Not Your Average Autism Mom

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom , we dive into the important and often emotional topic of regression in autism. After the holiday season, many families notice setbacks as routines shift and therapy schedules become inconsistent. Regression can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean progress has stopped for good. Join me as we explore what regression looks like, why it happens, and—m...

As we begin 2025, join Shannon for a heartfelt reflection on the lessons, growth, and victories from the past year. In this special first episode of the new year, Shannon shares gratitude for her incredible listeners and Not Your Average Autism Mom members, who continue to inspire and uplift her with their resilience and strength. This episode dives into the importance of staying present in our da...

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series where Shannon continues the conversation on managing escalating behaviors in children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, she dives into the seven common triggers behind resistance and anxiety, from fear of uncertainty and sensory overload to performance and social anxiety. Shannon shares real-life examples to help you recognize these triggers in your child a...

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series where Shannon dives into why uncertainty can feel overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum and how it often leads to escalating behaviors like hyperactivity, meltdowns, or resistance. She shares relatable stories from families and explains how disrupted routines and unpredictable situations, like holiday chaos, can amplify anxiety for our kids. In this epi...

Being a mom is hard, but being a mom to a child on the autism spectrum? That’s a whole new level of challenging. In this episode, Shannon dives into the pressure many of us feel as we strive to be “perfect” and why striving for perfection often leads to burnout and frustration. She shares personal stories from her journey with Jordan, including the early years of isolation and what she’s learned a...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom, Shannon dives into one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child on the spectrum—managing behaviors. With heartfelt stories from her own journey as Jordan’s mom and insights from moms in the NYAAM community, she explores how to balance understanding and validating your child while setting clear boundaries and expectations. Shannon shares pra...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , Shannon dives into the fascinating and often puzzling world of sensory processing, exploring the touch avoidance/seeking paradox many autistic children experience. Why does your child cringe at the light touch of water from the shower but crave the firm pressure of a tight hug? How can they both avoid touch and seek it out? Shannon break...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom , Shannon dives into the world of vocal stimming, a common yet often misunderstood behavior in autism. Vocal stimming—whether it’s humming, repeating words, or making rhythmic sounds—can serve many purposes, from regulating sensory input to expressing emotions or simply exploring the joy of sound. Shannon unpacks why vocal stimming happens, what it me...

In this episode, Shannon explores all-or-nothing thinking in children with autism—a mindset often labeled as rigid or inflexible but one that also comes with unique strengths. This way of seeing the world can be challenging, leading to meltdowns when things don’t go as planned, but it can also be a source of focus and determination in areas of passion. Shannon shares real-life examples of how blac...

In this episode, host, Shannon Urquiola gets into strategies for keeping your autistic child motivated to learn. Many children on the spectrum aren't driven by traditional praise or external rewards, so it's essential to tap into what truly motivates them—their interests and strengths. We'll explore using your child's favorite activities and skills to make learning fun and meaningful. From tailori...

In this episode, we dive into the importance of teaching self-awareness to children on the autism spectrum. When children understand their unique strengths and challenges, they are better equipped to navigate a world that often feels confusing or overwhelming. I’ll explore how early conversations about autism can build confidence and lead to successful self-advocacy as they grow. From practical st...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom , host Shannon Urquiola challenges the common phrase, “They can’t,” and explores how low expectations can hold autistic children—both boys and girls—back more than their diagnosis ever will. Shannon unpacks the myths surrounding autism and intelligence, sharing real-life examples of individuals who’ve shattered labels and exceeded expectations. You’ll...

Welcome to the 200th episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom ! In this special milestone episode, Shannon dives deep into what it means to not just survive, but thrive as a mom raising a child on the autism spectrum.   Shannon dives deep into a topic that resonates with many moms raising children on the autism spectrum—the longing for the "old" you, the person you were before autism entered your li...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom , we’re tackling the whirlwind of fast emotions and intense behaviors that can overwhelm children on the autism spectrum. When your child goes from calm to chaotic in an instant, how do you help them slow down and stay regulated? Today, we’re diving into practical strategies, including the powerful technique of “pacing.” Learn how matching your child’...

In this episode, we explore why autistic children may respond to emotions and social cues differently and how these differences show up in everyday life. From missing non-verbal cues to leaning on logic over emotion, autistic kids process the world uniquely—and that’s okay. We’ll dive into specific examples of how this might look in your parenting journey and give you practical strategies to bette...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , we’re tackling an often uncomfortable but incredibly important topic: sexual curiosity in our autistic children. As our kids grow, they naturally become curious about their bodies and the bodies of others. But for children on the spectrum, understanding boundaries and social norms around these behaviors can be especially challenging. Tod...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast , we tackle a common misconception: the idea that someone can be "too social" to be autistic. Autism looks different for everyone, and social interaction isn’t as simple as being shy or outgoing. We’ll explore how many autistic individuals enjoy socializing but might struggle with the unwritten social rules, like picking up on cues o...

Join Shannon in this insightful episode of "Not Your Average Autism Mom" as she explores the powerful impact of shifting your focus from negative behaviors to positive ones. Discover practical strategies that have helped countless families create a more harmonious home environment by celebrating and reinforcing their children's successes. From documenting daily positives to creating...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, we tackle the complex and often puzzling topic of regression in autism. Regression can be a challenging part of the autism journey, where children may lose skills they previously acquired, such as language, social abilities, or motor functions. Join us as we explore what regression looks like, share real-life examples, and provide practic...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives into the often confusing and challenging topic of manic behaviors in children with autism. Manic behaviors, such as impulsivity, repetitive activities, sleep disturbances, and increased stimming, can be overwhelming for both the child and their family. Shannon breaks down these behaviors, providing specific examples and prac...

In this heartfelt episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives into the diverse and unique ways autism can manifest in our children's lives. Inspired by a powerful piece shared by Cassandra Papich, Shannon shares real-life experiences and examples from her journey with her son Jordan, highlighting the wide spectrum of autism. From communication challenges to sensory experi...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom, Shannon dives into the fascinating world of splinter skills in autism. These unique abilities, often impressive and puzzling, can be both a source of pride and frustration for parents. Shannon explains what splinter skills are, why they occur, and how they manifest in our children. From hyperlexia to extraordinary memory, she provides real-life examp...

In our final Best Of Summer Series episode, your host, Shannon Urquiola dives into a critical issue that many parents and caregivers face: the impact of electronics on our kids and the risk of screen addiction. This topic is especially relevant for families raising children on the autism spectrum, who can be particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of excessive screen time. Have you ever qu...

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola, Life and Parent Coach, goes deep into the unique dynamics parents face when raising autistic children, especially when their parenting styles don't align. Parenthood is often described as a rollercoaster of emotions, and it takes a unique turn when partners find themselves on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum. Are your differences in parenting curr...

In this Best Of Summer Series episode, we tackle the complex topic of societal expectations and social norms, particularly how they affect families raising children on the autism spectrum. Our society often values conformity and can overlook individual differences, which can be challenging for our kids. Social norms are the unwritten rules that dictate appropriate behavior in interactions. Neuroty...