When They Said Severe Autism: A Mother’s 30-Year Journey of Growth and Hope | Ep. 46

Brooke hosts an episode of "Finding Hope on the Spectrum" featuring Kat Lee, an RDI consultant and mother of an autistic adult son. Kat recounts her son’s "severe autism" diagnosis 30 years ago, a time when services were scarce and parents relied on each other for mentorship. After starting with ABA to build regulation and trust, Kat eventually discovered RDI, which became the "missing piece" by focusing on parental empowerment and developmental steps.Kat highlights the contrast between the past's scarcity and today’s overwhelming abundance of options. She warns that "doing it all" can keep families in a state of crisis and exhaustion. Instead, she advises parents to slow down, trust their instincts, and choose interventions based on clear, measurable goals. Kat shares personal stories of resilience—from handling a sudden school rejection with self-compassion to helping her son overcome his fear of roller coasters—emphasizing that growth is possible well into adulthood.00:00 Why "All the Therapies" Can Backfire01:20 Welcome + Today’s Question: Too Many Options02:41 Meet Kat Lee: 30+ Years of Autism Parenting04:17 The Diagnosis: ‘Severe Autism’ & No Hope07:39 Scarcity Era: Refusing Limiting Predictions10:16 First Steps: ABA at Home & Mentors12:30 Early Progress: Regulation & Building Trust14:10 Why Clear Goals and Measurement Matter15:20 Discovering RDI: The Missing Piece17:40 Empowering Parents as an RDI Consultant21:47 Parent Networks Then & Now: Community Support25:52 Today’s Abundance: The Need to Slow Down31:51 Saying ‘Not Right Now’: Setting Limits33:28 A Filter for Choices: Define Goals & Evaluate35:43 Why Less Can Help Kids Thrive37:20 Trust Your Gut vs. Copying Others41:28 School Rejection Story & Giving Yourself Grace47:05 It’s Never Too Late: Neuroplasticity & Hope49:13 Helping Overwhelmed Families: Parent Stability53:09 Family Vision and Making Room for Joy58:25 Pride, Resilience, and the Rollercoaster Story01:03:50 Wrap-Up & Contact InfoConnect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/⁠Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrumTikTok: FindinghopeonthespectrumGuest Contact: https://www.autismtexas.com/about