Not Your Average Autism Mom

Pragmatic language is about more than just talking—it’s the invisible set of social rules that help conversations flow and relationships grow. For children on the spectrum, these skills can be tricky, but they’re also essential, especially as they move from elementary into middle school. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon explains what pragmatic language really mea...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about the long game of independence and why the little skills your child learns today matter so much for their future. Letting go isn’t easy, but when you nurture their confidence through small, everyday moments, you’re laying the foundation for big freedoms later on. Shannon also unpacks the difference between paren...

Letting go is one of the hardest things we face as moms, and when you’re raising a child on the spectrum, it often feels impossible. In this episode, Shannon opens up about her own struggles with overprotection—why she did too much for too long, and how it actually stalled Jordan’s independence. She explains why stepping back, even when it feels uncomfortable, is one of the greatest gifts you can...

Struggle isn’t something most moms want to see theirkids go through — but what if I told you that safe struggles are one of the greatest gifts you can give your child? In this episode, I’m breaking down why stepping back(instead of swooping in) matters so much for kids on the spectrum. You’ll also hear a few Jordan stories that show how these lessons play out in real life. If you’ve been caught in...

In this special Listener Q & A episode, Shannon answers real questions from moms, a grandmother, a para, and even a special education teacher. From after-school meltdowns and silent shutdowns to IEP meetings, repetitive questions, friendships, independence, and handling judgment in public — these are the real struggles happening in homes just like yours. You’ll hear practical strategies, the e...

Bullying is a fear every parent carries — but for thoseof us raising children on the autism spectrum, there’s a deeper layer. What if it happens… and they can’t tell us? In this episode, I’m talking about why our kids are morevulnerable to bullying, the signs you might see (especially if your child is non-speaking, minimally verbal, or non-communicative), and how to move from that gut-punch emotio...

In this episode, Shannon breaks down why “just stay calm” is one of the most misleading pieces of advice parents of autistic children hear—and what to focus on instead. Calm and regulation are not the same thing, and confusing them can leave you feeling like you’re failing. Shannon explains how kids pick up instantly when your words and your body don’t match, why chasing calm can backfire, and how...

We’re back—and this time, we’re on video too! In this first brand-new episode since our Best Of Summer Series, Shannon shares her best advice for heading into a new school year when your child has an IEP. From prompting to paperwork to parent rights, this episode breaks down the 5 Big Back-to-School IEP Buckets every autism parent should understand. Plus, you’ll hear common misconceptions that tri...

BEST OF SUMMER SERIES FINALE 🌞 Back-to-school is here… and with it comes big decisions. Does inclusion really work for my child? What if it’s too much—or not enough? How do I even know what’s best ? This final episode in our Best of Summer series is one you don’t want to miss . Why? Because inclusion isn’t one-size-fits-all, and this conversation will help you figure out what’s right for YOUR chi...

Ever notice how even the smallest change can lead to a big meltdown? Like you changed the order of errands… or dinner was late… or a visitor dropped by unexpectedly. It’s not “just behavior.” For our kids, unpredictability can feel like the ground is shifting under their feet. In this episode, I talk about why uncertainty is so hard for our kids—and how we can help them feel more secure when routi...

In this BEST OF SUMMER series re-release, we tackle the complex and often puzzling topic of regression in autism. Summer is the perfect time to revisit this topic. Regression can be a challenging part of the autism journey, where children may lose skills they previously had acquired, such as language, social abilities, or motor functions. Join us as we explore what regression looks like, share rea...

In this powerful re-release from our BEST OF SUMMER series, Shannon brings back one of the most heartfelt and relatable episodes for moms navigating a new autism diagnosis. She explores why so many parents are scared to say the word autism out loud, the weight of the label, and the emotional experience of explaining the diagnosis to others. Through real-life scenarios and honest encouragement, Sha...

This Best of Summer episode is for every autism mom who’s ever found herself locked in a battle of wills with her child—especially during the tween, teen, or young adult years. In this honest and solution-focused conversation, Shannon dives into what’s really behind those power struggles, resistance, and seemingly defiant behaviors. She shares why arguments escalate, how to recognize red herrings...

This episode struck a deep chord with so many of you—and that’s why it’s part of our Best of Summer series. Too often, our children are underestimated simply because they’re autistic. In this episode, Shannon revisits the powerful reminder that low expectations can become invisible barriers —and how shifting our mindset can open up opportunities we never imagined. Whether it’s at school, at home,...

In this  Best of Summer  favorite, Shannon returns to one of the most raw and relatable topics in autism parenting— behavior. From meltdowns and aggression to sensory challenges and emotional outbursts, this episode is for every mom trying to stay calm in the chaos while figuring out what their child’s behavior is trying to say. With heartfelt honesty, Shannon shares her personal stories as Jordan...

We’re revisiting one of the most talked-about episodes in our Best of Summer series—and for good reason. High energy in autism can look a lot like manic behavior—impulsivity, intense pacing, non-stop movement, pressured speech, and stimming that just doesn’t let up. And when you're in it, it can feel like you're holding on for dear life. In this episode, Shannon breaks it all down with rea...

Welcome to our Best of Summer series ! In this re-release of one of our most popular episodes, we’re tackling one of the most talked-about topics in our community— discipline strategies for children on the autism spectrum . In this episode, Shannon shares real-life experiences, practical strategies, and thoughtful insights to help you navigate discipline in a way that’s effective, compassionate, a...

Loving our autistic children through their struggles isn’t always simple — and it’s definitely not always easy. In this heartfelt episode, Shannon opens up about the complex emotions many parents face when their child can’t or doesn’t express love in typical ways. Maybe your child doesn’t say “I love you.” Maybe they don’t come to you for comfort or push you away during meltdowns. Maybe you’ve qui...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the often-overlooked challenge of working memory in autistic children and young adults. From missed steps in routines to emotional overload andsocial struggles, weak working memory can show up in ways that leave both you and your child feeling frustrated. Shannon breaks down the difference betweenworking mem...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon explores a powerful and often overlooked topic in autism families: parentification — when children, especially siblings of autistic kids, take on adult roles far tooearly. Are they helping… or quietly carrying too much? Shannon shares real-life stories, signs to look for, and strategies to ensure your typically-developing child do...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon opens up about a challenge that hits close to home — perseveration. If you’ve ever felt like you’re answering the same questiondozens (or hundreds!) of times a day, or watching your child get stuck on worries, routines, or reminders, you’re not alone. This is part of everyday life for many autistic children, teens, and adults — inc...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the essential (andoften overlooked) world of functional skills —the real-life abilities our kids need to navigate the world with confidence and independence. I’ll walk you through what a functional curriculum really means, why it's non-negotiable for our children on the spectrum, and how to start building these skills right now—at any age and stage. From e...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola breaks down one of the most misunderstood challenges many moms face—why their autistic child seems to ignore them or tunethem out. Whether your child is a toddler, a teen, or somewhere inbetween, attention to people is a skill that doesn’t always come naturally. Shannon explains why this happens, especially in childr...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives into one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged aspects of raising an autistic child—tantrums, emotional dysregulation, and meltdowns. Although these emotional outbursts may look similar onthe outside, the why behind them couldn’t be more different. Shannon breaks down the crucial differences between each, explain...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast , host Shannon Urquiola dives into a conversation many moms need to hear — the truth that autism isn’t a bad word , and having an autistic child doesn’t mean they are less than. Shannon shares the emotional reality of hearing the word“autism” for the first time, why so many parents fear saying it out loud, and how the label is often misund...