In this powerful cross-collaboration episode, Ruth Cassell and Karla Chinen dive deep into the transformation that comes after the breaking point—when life, motherhood, and advocacy no longer look the way we once imagined.

Through heartfelt stories and unfiltered honesty, they explore:

• The emotional impact of an autism diagnosis
• Permission to grieve and let go of expectations
• Building resilience and redefining identity
• The role of fathers and the importance of safe spaces for dads
• Navigating family dynamics with compassion
• Finding purpose and grounding after the pain

This is a conversation about courage, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming—together.

Episode Summary

Ruth and Karla share the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis within a family. They open up about the grief that often comes with it, the unspoken expectations parents carry, and the surprising growth that emerges from letting go. With honesty and hope, they discuss the role of fathers in advocacy, the need for community, and the power of safe spaces where every parent’s voice matters.

Takeaways

• Honoring the pauses in the journey of becoming
• Giving yourself permission to grieve
• Resilience as a parent and advocate
• Building supportive community networks
• Understanding rights and resources for your child
• The growth that comes through challenge and change

Guest Link: Empathy for Autism California (Podcast also available on her site)

Sound Bites

"I think it made me very resilient." "You have to be the one that he can count on." "Don't let your diagnosis define you."

Chapters

00:00 – Navigating the Autism Journey 01:24 – The Moment of Diagnosis 06:14 – Building Resilience Through Experience 13:13 – The Role of Fathers in Autism 19:29 – Permission to Grieve and Move Forward 24:29 – Navigating Public Spaces with Autism 26:20 – Understanding Gender Differences in Autism 27:53 – The Impact of Parenting on Personal Growth 31:58 – The Journey of Advocacy and Community Support 33:40 – The Importance of Parental Knowledge and Rights 39:05 – Finding Strength in Diagnosis and Community