PODCAST · kids
Not Your Average Autism Mom
by Shannon Urquiola
This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children, but has evolved, and we have listeners across the world who are relatives of someone with autism, special education teachers, and other professionals. My son Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old, now 30. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently. I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week, for 20 minutes or less (most episodes), I discuss topics that directly impact your life on this unique parenting journey. [email protected]
Episodes
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279. We Had This Figured Out: Understanding Your Autistic Child’s Changing Needs
“We already figured this out. Why is this hard again?”Your morning routine was working. Your child loved going to the library. They could get dressed without much help. Now something feels different, and you’re wondering what changed. In this episode, Shannon shares everyday examples and...
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278. When Plans Change: Helping Your Autistic Children Handle Disappointment.
A canceled outing. A favorite food that isn’t available. A friend who can’t come over. You see another option—but your child is still focused on the plan that disappeared. In this episode, Shannon shares practical ways to help your autistic children handle everyday disappointments while taking...
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277. Autism and Friendship: Is Your Child Lonely or Are You Worried They Will Be?
Does your autistic child need more friends—or are you worried because their friendships don’t look the way you imagined? In this episode, Shannon talks honestly about the sadness she has felt knowing that her son Jordan, now 30, has never had a best friend, sleepovers, or weekend plans with...
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276. When Your Child Is Afraid to Get It Wrong: Understanding Performance Anxiety
Your child knows the answer but won’t say it. They’ve completed the task before, but suddenly insist, “I can’t.” They refuse to begin, ask you to do it for them, or fall apart when someone is watching. It may look like defiance, laziness, or a lack of effort. But sometimes your child isn’t…
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275. Autistic Shutdown: When Your Child’s Struggle Gets Quiet
A child who is screaming, crying, or falling apart is clearly struggling. But what happens when an autistic child’s response to overwhelm becomes quiet? Autistic shutdowns can look like ignoring, refusing, withdrawing, or simply choosing not to participate. Your child may stop speaking, become...
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274. Impulsive or Oppositional? Why Knowing Better Doesn’t Always Mean Doing Better
Your child knows the rule. You’ve explained it, practiced it, reminded them—and they may even be able to tell you exactly what they’re supposed to do. So why do they keep doing the thing they KNOW they shouldn’t? It’s easy to assume they’re being defiant, refusing to listen, or deliberately…
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273. Before You Ask Again: Give Them Time to Process
You ask your child a question. You wait a beat. Then you ask again, explain it differently, or add another direction. But what if your child is still processing the first thing you said? We’re back with brand-new episodes after our BEST OF Summer series! I’m sharing a quick update on my recovery...
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BEST OF Summer Series - Back to School Pep Talk
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 233, The Back-to-School Parent Pep Talk: What Every...
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BEST OF Summer Series — Unlocking the Mystery: Decoding Splinter Skills
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 191, Unlocking the Mystery: Decoding Splinter Skills…
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BEST OF Summer Series— They're Noy Ignoring You: It's A Skill Gap
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 227, They're Not Ignoring You: It's a Skill Gap is…
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BEST OF Summer Series — Pragmatic Language: Why It Matters and How to Help Your Child Build It
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 240, Pragmatic Language: Why It Matters and How to…
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BEST OF Summer Series —When Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights into Autism Aggression
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where we're revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 221, When Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights into...
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BEST OF Summer Series - Unwrapping the Rule Book: Strategies for Discipline
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where we're revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 174, Unwrapping the Rule Book: Strategies for...
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BEST OF Summer Series Reset & Reconnect: What to Do After You Lose Your Lane (and You Will)
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 248, Reset & Reconnect: What to Do After You Lose…
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BEST OF Summer Series - Social Expectations vs Autism Reality
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 143, Social Expectations vs Autism Reality continues…
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BEST OF Summer Series— Rules Matter: Consequences That Teach, Not Punish
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 241, Rules Matter: Consequences That Teach, Not…
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BEST OF Summer Series—Stranger Danger, Autism & Online Risks: When Safety Isn't Simple
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most sharedepisodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 252, Stranger Danger,Autism & Online Risks: When…
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BEST OF Summer Series—Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation
☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 234, Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation...
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272. Summer is Coming... And I Know You're Already Tired
Summer is coming... and if you're already feeling overwhelmed thinking about it, you're not alone. In this episode, Shannon talks about the unique challenges summer brings for families raising autistic children—from the loss of routines and the fear of regression to the realities of ESY, sibling...
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271. Planning Exit Routes Since 2001: When "Easy" Isn't Easy
Why do autism moms feel exhausted before we even leave the house? In this deeply relatable episode, Shannon talks about the invisible mental load so many autism moms carry every single day — constantly preparing for things that haven’t even happened yet. From summer vacations and graduations to...
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270. When There is No Pause Button: Riding Out the Storm
Parenting an autistic child often feels like navigating a storm without a pause button. You may find yourself overwhelmed, trying to manage behaviors that seem chaotic and unpredictable.This episode is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about the reality of severe dysregulation in...
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269. Public Meltdowns and Private Shame
If you’ve ever left a store in tears, replayed a public meltdown in your head for days, or avoided going places because it just feels easier than risking another scene… this episode is for you. In this deeply honest conversation, Shannon opens up about the emotional weight so many autism moms...
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268. Why Autism Parents Don’t “Just Get a Babysitter”: The Truth About Trust
One of the things autism parents hear all the time is, “You should just get a babysitter and take a break.” But what most people don’t understand is—it’s not that simple. Sponsor: Neuro-Free 🌐 https://neuro-free.com 📞 (504) 294-8333 This episode is sponsored by Neuro-Free, a U.S.-based provider...
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267. Autism Parenting and Marriage: Why Couples Struggle (And How They Reconnect)
Raising a child with autism can bring incredible love and purpose into a family’s life—but it can also put enormous pressure on a marriage. This episode is sponsored by Neuro-Free, a provider focused on supporting neurological wellness through patented cell infusion therapy for children and young...
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266. Autism Changes Siblings Too: The Story Nobody Talks About
Behind every autistic child is often a brother or sister quietly growing up differently too — and in this episode, Shannon Urquiola shares the honest, complicated, and deeply meaningful side of sibling relationships that autism families understand but rarely talk about out loud. This episode is...
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265. The Hard Lessons Autism Parenting Eventually Teaches Every Mom
There are some lessons you only learn after years of raising a child with autism. The kind of lessons no one tells you when your child is first diagnosed. The kind that comes from experience, exhaustion, reflection, and growth. In this episode, Shannon Urquiola shares some of the hard truths and...
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264. The Invisible Communication Gap (And Why It Causes So Much Frustration)
Why does your autistic child take things so literally? Why do they sometimes focus on details that seem completely unrelated to the situation? And why can conversations with them sometimes feel like you’re both talking about two totally different things? In this episode, Shannon Urquiola breaks...
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263. ABA Therapy: Helpful, Harmful, or Misunderstood? What Parents Need to Know
ABA therapy is one of the most talked about — and often misunderstood — therapies in the autism world. Some families swear by it. Others strongly oppose it. And many parents are left wondering what to believe and whether it’s something they should consider for their child. In this episode of the...
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262. When "Helpful" Advice Isn't Helpful: Navigating Advice From People Who Don't Understand
“Just make him go.” “They’ll eat when they’re hungry.” “He’ll catch up.” If you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum, chances are you’ve heard some version of these “helpful” suggestions more times than you can count. And while most people mean well, advice like this can leave you feeling...
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261. Biomedical Testing and Autism: Understanding a Complex Topic
In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola explores a topic many parents quietly wonder about but don’t always know how to navigate: biomedical testing and autism. Shannon discusses common tests that are often mentioned in the autism community—including OATS...
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260. The Most Important Page in the IEP (That Many Parents Forget to Use)
In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola dives deep into one of the most overlooked — yet powerful — tools in special education: the Parent Input Statement. If you’ve ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling unprepared, intimidated, or unsure what to say, this...
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259. Is This Autism ... or Something Else? How to Know When to Look Deeper
“Is this autism… or are we missing something?” It’s a question so many autism moms quietly wrestle with — especially when behaviors shift, anxiety increases, focus drops, or school becomes harder than it used to be. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola…
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258. The Loneliest Seat in the Room: When You’re the Only One Who Sees the Struggle
Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or even a family gathering and thought… You’re not seeing what I’m seeing? In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about what it feels like to be the only one who sees your child’s struggle —…
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257. Rules Need Context — Why “Because I Said So” Doesn’t Work in Autism Parenting
Rules can feel like constant battles in autism parenting— especially when you’re repeating yourself, feeling frustrated, and wondering why things that should be simple just aren’t clicking. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon Urquiola breaks down why rules without...
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256. The Long Game of Advocacy —and How to Keep Going
Advocacy isn’t a phase of autism parenting—it’s a long-term role that evolves from diagnosis through adulthood. And for many moms, it can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and never-ending. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola walks you through what advocacy...
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255. Autism Parenting Changes You: And That Isn’t the End of Your Story
Autism parenting changes you. Not just how you parent — but how you think, how you feel, and how you move through the world. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks honestly about the parts of this journey we don’t always say out loud — losing pieces...
