Not Your Average Autism Mom

This is a HOT topic in the autism world today.  Autism diagnosis or being autistic.   Puzzle piece or no puzzle piece.   Our company name, Not Your Average Autism Mom, and what our values and beliefs are. Who we are and what we do and do not do as a growing company in the autism community.   Do you believe that the medical professionals and certain autism organizations are harm...

If you are concerned about your child’s development or suspect that your little one may have a disability, this episode is for you! There is actually so much to know about early intervention. HOW your child would qualify for an IFSP? Each state has specific guidelines for the IFSP What can you expect to be included in an IFSP? The differences between an IFSP and an IEP What types of services can b...

This is actually one of the biggest questions moms have after getting their child’s autism diagnosis. Who should know and why? In this episode, I am talking about why, when, how, and with who you should share the diagnosis? Autism is something that more and more people are aware of, but there is still a lot of misleading information out there. Your family and friends may not know what it means or...

In today's episode, I give you some insight into having "the talk" with your child about their autism diagnosis.  I give you some of the signs that you may see that will tell you, it might be time.   These conversations are as individual as your child but the most important thing is to assure them that getting a diagnosis does not change who they are, everyone loves them the same, all it...

If your student's behaviors are interfering with their success in the educational setting, an FBA might be just what they need.  An FBA is a behavioral assessment used to track data to figure out why a student acts a certain way. In the assessment, the goal is to determine what is behind the behavior which you might hear referred to as the “function of the behavior” and what purpose that beha...

In this episode, I talk about all things behavior.  You are not alone.   Behavior challenges are among the biggest struggles reported by parents raising a child with autism.  If you're like me and maybe have never heard of anger rumination, I'll explain what it is and how it might be impacting your child.   I'll also give you strategies that you can use when you are in the mome...

The requested evaluations are completed and the school calls you to schedule the meeting.  What Now?     In this episode, I walk you through the things you need to know about this process.  What your expectations should and should not be. I review the purpose and explanation of both a 504 Plan and an IEP and tell you things that you may hear and what you should always do.&...

In today's episode, I walk you through the process of getting your child evaluated for Special Education services.  No, your child does not have to be school-age before getting evaluated.   I talk in detail about what to expect as well as going into detail into the available evaluations, what they are specifically for, and the importance of requesting them.   In addition, I give you...

This week, we are giving our moms of girls some extra well-deserved attention and talking all things autism in girls.  I address some of the reasons why they are oftentimes under-diagnosed and how their brains may actually differ.   I talk about things to look for early on as well as what to be mindful of as they grow into their teenage years and beyond. We want to give our moms of girls...

Special Education is a great unknown for so many parents.  Years ago, special education meant a separate classroom for special students of varying physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. But now, special education is integrated more than ever before and it is constantly changing. I want you to know is that Special Education is for any student who requires additional support and services...

You are not alone! In this episode, I talk about things that you may be dealing with when it comes to getting your little one (or bigger one) to fall asleep or stay asleep.  Things that you may be doing or not doing that could be impacting them getting a good night's sleep.   Want to know more: www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

In this episode, I talk in detail about echolalia.  The two different ways echolalia presents itself and when it should become a concern.   Figuring out the meaning behind echolalia can be tricky but with a little detective work, it is possible.  

In this episode, I talk about the fact that you have the choice to believe or not believe anyone else's opinion.  Along your autism journey, you will likely come in contact with people who will have an opinion, or who will do or say something that you don't agree with.  When that happens, you have a choice to believe them or not.  Your thoughts about what they do or say are what cre...

In this episode, I talk about all of the judgments we place on ourselves about being a Mom.  How we never feel like we measure up and other moms are doing so much better than we are.  Why your thoughts of feeling overwhelmed and that you simply just can't do it are not serving you and what you can do to change those thoughts.   Just imagine what it would feel like if you actually to...

In this episode, I talk about the many reasons a child may bite, and trust me there are many.  I give you things to ask yourself and to consider when you are trying to figure out why they are biting.   I share with you techniques and strategies for you to use and try as you become focused,  consistent, and persistent in getting past this very difficult behavior.  

In this episode, I talk about some things that are kind of off the beaten path of our journey and not always addressed so you may not realize some of them and how they might impact your child every day.   Things like face-blindness and tone of voice just to name a couple of them.  

In this episode, I discuss all of the different ways that you can begin to include and teach your child to be more independent in everyday living skills.  I encourage you to start now and don't wait.  To start a journal of what you "do" for them each day and then decide which things you can begin to include them in each and every day.  Doing this will not only help their executive f...

In this episode, I talk about the advantages and disadvantages to both options. There are no clear choices, it is solely a family decision. The question becomes what setting would be more beneficial to your child where they are right now based on what their immediate need is. Making that a priority will ultimately determine which option is best suited for them at this time.

In this episode, I talk about the steps to correcting negative behaviors, goals of consequences and giving choices when saying no to non-preferred activities is their "go-to".   You don't have to accept no for an answer if you don't give them that option and it makes everything easier along the way.  

In today's episode, I talk about what an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is, who develops it, and what it must include according to special education law.  Additionally, I discuss the importance of what a Present Level Statement is and what it should include so that the IEP is appropriately written to outline the student's special education needs.  

One of the biggest concerns of moms like you and me is our child's lack of impulse control.   In this episode, I talk about what that looks like and how it might be impacting you and your family and strategies to use to practice this skill.  It will be an ongoing process of practice over and over for years to come and the earlier you start the better the outcome will be.   It isn't...

In this episode, I address many of the ways that make parenting an Autistic child different than parenting a "typical" child.  I talk about judgment from other moms and things that you should be thinking about and doing differently when parenting your child with Autism. I also share encouragement to know that what you are doing is enough.  

Today I talk about the fact that Autism is not a "lifestyle" despite the fact that many adults are self-diagnosing themselves as Autistic based on their individual traits.  I also dive into a diagnosis and what it all means and the emotions that go along with it.  

In this episode, I dive into what stimming means, what it is,  why they do it and strategies that you can use to address it.   Believe it or not, we ALL stim, in one way or another, it is not exclusive to Autistic individuals.   There are 6 different types of Stimming that I review in detail and I also talk about things that you can try to diminish the stimming depending on which ty...

In this episode, I talk about giving yourself the opportunity to research and try supplements that may be beneficial for your child. Be open to the possibilities. Research suggests that many children with Autism have reduced immune system regulation.  I share with you our personal experiences with supplements and talk about some uncomfortable things that I don't talk openly about in the outsi...