~162~"Letting Go Without Losing Them: Parenting Autistic Adults (Real Talk)" with Susan Tatem

#AutismParenting#ParentingTeens#Neurodivergent#AutismAwarenessIn this powerful and deeply honest episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined, I sit down with Susan Tatem, the visionary behind the anthology Daring to Belong: Stories of Autism, Courage and Connection, to talk about what really happens when autistic teens become adults.We challenge the cultural myth that adulthood begins at 18—and explore what readiness, independence, and support actually look like for neurodivergent individuals.This is not a surface-level conversation. This is real, raw, and what parents need to hear.We talk about:Why chronological age does NOT equal developmental readinessThe painful balance between protecting your child and letting goWhat to say (and what NOT to say) when supporting independenceThe reality of watching your child make choices you know may hurt themHow to “keep the light on” when there’s distance or estrangementThe 3 most important priorities: health, safety, and welfarePractical strategies you can start using TODAYSusan also shares her personal journey raising her autistic daughter into adulthood—and the fears she’s had to release along the way.If you are parenting a teen with autism, navigating a new diagnosis, or trying to understand how to support independence without losing connection… this episode will stay with you.💡 Key Takeaway: Your child doesn’t need you to control their path. They need to know you’re still there… no matter what.📚 About the Book: Daring to Belong brings together powerful voices sharing real stories of raising and supporting neurodivergent children—with all proceeds supporting the autism community.Connect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and Connection YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : [email protected] Website  cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast