NeurOrdinary

Ever feel like meditation just isn’t made for your kind of brain, or your kind of life? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the biggest myths that make meditation feel impossible for neurodivergent and autism parents… And I offer a gentler, more realistic way to make mindfulness and meditation work in your real life. We’re talking about what meditation looks like when your...

Welcoming you to a brand new episode of NeurOrdinary! In this one, I’m getting really real about what it’s like to parent an autistic or disabled child when things feel extra uncertain, especially with all the recent talk about changes to disability funding and support services. This episode is all about finding ways to stay steady and resilient when the world feels shaky. I walk you through pract...

Hey there! In this episode of NeurOrdinary, I dive into the ripple effect of self-care and why it's not just about pampering yourself—it's a game changer for your whole family. As a self-care and resilience coach, I know how challenging it can be to find time for yourself, especially when you're navigating parenting and neurodivergence. We start with why self-care isn't selfish but essential.  You...

Hey there, welcome to another episode of NeurOrdinary! Today, we’re diving into a question I hear all the time: How do you recharge after a meltdown? Whether it’s your child’s or, let’s be honest, your own, meltdowns can leave you feeling utterly drained. But recovery is just as crucial as surviving the meltdown itself. In this episode, I talk about five practical strategies to reset and recover—o...

Hey there, it's Karen Kossow, your self-care and resilience coach, welcoming you back to another episode of NeurOrdinary. In this week's chat, we're diving into a topic that hits home for so many parents out there—those tough days where nothing seems to go right, and your patience feels like it's on fumes. Trust me, I've been there! This episode is all about giving yourself per...

Hey there! In this episode of NeurOrdinary, I'm diving into a topic that's difficult for many neurodivergent and autism parents: self-care. As a self-care and resilience coach, I'm here to remind you that taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. Parenting can feel like juggling a million things, and the guilt of stepping away for a breather can be overwhelming.  B...

Hey there, it's Karen! Welcome to another episode of the NeurOrdinary podcast. If you're anything like me, constantly juggling caregiving and endless appointments, it might feel like finding time for yourself is a mythical creature. But hold on, because I've got some tips for squeezing in a bit of self-care without needing a full day at the spa. In this episode, I share three strategie...

Hey there, it's Karen! In this episode of the NeurOrdinary podcast, I dove into one of the trickiest questions we autism parents face: “How do I find time for myself when my child needs constant attention?” Trust me, you're not alone if you've struggled with this. I started by addressing the emotional hurdles we often face—guilt, frustration, and that constant feeling of being stretched too thin....

Hey there, it's Karen. In this episode of NeurOrdinary, I dive into the critical topic of self-care, especially for us neurospicy autism parents. I know firsthand how it feels to run on empty while juggling parenting, work, and everything in between. If you've ever thought, "Self-care? That's a luxury I can't afford," this one's for you. We start by unpacking why self...

Hey, it’s Karen! Thanks for joining me for another episode of NeurOrdinary. Today, we're diving into a topic really close to my heart: resilience. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a neurospicy or autism parent juggling therapy appointments, meltdowns, and everyday tasks, this episode is for you. I get how chaotic life can feel! We start by debunking the myth that resilience means being u...

Welcome to the NeurOrdinary podcast, where we explore practical, actionable self-care and resilience strategies for autism parents. In today's episode, resilience coach and neurodivergent autism parent Karen Kossow delves into small, effective self-care strategies that can fit into even the busiest of days. Episode Highlights: Reset Breath - A quick grounding tool for stressful moments. Micro Medi...

On this week's episode of NeurOrdinary, we're diving into how you can navigate the holiday season as an autism parent, with less stress and more self-care. We all know this time of year brings unique challenges, and we're here to explore some strategies to not just survive, but thrive during the hectic holiday season. We start by tackling one of the most significant stressors for us, a...

