20| Navigating the Autism Journey: Jennifer Briggs on Thriving while Raising a Child on the Spectrum

Jennifer Celeste Briggs shares her story of raising her daughter, Sarah, who was diagnosed with autism. From the early struggles of failure to thrive and feeding issues, to navigating the emotional ups and downs of parenting, Jennifer provides invaluable insight into what it’s like to raise a child with special needs. She also discusses the life-changing Son Rise Program, which helped her daughter make incredible strides, and how building a supportive village of friends, family, and volunteers made all the difference. This episode is filled with raw honesty, heartwarming moments, and practical wisdom for any mom facing their own challenges.Key Takeaways:Parenting is a Journey: Jennifer’s story shows that parenting is full of unexpected turns and challenges, but with patience, persistence, and support, growth is possible for both children and parents.The Power of Building a Village: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of asking for help and building a strong support system, whether through family, friends, or volunteers.Son Rise Program: The Son Rise Program is a child-centered approach to autism that focuses on love, connection, and respecting a child’s individual pace, allowing them to grow without pressure.Mom Guilt is Real: The pressure of wanting to “do it all” and do it perfectly can be overwhelming. Jennifer discusses how learning to accept her limitations and ask for help helped her grow as a mom.Support for Emotional Health: Jennifer shares how her personal growth, including emotional support from her mom and parenting support groups, has helped her navigate the emotional challenges of motherhood.Key Quotes:“I have learned that it’s okay to have emotions and to cry. You don’t have to solve every situation.” – Jennifer Celeste Briggs“Parenting is a journey of growth—not just for your kids, but for yourself as well.” – Jennifer Celeste Briggs“The Son Rise Program taught me to meet my daughter where she was and to connect with her in her world.” – Jennifer Celeste Briggs“You can’t do this alone. It takes a village, and building that support system is key to surviving the toughest days.” – Jennifer Celeste Briggs“It's okay to not have it all figured out. Every small step forward counts.” – Jennifer Celeste BriggsResources Mentioned:Son Rise Program: Learn more about this child-centered autism approach at Son Rise Program Website.Jennifer Celeste Briggs’ Book: Watching Sarah Rise: A Journey of Thriving with Autism – A deep dive into Jennifer's experiences and how her family overcame challenges. Option Institute: A supportive community for parents to explore beliefs and emotions. [Link to Option Institute]About Jennifer Celeste BriggsJennifer is a certified Alexander Technique teacher and former massage therapist with 24 years of experience. Jennifer later shifted her focus to parenting, training at the Autism Treatment Center of America to run a Son-Rise Program for her daughter on the autism spectrum. She ran the program for five years, a transformative experience for her family and volunteers. Jennifer is the author of Watching Sarah Rise: A Journey of Thriving with Autism and currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA.About Your Host:Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.For More Info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook visit www.everydaysupermoms.com Never Miss an Episode: Join the email list to receive weekly updates including podcast episode summaries, tips for moms and more. Sign up Here