Not Your Average Autism Mom

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...

In this episode of our Best Of Summer Series, your host, Shannon Urquiola discusses processing speed and how it impacts our children on the autism spectrum. Processing speed is the time it takes for someone to take in information, make sense of it, and respond. This can be visual, auditory, or related to motor planning. For many of our children, processing speed can be a significant challenge. The...

In this "Best of Summer Series" episode, host Shannon Urquiola talks about the common challenge of perseveration in children on the autism spectrum. Perseveration, or getting stuck on a particular behavior, activity, or thought, can be a source of frustration for both parents and children. Shannon explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, emphasizing the weak executive functions in th...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon talks about a topic that is often confusing and sometimes problematic, labels of "high functioning" and "low functioning" autism. She explains why these terms can be misleading and shares practical strategies for parents to support their children regardless of these labels. Shannon begins by encouraging parents...

In episode 189 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon tackles the challenging topic of explosive behavior as a form of escape behavior in children with autism. She explains why these behaviors often occur due to frustration, sensory overload, or discomfort and highlights the importance of understanding why your children feel the need to escape. Shannon shares practical strategies for...

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon tackles a common challenge for many families raising children on the autism spectrum: going out in public. Feeling confined to the safety of home is a familiar struggle, but Shannon shares practical strategies to make outings not only possible but also enjoyable. Key topics include: Sensory Considerations: Use tools like iPods, fidget...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, we're tackling the ups and downs of video gaming for children on the autism spectrum. Video games can be both a source of joy and frustration, providing excitement and a sense of control but also leading to emotional meltdowns when things don't go as planned. We dive into why video games are so appealing to autistic children and d...

Join host Shannon Urquiola on the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast as she explores the theme of embracing the unexpected on the journey of autism parenting. Think of this episode as the encouragement and pep talk you need on a tough day. In this episode, Shannon shares her personal experiences and insights, from the initial fear and uncertainty of receiving her son's diagnosis to the unexpe...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon talks about autistic meltdowns and shutdowns—two very different ways that kids on the autism spectrum might react when things get too overwhelming. She helps listeners spot the signs of each and understand what causes them. Shannon shares helpful ways to handle these tough situations, giving advice for both right when they happen...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon gets passionate about building independence and ways you can begin teaching independence through everyday things. She discussed the importance of teaching life skills from early childhood through the teenage years, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting this aspect. Throughout the episode, she shares practical strat...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the concept of acceptance in the context of parenting children on the autism spectrum. She discusses how accepting your child's diagnosis changes the trajectory of parenthood and reshapes the plans you once had. Then she shares the concept of secondary losses - the unforeseen shifts and changes that acco...

In Episode 182 of Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, we explore the complexities of sharing your child's autism diagnosis with others. This episode addresses the tough questions that arise as well as the conversations that may come up. Host Shannon Urquiola navigates the intricacies of disclosure, discussing when, why, and how parents should share this information with family, friends, and c...

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host, Shannon Urquiola goes pretty deep into the complex topic of impulse control in individuals with autism. Shannon provides valuable insights into understanding impulsivity and its impact on daily life for both children, parents, teachers, and caregivers. Exploring practical strategies, she discussed the importance of consistency, pati...

In this episode of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the intricate world of autism processing, exploring the differences between intellectual and emotional realms. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive differences between these two worlds, as Shannon expertly unpacks scenarios faced by autism moms and offers practical strateg...