Moms Talk Autism Podcast

It’s another Grab Bag today! We polled you guys this week on Instagram to get your questions! (Another reason to chat with us on IG, wink wink…) Here’s what we tackle: Spreading awareness vs being protective of our children’s diagnosis, how do we handle this? How do you handle punishment in your home with your kids? How do we personally handle aggressive behaviors directed towards you? Come and ch...

What!? Wait?! We are talking about one of our very own. It’s a long story but it’s all about the journey, in this case, Jean’s Journey to advocacy, and blossoming into the public education advocate, specifically at the cause of reimagining Special Education. You might want to listen to this in sections. Understandably, Jean, while compelling in facts and passions she shares, distilling it down to...

Today we have an amazing conversation with Dr. Taylor Day. She is a child psychologist and parent coach specializing in autism and neurodivergent care and today joins Jean & Shannon for  a special episode. In this episode we cover a lot and it may even double as an actual therapy session for all three ladies, as we have a very powerful discussion. Join us as we discuss:  Some comorbidities of auti...

Sharon Peddie is an occupational therapist that works in her local school district and private practice. Her experience in both of these fields offers her a unique perspective on the importance of OT in all aspects of a person’s life. Different strategies and techniques are used depending on the environment. Seems obvious, but not everyone views therapy that way. Favorite takeaway from this episod...

Today’s show is all about homeschooling! We chat with Manisha Snoyer of Teach your Kids about the different ways that you can educate your children while thinking outside of the box. We discuss curriculum, what a day in the life of homeschool can look like, and where you can find more support and information if it’s something that you are considering for your kiddos! While the four of us don’t hom...

We have an AMAZING one for you today! Little warning.. the tears start early, at the 6 minute mark! It’s not sad, it's heartwarming. Its emotion evoking. And so thoughtful.  Today we talk about what it's like to be a sibling to an autistic individual. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mollie Garre, who is the daughter of previous guest, Monica Meyers (amongst many other things, she’s also an in...

Can you believe it?! We are officially in 2024. Today we got together to discuss our vision for the upcoming year, personal, professional, and podcast! 2023 was quite the year for the 4 of us; many lessons learned. We are taking those lessons into this year and want to share with you what that means for us! From growing in our advocacy, to growing through a divorce, to learning to SLOW DOWN.. we t...

Another year has come and gone… 2023 has had many ups and downs for each of us personally. We touch on the highs and lows, as well as talk about our favorite podcast memories over the last 12 months.  Most importantly of all, we are so grateful to have YOU here with us this year. We hope this podcast continues to be an avenue to feel connected, maybe learn a thing or two, and laugh at our ridiculo...

It can feel like keeping our kids safe is a moving target. Just when we think we have it figured out, something new pops up that we have to problem-solve. If you’re anything like us, it’s one of your biggest worries. Today, Jay and Shannon discuss all of the safety precautions they have taken in and around their home to keep Gracie safe and help limit the stress that we feel on a daily basis.  Tak...

In today's episode, we bring you another incredible community member. We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with June Bunn or as I've been calling her, “Mama June”! June shares all about her journey in raising Adrienne, her daughter who is on the autism spectrum. With a diagnosis that was given or more “fought for” in the year 2008 a time where there truly was no support medically or ed...

From meeting her husband on the Fiddler on the Roof national tour to starting their family together and having two amazing boys, Colleen discusses her journey through Autism and Down Syndrome diagnoses. We talk about the feeling of being blindsided by multiple health issues with her sons Eli and Luke.  Colleen walks us through their journey and discusses all that she’s learning, including the seem...

This episode is about suicide and suicide prevention. We feel strongly this is a topic we all need to be aware of and educated about, particularly as it relates to parenting neurodivergent children. If you or someone you love needs to seek help, the US Suicide Hotline for calling and texting is 988, available 24/7. A quick Google Search will bring up any other country’s hotline as well as multiple...

All of us girls on the pod follow Mama Fry! This was such a great conversation about the ins and outs of raising an adult son with autism. We talked a little about her journey with her son as he grew up, but really focused on what the transition to adulthood looks like. What does it look like when our kiddos turn 18? If you’re concerned about what adulthood looks like, conservatorship, etc., tune...

Lots of great questions from our listeners this week. These are some of our favorite episodes to record, we love hearing from and talking about the subjects that are most important to you. This week, we touched on a wide variety of topics: Puberty and Hygiene Medical-grade strollers and equipment Chiropractic care Aggression Friendships with Typical Families Potty Training Supporting Friends Emoti...

In this episode, we continue with part two of Monica’s story. This episode details a little more of what the future planning for Michael looks like along with Monica and what she is moving into career-wise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode starts us with part one of this two-part series. We sat down to chat with the lovely Monica Meyers, a community member, advocate, and trailblazer to this community in the state of Washington. Monica shares her experience not only with her son's diagnosis that came in a time of no internet but also the courageous amount of advocacy she's done for not only her son but the autistic co...

We holiday OUR way. Join us for a discussion on the many ways the holidays can look, but mostly feel, and how we have navigated that. There is a build-up of hyperintense emotions and activities around these times, no matter the holiday or culture; nuances that don’t become apparent until you are faced with the realities of having an autistic or neurodivergent child. We talk about the different set...

We are halfway through school this semester and wanted to do a little check-in. We discuss each of our kids’ progress and the challenges that we are facing this year in school. Overall, we are all doing pretty well, but that doesn’t negate the fact that we still worry. It’s a lot and we know you get it too. We mentioned a book and documentary that has come out recently and is available in the US a...

Today Tash & Shannon sit down with Eileen Youngberg, an Assistant Program Manager from Trillium Employment Services. Trillium is a non-profit organization based in Washington State. We dive deep into not only the work Eileen does but also the importance of why we need to be advocating and pushing for our kids as they are leaving the transition programs from high school to finding a place in the wo...

Come join us! Today we are talking about our community and defining the very pillar of why we exist as a podcast and community. Peer-to-Peer support can be defined as a person who belongs to the same group or shares the same lived experience. In contrast to mentorship where help is provided by an expert, in peer-to-peer support ALL peers are equally qualified. 3 Key Principles of Peer Support: res...

In this next installment with Bre Gastaldi, Inclusive Education Consultant & Educator, we learn about the actionable steps that need to be taken at large as well as day-to-day. The goal is to make huge systemic shifts in education and it takes all of us adopting a core set of beliefs and values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Today we learn and discuss how people and institutions hold their own definition of what real inclusion means. We brought on Bre Gestaldi, an Inclusion Education Consultant & Educator, to break down the “What” + “Why” of what inclusive education REALLY is. Facts + links provided in the episode: Research reasons - No studies conducted since the late 1970s have shown an academic advantage for st...

Making connections with others can be very daunting, especially for special needs families. Where do you even start? We are so pleased to share our chat with Sarah Watkins, from AUsome Sauce, a non-profit organization based in Southern California, who saw a problem in her area and decided to do something about it. Sarah shares about her own family, what AUsome Sauce is all about, and ways that you...

Today, we’re talking tics, involuntary movements, stimming, and other repetitive behaviors. What are they and how do we experience them in our own households, it’s quite the ride.  Tics and other stimming behaviors are very common among autistic individuals. Sometimes they are very self-soothing and can really help someone feel grounded and regulated. We fully support this for our kids and others....

This episode is all about us ladies and some random facts! We love to have these episodes to not only share some personal stuff about us crazy girls but to also bring some fun lighthearted laughter to your week once in a while! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.