Not Your Average Autism Mom

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...

Have you ever felt like something just isn’t right with your child’s behaviors—like their hyperactivity, sleep struggles, or sensory sensitivities seem to come out of nowhere? Maybe they crave sugar like it’s their full-time job or have tummy troubles that you can’t quite pinpoint? Well, what if I told you that yeast overgrowth in their gut might be playing a bigger role than you ever realized? In...

Parenting one child with autism is a unique journey, but what happens when you’re raising two or more children on the spectrum—each with their own strengths, struggles,and needs? In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom , ShannonUrquiola dives into the complexities of parenting multiple autistic children, sharing real-life scenarios from moms navigating different routines, sensory needs, and...

Life as an autism parent is anything but typical, and in this episode, Shannon Urquiola keeps it real with the raw, honest, and often hilarious realities of what home life looks like when raising a child on the spectrum. From locked pantries and late-night food raids to unexpected streaking and turning home security into a military operation, this episode dives deep into the ways autism transforms...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives deep into the hidden medical causes behind aggressive behaviors in children with autism. Aggression isn’t just “bad behavior” — it’s often a way for your child to communicate that something’s not right. Join Shannon as she shares relatable scenarios, actionable strategies, and medical insights to help you uncover the root ca...

Daylight Savings Time is coming, and if you’re anything like me, you know this shift can throw everything out of whack—especially for our autistic kids who thrive on routine. In this episode, I’m breaking down the debate over Standard Time vs. Daylight Savings, how the time change impacts our bodies, and why this seemingly small shift can feel huge forour kids. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , Shannon dives into the common mistakes parents make while trying to help their autistic children becomeindependent. She is diving into the common mistakes we ALL make when trying to help our autistic children become more independent. And trust me—some of them might surprise you. ➡️ Are you doing TOO much for them? ➡️ Avoiding tough situa...

What if something happened to you tomorrow? Would anyone know everything they need to step into your shoes and care for your autistic child the way you do? In this powerful episode, we’re talking about the one document every autism mom needs but most haven’t written —a Letter of Intent . This isn’t just a plan; it’s a lifeline for your child’s future. I know it’s overwhelming. I know it’s scary. B...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , Shannon dives into the incredible power of your words and how they shape your child’s self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. Your words don’t just guide your child in the moment—they become their inner voice, influencing how they see themselves and navigate the world. Shannon unpacks why the way you communicate matters, shares practical st...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , Shannon dives into the challenges of parenting oppositional tweens, teens, and young adults, especially those on the autism spectrum. Discover why arguments happen, how to spot red herrings, and actionable strategies to set boundaries and minimize conflict without drama. With real-life examples and practical tips, this episode will help you...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in autism parenting: inclusion in education. Does mainstreaming work for every child on the spectrum? What are the upsides and potential downsides? Most importantly, how can you determine what’s best for YOUR child? Join Shannon as she unpacks the nuances of inclusion, breaking it down by age groups...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives into the art of effective advocacy without confrontation. Learn how to build meaningful connections with educators, healthcare providers, and even family members while advocating for your child’s unique needs. Shannon shares real-life examples, practical strategies, and the importance of collaboration to create solutions that wo...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , Shannon dives into the challenges children on the autism spectrum face at school and how to proactively reduce stress throughout their day. From sensory accommodations to creating safe spaces and teaching coping skills, Shannon shares practical strategies and real-life examples that help children feel calm, capable, and supported in their le...