Welcome to this special episode of NeurOrdinary, where I'm excited to share my favorite tips and tricks on how you can craft autism-friendly holiday traditions. As a mom to two wonderful neurospicy autistic kiddos, I understand the mix of excitement and stress that the holidays can bring, especially for families like ours. In today's episode, I'll share practical tips for making holida...

Hey there, lovely listeners! In this episode of NeuroOrdinary, we delve into the sometimes overlooked topic of cultivating emotional resilience in autism parenting.  As a parent to two amazingly autistic kiddos, I understand the unique challenges we face and the importance of building our own resilience toolkit. Join me as we explore the significance of emotional resilience and how it serves as ou...

Hey there! Welcome to the NeurOrdinary podcast. I'm your host, Karen, a mom to two amazingly autistic kiddos. In this episode, we're diving deep into the theme of gratitude and celebrating the small wins.  As autism parents, we know that our journey can be challenging and overwhelming at times. That's why it's so important we appreciate the little victories along the way. These sma...

In this week's episode of NeurOrdinary, we delved into three important topics for autism parents: resilience, self-care, and personal growth. As a neurospicy autism parent myself, I totally get the challenges we face, and that's exactly why we're exploring these crucial areas together.  First off, we’ll talk all about resilience, which is our ability to bounce back from tough times. I’...

Welcome to NeurOrdinary, the podcast where we explore topics that are close to the hearts of parents raising their neurodiverse kiddos. I'm your host, Karen, a mom to two extraordinary autistic kiddos. As an autism parent, I understand the daily struggles, challenges, and victories that come with raising neurodiverse children.  In today's episode, I dive deep into one of my absolute favori...

Welcome to Episode 014 of NeurOrdinary! I'm Karen Kossow, a neurospicy autism mom, who is no stranger to the unique challenges of autism parenting. In today's episode, we'll talk about some common myths and the societal pressures that compel autism parents to act like “superheroes” who can manage every aspect of our child's life.  But let me share a little secret with you—perfectio...

Hey there! Welcome to NeurOrdinary, the podcast that's all about navigating the unpredictable journey of autism parenting. I'm your host, Karen, a mom to two incredible neurodiverse kiddos. As an autism parent, I understand the challenges we face daily, and I know that sometimes, we just need a safe space to vent, share our experiences, and find support. In our latest episode, we delve int...

Today, we're delving into a topic that's close to my heart – breaking free from the clutches of perfectionism as an autism parent.   Now, I don't just talk the talk; I walk the walk, as a mother of two neurospicy kiddos who've taught me life's beautiful messiness. You see, perfectionism is like that uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. It's the nagging inner voice t...

On episode 11 of NeurOrdinary, we’ll talk tips, strategies, and a bit of heartfelt advice to help strengthen your marriage as you navigate the roles of autism parent and spouse.  Balancing these roles can sometimes feel like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, but fret not…I’m here to help!   Together, we’ll explore how open and honest communication with your partner can create a safe space to sh...

As an autism mom, I understand the overwhelming demands and responsibilities that come with loving and caring for a child on the spectrum. It can often feel like a constant juggling act, trying to balance work, home, and the needs of our amazing children.   In this episode, we talk about how I manage my day-to-day life as a business owner, autism mom, wife, and homeschooler.   We’ll explore the im...

Buckle up, because this one may be a bit controversial….   In this episode, "Why We Don't Do ABA Therapy: An Autism Mom Speaks," I talk about our decision to not pursue Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for our two autistic kids.    I understand that every family's journey with autism is unique, and ABA therapy may have its benefits in certain, limited circumstances, but I...

In this episode of NeurOrdinary, we dive deep into the transformative benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to our lives as autism parents.    We'll discover how developing a nonjudgmental mindset allows us to respond to our children's needs with love and understanding. By cultivating a calm and centered mindset, we create a supportive and loving environment for their growth....

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of educational options and resources for autistic children and how those choices can have a profound impact on their development and well-being.   Join us as we uncover the challenges faced by parents when choosing the most suitable educational environment for their autistic child.    We explore the unique educational needs of autistic children...