A Conscious Approach to Autism Parenting & The Myth of "Catching Up" with Kathleen Somers

Autism parenting isn’t a race, it’s a reorientation. Autism Mom Sarah Kernion and fellow Autism Mom and author Kathleen Somers unpack the quiet revolution of slowing down in a world that rewards speed in their autism parenting journeys. Through honest reflection, they question inherited expectations and challenge the myth of “catching up.” Their conversation illuminates what happens when parents stop measuring progress against typical milestones and start witnessing growth on their child’s unique timeline. This dialogue invites autism parents to trade anxiety for awareness, performance for presence, and pressure for patience. It’s about conscious parenting that honors both the child’s nervous system and the parent’s emotional bandwidth. The result is a gentler rhythm—where profound autism, neurodiversity, and deep connection can finally breathe. Kathleen's Book Barely Visible can be purchased here.Kathleen Somers, a debut author, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and works as a freelance graphic designer. She is a passionate observer of humanity who believes in the power of connection that comes from each of us sharing our individual stories. When Kathleen isn’t busy with her career as a creative, she is out on her bike finding new roads to explore, or spending time with her son, opening his eyes to everything the world has to offer. She lives with her family in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Chapters (00:00:00) - Barely Visible: An Autism Mom's Journey(00:00:59) - On Writing My Autism Memoir(00:05:32) - Looking Back: Learning From Our Elders(00:11:58) - How to Love Your Child's Emotions(00:14:35) - Autistic Parents: Their Differences Are Not the Default(00:21:15) - Autistic Mothers Slow Down Their Child's Development(00:26:13) - My Son's Car Caught on Fire(00:29:50) - Kathleen's Story of Mothering an Autism Child(00:32:53) - A Parent's Love of routine