Not Your Average Autism Mom

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...

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...