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254. Why All-or-Nothing Thinking Gets So Loud in Autism Parenting
All-or-nothing thinking is one of the most common — and most damaging — thought patterns I see in autism parenting. If today is hard, it suddenly feels like everything is hard. If your child is struggling, it feels impossible for you to beokay. And over time, hope, joy, and motivation quietly…
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253. Medication Merry-Go-Round: Autism, Meds & The Hardest Decisions We Make
Medication decisions are some of the hardest choices autism parents ever face — and they’re rarely simple. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola takes a deep, honest dive into medication and autism, sharing both professional insight and decades of lived...
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252. Stranger Danger, Autism & Online Risks: When Safety Isn't Simple
How do you teach stranger danger to autistic kids — without creating fear? In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, Shannon Urquiola dives into a topic so many parents worry about but rarely feel confident navigating. Inspired by a question from a follower, Valencia Shannon…
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251. Finding Your People: Why They Matter More Than Ever
In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola wraps up 2025 with a powerful conversation about what it really means to find your people when you’re raising an autistic child. Inspired by a request from a NYAAM member, Shannon shares real stories from her own...
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250. After 250 Episodes... What I Wish Every Autism Mom Knew
In this milestone 250th episode, Shannon sits down for one of the most honest, heartfelt conversations she’s ever had on the podcast — a conversation she wishes someone could have had with her 20 years ago. If you’ve ever wondered whether things will get better… If you’ve ever felt like you’re...
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249. “What Do I Even Get Them? Gifts, Expectations, and Letting Go of ‘Typical’ When Your Child Isn’t”
— A Holiday Pep Talk If you’ve ever dreaded the question “What does he want for Christmas?” this episode is for you. In Episode 249 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon sits down for a heartfelt, honest conversation about gift-giving when your autistic child doesn’t like toys,...
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248. Reset & Reconnect: What to Do After You Lose Your Lane (and You Will)
In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola continues her holiday series with a conversation every autism parent needs before the real chaos hits—what to do after you completely lose your lane. Because no matter how hard you work on staying calm, holding...
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247. Staying in Your Lane: Reducing Holiday Stress and Letting Go of What’s Not Yours to Control
This week, we’re continuing our holiday series with a conversation that every autism mom needs this time of year — learning how to stay in your lane when everything around you feels like chaos. In this episode, Shannon shares real-life holiday scenarios that trigger overwhelm — the change in…
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246. Beyond Choosing Your Battles: Understanding Boundaries, Flexibility, and Growth
As the holidays approach, you’re probably already feeling the shift — routines change, emotions run high, and suddenly you find yourself “choosing your battles” more than usual. But what if it’s not really about choosing battles at all? In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast,...
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245. When It’s Not About the Behavior: What’s Really Behind Your Reaction
If you’ve ever found yourself snapping, shutting down, or spiraling after your child’s behavior, this episode will help you understand why. In this week’s episode, Shannon unpacks what’s really going on beneath those moments — when your nervous system takes over, your emotions run high, and you...
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244. It’s Not About You: Learning Not to Take It Personally
When your child says things that hurt—or acts out inways that feel personal—it’s easy to let those moments sink deep. You love them, you give everything you have, and hearing “I hate you!” or watching a meltdown unfold can break your heart. But what if those words and behaviors aren’t about youat...
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243.Feelings First; The Step We Often Skip (and Why It Matters)
When your child is melting down, your instinct is to fix it. To solve it. To make it stop. But here’s the truth—before you can teach regulation, you have to model it. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, Shannon dives deep into why emotional validation is the foundation for...
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242. Advocating Without Burning Out: Managing Your Energy for the Long Haul
Advocating is part of everyday life when you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum — but it can also be exhausting. In this episode, Shannon shares how to manageyour energy so you can advocate effectively without burning out. Learn how to protect your peace, choose your battles wisely, and...
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241. Rules Matter; Consequences That Teach, Not Punish
Life runs on rules—and our kids need practice learning them at home so they can navigate the real world with safety and confidence. In this episode, Shannon shares why rules aren’t harsh or unfair; they’re loving preparation. You’ll learn how to make expectations clear, follow through…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children, but has evolved, and we have listeners across the world who are relatives of someone with autism, special education teachers, and other professionals. My son Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old, now 30. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently. I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week, for 20 minutes or less (most episodes), I discuss topics that directly impact your life on this unique parenting journey. [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Shannon Urquiola
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Not Your Average Autism Mom have?
Not Your Average Autism Mom currently has 309 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Not Your Average Autism Mom about?
This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children, but has evolved, and we have listeners across the world who are relatives of someone with autism, special education teachers, and other professionals. My son Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old, now...
How often does Not Your Average Autism Mom release new episodes?
Not Your Average Autism Mom publishes regularly with 309 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Not Your Average Autism Mom?
You can listen to Not Your Average Autism Mom on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Not Your Average Autism Mom?
Not Your Average Autism Mom is created and hosted by Shannon Urquiola.
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