Heather Preece: Autism, Motherhood, Faith, and Finding Peace

Host Cassidy Beck welcomes Heather Preece—wife, mother, school counselor, and psychology adjunct professor—who writes about motherhood, disability, mental health, faith, and finding peace when life doesn’t go as planned. Heather shares how a nudge to submit a personal essay launched her vulnerable storytelling, despite insecurity and fear of judgment, and how reader connection keeps her going. She discusses parenting three autistic boys, including a medically complex youngest child, emphasizing being the mom her kids need, celebrating small victories, and helping others feel included. Heather explains how learning new ways to communicate with her non-speaking son has deepened her relationship with God and reframed prayer in seasons of waiting. She introduces her Spark Award–winning book, “Off the Path of Typical: 12 Lessons From a Motherhood That Didn’t Go as Planned,” and encourages overwhelmed parents to seek God’s help and create rather than only consume.