Today Tash and Shannon chatted with Dr. Ariel Rubin. She's a child psychiatrist who has a personal connection to autism through her brother. Dr. Rubin shares her journey into psychiatry and explores the dynamics of growing up with a sibling with autism.

Shannon and Brittney get to chat with their IRL friend today! Rachel shares her journey with her daughter, Audrey, who has a rare genetic disorder known as CASK. We discuss the challenges of navigating the diagnosis process, the impact of early intervention therapies, and the importance of finding the right educational fit for Audrey. Rachel is a member and regional leader of “We Are Brave Together”, the non-profit  group that connects moms worldwide. Rachel’s work and passion highlight the significance of connecting with other parents and advocates, sharing valuable resources, and advice for those new to the special needs community.

Rachel’s Instagram

We Are Brave Together Instagram

We Are Brave Together Website

It’s a GRAB BAGGGGG! Questions we discuss today are:

Today Tash & Shannon had the pleasure of speaking with Jeffe Boats, an autistic father and professor, who shares his journey of self-discovery and parenting an autistic son. We explore Jeffe's early life, the challenges of understanding autism, and the importance of representation in literature. Jeff discusses his debut novel, which features an autistic protagonist and emphasizes the need for diverse voices in storytelling. Jeffe also shares his perspective on parenting neurodiverse children with patience and understanding, highlighting the unique experiences and perspectives of being neurodiverse.

**Jeffe was kind enough to share a discount code with our listeners for his book on his website where you can get a SIGNED COPY for less than you can find it anywhere else! Use code "6MOMS" here! **

Part 2 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation also touches on the societal pressures parents face and the significance of self-love in effective parenting. Sounds serious.. But don’t worry.. There’s plenty of laughs and LOTS of entertainment!

Part 1 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation also touches on the societal pressures parents face and the significance of self-love in effective parenting. Sounds serious.. But don’t worry.. There’s plenty of laughs and LOTS of entertainment!

Today Jean & Shannon discuss Jean’s recent move and the chaos that can ensue with families like ours during such a big transition. We also share some tips that helped with our moves!

Megan Champion, mother of three, and creator of Mothers Together is sharing her story and the ins and outs of what Mothers Together can do to help change your life. Megan opens up about her  family and their neurodivergence, her isolation and disconnection she felt from her friends, family and community. She bravely set out to find validation and connection with other moms and families like hers. Megan found what she was looking for and invites you all to find it for yourself.

Mothers Together is an online community for you and me and all other moms of disabled families out there who feel disconnected, discouraged, and alone. 

Mothers Together Website

On the Hard Days- Megan’s Instagram

On the Hard Days podcast

Jean missed our Winter Break episode, so Tash and Britt got to interview her about the move to a new house, holiday celebrations and transitions back to school. We don’t know how she did it, but she’s here to tell the tale! Fun, upcoming weekend plans for all…which means chauffeuring kids from one activity to the next. We know you can relate!

This week, we welcome Nicholas and Stephen from On The Spectrum podcast. We had such a great time learning more about their backgrounds, origins of their podcast, and the dynamics of their improv comedy and other performing arts. Steve and Nick share their personal experiences growing up undiagnosed with autism, discuss the challenges they faced in the education system and the misunderstandings that arose from their behaviors. They reflect on their journeys towards diagnosis, the impact it had on their lives, and how it helped them make sense of their past struggles. Great laughs, new insights, and unique perspectives from autistic adults, what more can you ask for? Listen here and then go check out their podcast. 

Warning: there’s some swearing in this episode, so if you don’t want the kids hearing/repeating, go grab those headphones.