In this special Listener Q & A episode, Shannon answers real questions from moms, a grandmother, a para, and even a special education teacher. From after-school meltdowns and silent shutdowns to IEP meetings, repetitive questions, friendships, independence, and handling judgment in public — these are the real struggles happening in homes just like yours.

You’ll hear practical strategies, the exact questions to ask yourself (and your child or team), and ways to handle these challenges without feeling so alone. Shannon also points you back to past episodes for deeper dives into some of the most asked-about topics.

If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?” — this episode will remind you it’s not. These questions could have come straight from your living room.

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!⁠⁠⁠
 Get Details HERE

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet? 

⁠⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠⁠

⁠⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)

Bullying is a fear every parent carries — but for thoseof us raising children on the autism spectrum, there’s a deeper layer. What if it happens… and they can’t tell us?

In this episode, I’m talking about why our kids are morevulnerable to bullying, the signs you might see (especially if your child is non-speaking, minimally verbal, or non-communicative), and how to move from that gut-punch emotional reaction into clear, confident action.

We’ll cover:

• Why autistic children are more likely to be targeted
• The signs that something might be happening —even when they can't tell you
• The role that the desire for friendships plays in bullying risk
• How to document, report, and advocate effectively
• Strategies for prevention, self-advocacy, and building confidence

If this is one of your biggest fears — I see you. AndI’m here to help you protect your child and give you the tools to act, even in the face of the unknown.

Tune in for actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement, because you are not alone on this journey!

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughtsand experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter futurefor our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? Whenyou're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources tosave you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!⁠⁠⁠
 Get Details HERE
Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us totalk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet? 

⁠⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠⁠

⁠⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)

In this episode, Shannon breaks down why “just stay calm” is one of the most misleading pieces of advice parents of autistic children hear—and what to focus on instead. Calm and regulation are not the same thing, and confusing them can leave you feeling like you’re failing.

Shannon explains how kids pick up instantly when your words and your body don’t match, why chasing calm can backfire, and how your regulation—not your calm—becomes the anchor your child needs. You’ll learn co-regulation strategies and discover simple tools to create space before reacting.

If you’ve ever felt like you can’t keep it together during meltdowns, this episode will help you shift your focus from perfection to connection, and from chasing calm to building true regulation.

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Want more support from a community of moms who truly get it? Check out our private membership at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com for ongoing guidance, coaching, and exclusive resources!

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time

201. Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids Back

We’re back—and this time, we’re on video too! In this first brand-new episode since our Best Of Summer Series, Shannon shares her best advice for heading into a new school year when your child has an IEP.

From prompting to paperwork to parent rights, this episode breaks down the 5 Big Back-to-School IEP Buckets every autism parent should understand. Plus, you’ll hear common misconceptions that trip parents up and get a pep talk to remind you—you’ve got this.

Whether it’s your first year navigating special education or you’re a seasoned advocate, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to lead your child’s IEP team with confidence.

📺 Now available on video too! Watch on Spotify or listen as always—whichever way you tune in, we’re just glad you’re here.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us! Together, we are stronger.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership at Not Your Average Autism Mom.com

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

1⁠29. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠

⁠158. Navigating Hygiene Struggles; Path to Cleanliness

BEST OF SUMMER SERIES FINALE 🌞

Back-to-school is here… and with it comes big decisions.

Does inclusion really work for my child? What if it’s too much—or not enough? How do I even know what’s best?

This final episode in our Best of Summer series is one you don’t want to miss.
Why? Because inclusion isn’t one-size-fits-all, and this conversation will help you figure out what’s right for YOUR children, right now.

Join Shannon as she unpacks the nuances of inclusion, breaking it down by age groups and sharing real-life scenarios to help you navigate this complex decision. You’ll learn why the IEP is a fluid document, how to reassess your child’s needs over time, and why what works now might not work later.

Whether you’re considering inclusion for the first time or reevaluating your current plan, this episode offers practical strategies, thoughtful insights, and a reminder that YOU are the expert on your child’s needs.

💡 Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and inspiration for your parenting journey!

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be! ⁠⁠ https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at  ⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

143.Social Expectations vs Autism Reality

70.What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean 

Ever notice how even the smallest change can lead to a big meltdown? Like you changed the order of errands… or dinner was late… or a visitor dropped by unexpectedly.

