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In this heartfelt episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, host Brigitte Shipman sits down with Kathleen Somers, a mother and author, to explore the complex emotional landscape of raising a child with an invisible disability.

Kathleen reflects on her 24-year journey parenting a son with high-functioning autism—from initial denial to acceptance. 

With honesty and humility, she shares the moments that shaped her: learning to let go of expectations, finding the courage to trust her instincts, and most of all, allowing herself to become a student of her son’s inner world.

The conversation explores:

- What it’s like to raise a child with a disability most people can’t see
- The emotional terrain of guilt, fear, frustration, and deep love
- Teaching self-advocacy in ways that empower children long-term
- Embracing who your child truly is

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 
01:22 Kathleen Summers' Journey and Memoir 
04:20 Initial Diagnosis and Early Challenges 
06:28 Navigating School and Social Dynamics 
08:02 Gross Motor Skills and Sports 
10:01 Understanding High-Functioning Autism 
13:40 The Meaning Behind 'Barely Visible' 
17:10 Lessons Learned from Parenting 
20:40 Understanding and Accepting Differences 
21:34 Advocating for Your Child 
22:42 Teaching Self-Advocacy 
23:19 Parental Reflections and Lessons 
24:32 The Importance of Self-Advocacy 
26:21 Advice for Autism Moms 
31:06 Letting Go and Building Independence 
36:32 Final Thoughts and Resources 

🔗 Resources & Links

Kathleen's Website:
https://www.kathleensomers.com/

Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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Can what your child eats really affect their behavior?

In this episode of the Mother’s Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte speaks with Sonya Bell—a registered nurse, autism mom, and integrative nutrition health coach—about the powerful connection between food and behavior in neurodivergent children.

After both her son and daughter were diagnosed with developmental differences, Sonya began exploring the role of nutrition.

From removing food additives to embracing whole, clean eating, Sonya shares the steps that helped her son thrive emotionally and behaviorally—and how you can begin making changes too.

You’ll also hear about her inspiring book Moving Forward: Details of an Autism Journey, and the importance of hope, self-care, and community support on this path.

💡 Topics we cover include:

- Food journaling
- Top 3 dietary changes to support neurodivergent kids
- Family-wide nutrition shifts that work
- Faith, resilience, and parental self-care
- Tools and programs to support your journey

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:52 Sonya Bell Background
04:06 Early Diagnosis and Challenges
08:07 Exploring Integrative Nutrition
11:38 Discovering the Link Between Food and Behavior
15:23 Top Nutrition Tips for Neurodivergent Children
16:55 Blossom Coaching Program
18:31 Sonya's Book: Moving Forward
20:42 Faith and Family Support
22:33 Advice for Moms and Caregivers
27:59 Contact Information

🎧 Listen now and discover how nutrition might be the missing piece in your child’s journey—and your own.

🔗 Resources & Links

Sonya's Website:
https://www.beyondradianthc.com/

Sonya's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondradiant422/

Sonya's Books:
https://www.beyondradianthc.com/category/all-products

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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In this heartfelt episode of the Mother’s Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte Shipman and Maureen Brice are joined by special guest Kim Heinl to reflect on the powerful experience of the Recharge and Restore Retreat for Autism Moms—a weekend of deep connection, rest, and healing.

Kim shares her transformative journey of rediscovering self-care, how it changed her perspective as a mom, and the surprising ways it impacted her son, Maverick. Together, the three women open up about the emotional toll of parenting children with autism—and the power of community to restore hope, strength, and joy.

✨ Whether you're feeling exhausted, alone, or in need of connection, this episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that caring for yourself is caring for your child.

🔔 Plus, learn more about the launch of Chill & Chat—a new monthly membership where autism moms can gather for support, honest conversation, and practical tools to thrive.

Enjoy!

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
01:08 Book Promotion and Podcast Introduction
01:28 Welcoming Guests and Setting the Scene
02:35 Retreat Experiences and Reflections
03:55 Emotional Impact and Community Building
07:37 The Power of Support and Self-Care
11:43 Continuing the Journey and Future Plans
25:45 Creating a Supportive Community for Autism Caregivers
26:21 Introducing the Members-Only Group
26:44 Monthly Meetings and Coaching Tools
27:07 The Importance of Shared Knowledge
27:34 Details of the Monthly Gatherings
29:10 Jonathan's Introduction and His Journey
30:26 The Emotional Support Gap in Autism Care
32:49 Continuing the Support Beyond the Retreat
35:46 Upcoming Events and How to Join
37:12 Sharing Wins and Personal Stories
41:31 Final Thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat

Maureen's Website:
https://hopedreambelieve.com/

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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What does it really take to support a child on the autism spectrum—especially one who thinks visually or struggles with communication?

