Today Emily Zavala returns to share her journey of navigating autism care for her son, Justin. From the struggle of finding the right group home, to the heartbreak of rejection, to the relief of finally discovering Hope House—Emily opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy and caregiving.

She reflects on the resilience it takes, the community that makes it possible, and the positive changes Justin has experienced since his move. This is a story of hope, connection, and the power of not giving up.

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We’re talking about the “Autism Tax”—not a bill from the IRS, but the hidden costs families like ours face every day. From therapies and medical expenses to careers put on hold and time stretched thin, this invisible weight is heavy.

In this episode, we share our own stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to carry it all. Because while the “tax” is real, so is the strength of our community.

Want to share your Autism or Disability Tax story? Email us at [email protected]

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Today, Shannon and Jean sit down with Dr. David Amaral and Carolyn Komich from Autism BrainNet to talk about a topic that’s not always easy, but so important—brain donation for autism research.

Dr. Amaral shares the emotional side of this conversation, why understanding autism at a deeper level matters, and how families can play a role in shaping the future of research. Carolyn walks us through what Autism BrainNet is doing to increase awareness and support families who want to learn more.

It’s a tender but powerful conversation that shines a light on the importance of research and the people behind it.

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Explicit Episode Alert

Fellow caregiver and mom, Inga Krevatas, shares the story of her twin girls’ diagnoses, over twenty years ago. Since then, Inga has built a community around her and her family and is now able to use her experiences to work with and advocate for others in her community. Look around, do the research, use what’s available right now. If that doesn’t fit or you outgrow the services offered, it’s time to start building! You want a well-rounded life for you and your children? Go get it!

Contact Inga- [email protected]

Contact Moms Talk Autism- [email protected]

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Hey friend… let’s be real for a sec. When someone asks, “How are you?” as a special needs parent or caregiver… do you ever just freeze?

It’s not that we don’t know how we feel—it’s that the answer is complicated. Some days it’s pride and joy, other days it’s exhaustion and overwhelm. And layered in there is the constant tug-of-war: do I open up and be honest, or keep it short to protect my family (and maybe myself)? Do I share because I need support, or hold back because I don’t want pity?

In this episode, we unpack that tricky little question and all the emotions behind it. And we want to hear from YOU. How do you navigate those moments? Send us your stories at [email protected]

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Today we sit down with Lia McCabe, host of the Embracing Autism Podcast. Lia shares her personal journey as an autistic parent raising neurodivergent children, her advocacy work through Autism Wish, and the importance of education and empathy in understanding autism.

Lia McCabe: Host of the Embracing Autism Podcast and founder of Autism Wish.

Website: www.AutismWish.org

Patreon: patreon.com/AutismWish

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Today Brit, Shannon and Tash discuss ending the chase for "normal" and share pivotal moments that shaped their understanding of their children's needs. We revisit grief and acceptance, as well as the emotional complexities of parenting in a diverse family dynamic.

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Today Jean and Tash welcome Nicole Studt, a fellow autism mom, who shares her unique journey of parenting a neurodivergent child. Nicole discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced from diagnosis to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community and support.

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In this episode, Shannon and Tash sit down with the incredible Allison Bolson—a mom of four (yes, four!) neurodiverse boys. Allison shares what it’s been like raising her crew in Australia, from the ups and downs of getting diagnoses to figuring out education plans that actually work for her kids.

They dive into the messy, beautiful reality of IEPs, how hard it can be to find the right support, and why open conversations about neurodiversity at home matter so much. Allison’s honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom will leave you feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a little less alone in your own parenting journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been walking this path for a while, this is one of those episodes that reminds you—we’re all in this together.

You can find Allison here:

www.instagram.com/theincrementalshift 

www.theincrementalshift.com

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In this episode, Tash, Shannon, and Brittney are diving into life with almost-teens—because puberty waits for no one. From navigating school systems and prepping for big educational changes, to decoding the daily dose of sass and side-eye, we're covering it all.

Let’s be real: parenting at this stage feels like trying to translate a foreign language… while blindfolded… on a rollercoaster. We don’t always get it right (understatement of the year), but we’re learning to give ourselves—and our kids—plenty of grace. Tune in as we laugh, vent, and figure it out together.

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