It’s not “just behavior.”
For our kids, unpredictability can feel like the ground is shifting under their feet. In this episode, I talk about why uncertainty is so hard for our kids—and how we can help them feel more secure when routines go out the window (hello, summer chaos 🫠).

In this episode, Shannon unpacks strategies for creating a sense of predictability, including mental maps, structured routines, and sensory tools to help your child feel more secure. You’ll gain practical tips to navigate these
challenging moments and be reminded that even when it feels hard, you are doing AMAZING at this mom thing.

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!⁠⁠⁠
https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time

201. Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids Back

In this BEST OF SUMMER series re-release, we tackle the complex and often puzzling topic of regression in autism. Summer is the perfect time to revisit this topic. Regression can be a challenging part of the autism journey, where children may lose skills they previously had acquired, such as language, social abilities, or motor functions.

Join us as we explore what regression looks like, share real-life examples, and provide practical strategies to help your child regain their skills and confidence.

We’ll discuss ways to support your child through this phase, from speech therapy and visual aids to creating a safe environment and managing stress. Remember, regression is often a part of the journey, and with patience, understanding, and the right tools, you and your child can navigate through it successfully.

Tune in for encouragement, insights, and actionable advice to help you keep going, stay strong, and never give up. You’ve got this!

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership!

Access exclusive support, training and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be! ⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.Additional Resources:

Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

143. Social Expectations vs Autism Reality

70. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean

In this powerful re-release from our BEST OF SUMMER series, Shannon brings back one of the most heartfelt and relatable episodes for moms navigating a new autism diagnosis.

She explores why so many parents are scared to say the word autism out loud, the weight of the label, and the emotional experience of explaining the diagnosis to others. Through real-life scenarios and honest encouragement, Shannon reminds us that being autistic doesn’t mean being less-than — it simply means experiencing the world differently.

You’ll walk away with specific things you can say when you don’t know what to say, a new perspective on what autism really means, and the confidence to start speaking your truth.

This one is for every mom who’s ever whispered the word, avoided the conversation, or questioned whether she’s doing this right.

Whether you’re still sitting in fear or just unsure how to explain things to others, this episode will give you perspective, courage, and practical support. Because the more you talk about it, the easier it becomes.

And remember — your child isn’t broken. They’re just different. And different isn’t bad.

Tune in for actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement, because you are not alone on this journey!

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!⁠⁠⁠
 Get Details HERE

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet? 

⁠⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠⁠

⁠⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)

This Best of Summer episode is for every autism mom who’s ever found herself locked in a battle of wills with her child—especially during the tween, teen, or young adult years.

In this honest and solution-focused conversation, Shannon dives into what’s really behind those power struggles, resistance, and seemingly defiant behaviors. She shares why arguments escalate, how to recognize red herrings (those sneaky distractions that derail progress), and what to do instead.

You’ll walk away with strategies to create calm, reduce conflict, and set boundaries that actually stick—all while staying grounded and connected to your child.

Whether your child slams doors, talks back, or pushes every single boundary—this episode will help you bring peace to your parenting and power to your presence.

Tune in to learn how to navigate defiance with confidence and build a more peaceful home environment.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership! Get access to exclusive support, training and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!

https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠

Additional Resources:

Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

Episode 96. Our Parenting Journey is Different⁠

Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time⁠

This episode struck a deep chord with so many of you—and that’s why it’s part of our Best of Summer series.

Too often, our children are underestimated simply because they’re autistic. In this episode, Shannon revisits the powerful reminder that low expectations can become invisible barriers—and how shifting our mindset can open up opportunities we never imagined.

Whether it’s at school, at home, or in the community, your child deserves to be seen for who they are and what they’re capable of. Shannon shares stories, lessons learned from raising Jordan, and ways you can start raising the bar while still honoring your child’s individual journey.

This one’s about encouragement, belief, and the quiet strength it takes to expect more when others expect less.

Join Shannon for an inspiring conversation about raising the bar for your child and believing in their abilities, no matter what others might say. Whether you have a son or daughter on the spectrum, this episode will remind you to stop saying “They can’t” and start believing in “They will.”

Tune in for encouragement, insights, and actionable advice to help you keep going, stay strong, and never give up. You’ve got this!

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership at https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/

Access exclusive support, training and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly
understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!  ⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

70. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean?

124. What To Do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)