🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with licensed therapist and autism advocate Megan Ashley to explore how empathy and cultural context shape our understanding of autism. From decoding sensory experiences to the challenges of masking and gender disparities in diagnosis, this conversation is packed with insight and practical tools for parents. Learn how to redefine what "okay" really means for your autistic child—and why listening without bias is one of the most powerful things you can do.

🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What autism culture is—and why it matters

• How to spot sensory signs early

• What masking looks like in kids and adults

• Why girls are often underdiagnosed

• How to shift from fear to understanding as a parent

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Understanding autism requires empathy and cultural awareness

• Sensory experiences are crucial indicators of autism

• Masking is exhausting and often misunderstood

• Gender differences affect diagnosis rates

• Parents must tune into their child's unique sensory needs

• Redefining 'okay' is critical to truly supporting autistic children

• Accommodations aren't optional—they're necessary

• Listening to your child's needs builds stronger connections

🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Autism Through Empathy 03:02 – Cultural Context in Autism 05:46 – Sensory Experiences and Accommodations 09:00 – The Concept of Masking 12:04 – Gender Differences in Autism Diagnosis 15:09 – Recognizing Autism in Children 17:50 – Parenting Autistic Children 21:14 – Redefining 'Okay' for Autistic Kids 23:32 – Listening to Your Child's Needs

🎤 Guest: Megan Ashley, LCSW – Therapist, Author, Parent Advocate 🎙️ Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• Website: perfectandconsulting.com

• Instagram: @imperfectconsulting

• Book: Blueprints of Behavior – available at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble

📲 Stay Connected:

• 🌐 Website: pureheartstherapy.com

• 📷 Instagram: @purehearts_therapy

• 📘 Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy

• 👥 Join the Community: Autism Family Resource Facebook Group

⭐ Subscribe & Review: Don't miss an episode! Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more families find support.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1591840956 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.