This week, Tash is joined by special needs mom and advocate Julie Hillyard for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, perspective, and finding joy in the hard. Julie shares her family's journey raising a son with autism and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, along with the lessons she's learned about advocacy, comparison, kindness, and giving both yourself and others a little more grace. Whether you're navigating school challenges, public misunderstandings, or just a difficult season of parenting, this episode is packed with encouragement and hope.

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Have you ever felt stuck asking "Why us?" In this episode, we're having an honest conversation about victim mentality, acceptance, and the mindset shifts that have helped us navigate autism parenting. We share personal stories, talk about finding joy in the middle of hard seasons, and discuss how taking back control of the things we can control can change everything. It's real, it's relatable, and it's a conversation every autism parent needs to hear.

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Understanding autism isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. While many are exploring the spectrum, it's crucial to recognize that every child is unique. Rebecca Fontanetta, a neuropsychologist and a mom navigating the world of neurodivergence, shares her insights on the importance of individualized care. From her early experiences working with children with autism to her evolving views on interventions, her story emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in supporting families.

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In this episode, we’re getting real about boundaries (the kind we know we need but don’t always set ). We talk through our own experiences with grief, support, and how community has shifted—from in-person friendships to more online connections.

We also dive into balancing advocacy, friendships, and actually having time for ourselves. Friendships look different in every season, and finding your people—whatever that looks like—matters more than ever. Consider this your reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t optional.

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In this episode, Jean and Tash sit down with Juliana and Kelly from the Refrigerator Moms to talk about the messy, funny, emotional reality of parenting neurodivergent kids. From waiting room friendships and unsolicited advice to autism stigma, self-care, and finding your people in real life (not just on Instagram), this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and the kind of support only other autism moms truly get.

Refrigerator Moms Podcast

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In this episode, we’re talking about autism “levels” — what they mean, what they miss, and why autism is anything but one-size-fits-all. We share our own experiences with diagnoses, support needs, and how every autistic child can look completely different.

We also talk about moving beyond the deficit-focused view of autism, recognizing strengths alongside challenges, and why community and understanding matter so much in this journey. 

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Parenting can be a rewarding journey, but when it involves neurodivergent teens, it brings a unique set of challenges and triumphs. In this post, we dive into the insights shared by Jessica Shaw, a seasoned journalist and host of the podcast "Everyone Gets a Juice Box," who offers a fresh perspective on navigating this complex landscape. From understanding the nuances of raising children who think differently to finding community support, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Everybody Gets a Juice Box podcast

Understood.org

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In this episode, we’re diving into the very overwhelming world of autism therapies and treatments—because why are there 500 options and zero clear answers?

We talk about how we figure out what actually makes sense for our kids (not just what everyone on the internet says we “should” be doing), why every child’s needs are different, and how our family dynamics play a bigger role than people realize.

We also get into the pressure we feel after diagnosis, what advocacy actually looks like in real life, and how we choose therapies that align with our family values—not just what looks good on paper.

We break down helpful frameworks like the readiness model and the PACT approach to make all of this feel a little less like throwing darts in the dark.

And as always, we share our real-life experiences—the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.

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Today we share the highs and lows of family time, including navigating divorce, shifting family dynamics, and the constant juggle of support, patience, and flexibility. We also swap ideas for creating inclusive, meaningful celebrations—like a movie theater birthday that actually works for everyone.

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Today we are joined once again by Jonathan Alderson for a thoughtful and honest conversation about one of the biggest topics in the autism world: acceptance vs. treatment. We talk about why those ideas don’t have to be opposites, how parents often know their children best, and why support should never be one-size-fits-all. Jonathan shares his approach to helping families by combining different therapies based on each child’s unique needs. We also discuss the emotional side of parenting, the pressure families can feel from schools and professionals, and how true acceptance can create space for growth, connection, and change.

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