In this powerful episode of the Mother’s Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte sits down with Dr. Temple Grandin—renowned scientist, inventor, author, and autism advocate.

Dr. Grandin shares personal stories from her childhood, including what helped her go from being nonverbal to finding her voice, how her mother’s practical support made all the difference, and why early intervention is non-negotiable.

Together, they explore:

- Why visual and mathematical thinkers need a different kind of support
- How to teach practical skills that build confidence and independence
- Why mentorship and hands-on experiences are essential for long-term success
- The dangers of letting kids zone out on screens—and what to do instead

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this conversation is packed with practical tools, insights, and hope.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that help you support your autistic child with confidence and heart.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro
01:13 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:24 Temple Grandin's Early Childhood and Education
03:10 The Role of Early Intervention and Parental Involvement
06:36 Challenges and Solutions in Education and Work
11:42 Visual Thinking and Its Importance
15:37 Encouraging Independence and Practical Skills
27:06 Driving and Independence
29:20 Encouraging Independence in Children
30:09 Temple Grandin's Documentaries and Visual Thinking
31:49 Supporting Mathematical Thinkers
33:26 Effective Teaching Strategies for Children with Autism
36:57 The Importance of Mentorship
37:46 Practical Advice for Parents
44:16 Job Skills and Employment for Autistic Individuals
45:43 The Role of Visual Thinkers in the Workforce
47:22 Time Management and Practical Tools
48:31 Final Thoughts and Resources

Temple Grandin Website:
https://www.templegrandin.com/

📘 Get the book:
A Mother’s Guide Through Autism — available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

📬 Stay connected:
Sign up for news, updates, and support: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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In this heartfelt episode of Mother's Guide through Autism Podcast, Brigitte sits down with award-winning journalist, autism mom, and author Peggy Henkel Wolf to discuss the intricacies of responsible and responsive parenting for children on the autism spectrum. 

For nearly two decades, Peggy has been exploring themes in autism parenting and self-determination on her blog.

They discuss:

- how to parent children with autism with presence, trust, and respect for their autonomy
- the importance of creating space and options for children
- balancing responsible and responsive parenting

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:42 Guest Introduction: Peggy Henkel Wolf
02:42 Peggy's Parenting Journey and Insights
04:44 Sam's Diagnosis and Early Years
06:37 Navigating Autism with Limited Resources
10:20 Emotional Impact of Autism Diagnosis
14:07 Writing and Publishing 'See Sam Run'
19:13 Responsible and Responsive Parenting
20:23 The Importance of Reinforcing Key Values
20:56 Balancing Responsibility and Responsiveness
21:42 Using Social Stories for Effective Learning
22:55 Navigating Pervasive Developmental Disorder
32:00 Encouraging Independence and Agency
35:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

Peggy Website:
https://peggyheinkelwolfe.com/

📘 Get the book:
A Mother’s Guide Through Autism — available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

📬 Stay connected:
Sign up for news, updates, and support: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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In this episode of Mother's Guide Through Autism, Brigitte speaks with Coach Lee Hopkins, a social connections coach and late-diagnosed autistic adult. 

As the founder of Patterns of Possibility, he supports individuals and organizations in creating connection through authenticity, boundaries, and conscious conversation.

Lee shares his personal journey and insights into helping neurodivergent individuals build meaningful relationships without losing themselves in the process. 

They discuss:

- different types of relationships, setting boundaries using needs, negotiables, and nevers
- the importance of parents modeling and nurturing authentic connections
- practical tools for parents to support and understand their children's unique ways of connecting with others

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
03:01 Coach Lee Hopkins' Journey
05:27 Challenges of Social Connections
07:41 Parental Support and Patience
15:24 Strategic Vulnerability Explained
23:48 Defining Friendships and Social Categories
26:02 Understanding Family and Friend Connections
27:08 Facilitating Conversations with Children
27:07 Strategic Vulnerability in Friendships
27:41 Defining Friendships and Autonomy
29:05 The Importance of Clear Definitions in Relationships
29:41 Recognizing True Connections
31:30 Needs, Negotiables, and Nevers Framework
37:13 Practical Activities for Building Social Confidence
38:13 Expressing and Understanding Emotions
41:53 Inspiring Hope and Trust in Parent-Child Connections
46:01 Final Thoughts and Resources

Enjoy!

Coach Lee's Website:
https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachleehopkins/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@patternsofpossibility

📘 Get the book:
A Mother’s Guide Through Autism — available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

📬 Stay connected:
Sign up for news, updates, and support: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

🎵 Theme music:
“Look at the Clouds” by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com

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In this episode of the Mother's Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte talks to Nancy Gilette, a certified RDI consultant and behavior coach with over 20 years of experience in supporting autistic children and their families.

