Just Shae and Friends

This episode is for parents who can’t relax. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t turn your head for even a second without something going wrong, this chapter will feel familiar. I talk about raising my autistic son during a season of constant movement and elopement. The fear underneath the running. The hypervigilance nobody took seriously. And what it does to your body when you’re always in prot...

This episode is the first chapter of my memoir, told out loud. When my kids came back to live with me, my son Ste’ce was six, in pull-ups, nonverbal, and already diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. I didn’t understand what that meant yet. Not because nobody told me, but because I was overwhelmed, surviving, and didn’t have the language for what was happening in my own body. In th...

Repetitive behaviors like throwing aren’t always random or defiant. Sometimes they serve a purpose, especially during moments that require focus or regulation. In this episode, I talk through why simply stopping a behavior can increase stress, how replacement behaviors can support safety and regulation, and what questions parents can bring to their BCBA or therapist to better understand the “why”...

In this episode, I talk about the popular “autism detox” trends—what they are, where the idea came from, and why I chose a different path for my son. I break down the difference between social-media detox routines and medical chelation therapy, explain what the research actually says, and share what supported my son’s progress in a real, practical way. I also explore the pressure parents feel to “...

What do you do when your autistic child refuses to eat — or only eats the same three things? In this episode, I share how my son, Ste’ce, went from picky plates to loving food, without pressure or force. From babyhood dinners with our big cultural “village buffet” to the green bean trauma that taught me what not to do — this episode breaks down sensory challenges, real-life parenting lessons, and...

Ever feel like you already know what your child is saying without words? That’s not magic — that’s mom intuition. In this episode, I share how I turned that gift into real communication practice with my son. We’ll talk about: • Different ways nonverbal kids communicate • How to turn silent signals into device use • The role of consistency and patience • Why your child’s AAC device is more than a g...

When my autistic son had a meltdown on camera and later apologized, people assumed I didn’t discipline him. Let’s clear that up. In this episode, I break down what an autistic meltdown really is, why discipline has to wait until calm returns, and how to respond in ways that actually help. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, partner, or friend, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what’s...

Some kids won’t sleep in their own bed… others dismantle it like it’s their part-time job. In this episode of Just Shae and Friends , I share my experience with my son Ste’ce (yes, he took his bed apart too), along with strategies I’ve learned from ABA training and my RBT sister. We’ll talk about: Why kids resist their bed or destroy it (sensory, escape, attention, or comfort issues) Safety-first...

Hitting can be one of the toughest moments to handle as a parent—especially when your child is autistic and struggling to communicate. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from ABA training and from my sister, who’s an RBT, about keeping yourself safe and helping your child find safer ways to express themselves. I haven’t experienced this personally with my son, but these tips can help you p...