb 18, 2021
26. Sleep Struggles are Common in our World
Feb 11, 2021
25. What You Might Not Know About Echolalia
Jan 28, 2021
24. STOP Taking Other People's Opinions Personally
Jan 14, 2021
23. What Kind of Mom do you Want to Be?
Dec 31, 2020
22. Why Does my Child Bite & What Can I do About It?
Dec 17, 2020
21. Things That YOU Can Do to Make Your Autistic Child's Life Easier
Dec 03, 2020
20. - Independent Living Skills are SO IMPORTANT. Do you DO too much?
Nov 19, 2020
19. - The Decision of Public School or ABA Therapy or Specialty School
Nov 05, 2020
18 - Correcting Behaviors and Consequences
Oct 22, 2020
17. - What is an IEP and the Importance of the Present Level Statement
Oct 08, 2020
16. - Autism and Impulse Control
Sep 24, 2020
15. - Autism DOES make Parenting Different
Sep 10, 2020
14 - Autism is not a Choice
Aug 27, 2020
13. - Stimming in Autism
Aug 20, 2020
12. - Immunity Health and Supplements
Aug 13, 2020
11. - Navigating Through this Year of Disruption 2020
Aug 06, 2020
10. - Autism and Sibling Relationships
Jul 30, 2020
9. - You got the Autism diagnosis, now what?
Jul 23, 2020
8. - Don't Ever Rely 100% on What THEY Say...
Jul 16, 2020
7. - Electronics and the Benefits of Setting Screen Time Limits
May 14, 2020
6. - Safety, Judgement and Protecting your Child with Autism
May 07, 2020
5. - Knowing When to Accept Good Enough
Apr 30, 2020
4. - Not your Ordinary House
Apr 23, 2020
3. - Holidays and Physical Distancing during Covid-19
Apr 16, 2020
2. - 23 Years & Counting...
Apr 09, 2020
Introduction Episode
Apr 02, 2020