Nancy shares her unique approach to shifting from crisis and compliance to connection and co-regulation.

They discuss:

- the importance of parental regulation and self-care
- how we can shift from a crisis mindset to one focused on co-regulation
- understanding and addressing behavior
- what truly matters for enhancing quality of life for both parents and children
- and more!

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
02:06 Meet Nancy Gilette: An Expert in Autism Support
03:14 Nancy's Journey and Approach to Autism
04:33 The Importance of Parent Support in Autism
07:26 RDI vs. ABA: Key Differences
16:19 Shifting from Crisis to Connection
19:41 Practical Tips for Parents
26:29 Handling Public Meltdowns
28:46 Handling Child Meltdowns in Public
29:35 Proactive Strategies for Challenging Environments
29:56 Co-Regulation and Emotional Engagement
31:51 Visual Referencing for Better Interaction
34:22 Navigating Developmental Stages
36:34 Core Tools for Parenting Autistic Children
39:23 Empowering Parents and Building Resilience
39:39 The Importance of Regulation and Connection
41:18 Creating a Supportive Environment
53:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

Nancy's Website:
https://www.nancygilette.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nancygilettecoaching/

📘 Get the book:
A Mother’s Guide Through Autism — available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

📬 Stay connected:
Sign up for news, updates, and support: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com

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In this episode of the Mother's Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte talks with Lynn Greenberg, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and the author of a children's book about dyslexia. 

Lynn talks about her personal journey with her son Jonathan's dyslexia diagnosis, navigating the educational system, and creating a supportive roadmap to success. 

In this episode, they discuss:

- the importance of following parental intuition
- recognizing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals
- the story behind co-authoring 'Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi' with her son, a book inspired by their experiences to help children understand and embrace differences
- and more!

Enjoy!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:12 Introduction to Today's Guest: Lynn Greenberg
02:34 Lynn's Personal Journey with Her Son's Dyslexia
03:57 Navigating the School System
05:56 Creating a Roadmap to Success
10:37 The Birth of Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi
13:47 Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Children
15:33 Finding Community and Support
18:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Lynn's Website:
https://robbythetaxi.com

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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In this episode of Mother's Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte interviews Ethan Pompeo, who shares his incredible journey of battling an autoimmune disease called PANDAS. 

Today, his company, Green Valley Nutrition, provides CBD products to help people battling various ailments, including autism-related symptoms.

In this episode, he talks about:

- his struggles with neurological symptoms and the frustrating search for an accurate diagnosis as a teenager
- how discovering CBD transformed his life
- the importance of lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and exercise, in managing inflammation
- the potential benefits of CBD for kids with neurological differences, including autism
- and more!

Whether you're a parent seeking solutions for your child or interested in the health benefits of CBD, this episode offers hope and inspiration.

Enjoy!

Chapters:

01:45 Ethan's Journey with Pandas
05:44 Understanding Pandas and Its Impact
08:14 The Role of Diet and Lifestyle Changes
14:38 Exploring CBD as a Treatment Option
17:06 Helping others with CBD
24:36 The importance of listening to your kids

Green Valley Nutrition:
https://www.greenvalleynutrition.com/

Ethan Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ethan_pandas/

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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In this episode of Mother's Guide Through Autism podcast, Brigitte talks to Clain Udy, co-founder and president of Autism Elevated. 

Clain shares his journey of raising a high-functioning autistic son and emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. 

In this episode, he discusses:

- his transformation in understanding autism, shifting the focus from societal norms and deficits to recognizing and nurturing strengths.
- practical strategies for parents to identify and nurture their children's strengths
- the importance of creating the right environment for autistic individuals to thrive
- the importance of self-belief
- and more!

Enjoy!

Chapters:

01:10 Welcoming Clain Udy
02:59 Clain's Background and Achievements
03:42 Clain's Son's Journey and Achievements
05:06 Initial Reactions to Autism Diagnosis
08:35 Shifting Perspectives on Autism
09:59 Creating a Supportive Environment
14:13 Focusing on Strengths
21:22 Empowering Parents to Define Their Children's Strengths
22:02 The Concept of a Personal User Guide
23:13 Memoir and Practical Framework in the Book
24:30 Addressing Common Parental Concerns
25:09 The Importance of Environment for Thriving
27:06 A Metaphor for Understanding Autism
31:19 Nolan's Story: Thriving Through Passion
34:45 Rebranding Autism: A New Perspective
38:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

Clain's Website:
https://autismelevated.com/

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://amzn.to/3mO1fmS

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

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