Refrigerator Moms

Kelley Jensen, Julianna Scott
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Born from 20 years of friendship, during which they navigated the trenches of autism parenting and advocacy, the Refrigerator Moms is Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott’s way of reaching out to parents waging the same battles they were.  Their purpose with this podcast is to clear the fog, silence the noise, and find a path through neurodivergence for parents that are stuck between bad choices. They tackle parenting topics such as mom guilt, tantrums, pathological demand avoidance, siblings, medication, comorbidities, social media, and much more. 

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    What The Pitt Gets Wrong About Autistic Adults & Sexual Health

    Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen dig into a storyline from the hit medical drama The Pitt, where autistic character Becca is treated for a UTI and her sister Dr. Mel invokes "supported decision making." The hosts applaud the show for raising the topic — then spend the episode unpacking everything it glossed over. From the legal mechanics of conservatorship to the near-total absence of guidance around reproductive health for disabled adults, Julianna and Kelley get into the weeds so the show didn't have to. Kelley also shares the surprisingly sweet story of securing conservatorship for her own son before his 18th birthday. Highlights The Pitt introduced "supported decision making" to a mainstream audience — a real legal framework worth understandingNo state in the U.S. allows anyone to make reproductive decisions on behalf of another adult, including through conservatorshipConservatorship varies significantly by state and comes in different categories: financial, healthcare, and moreSupported decision making lets the individual retain final authority while supporters explain options and consequences — but it raises many unanswered questionsSexual and reproductive health for disabled adults is one of the least-guided, most legally complex areas of disability careConservatorship can be suspended or revoked if circumstances change — it's not necessarily permanentStart conversations about conservatorship and reproductive health at puberty, not at age 18Loop in your child's pediatrician early — documented conversations can help you advocate laterDon't use Britney Spears as your benchmark for conservatorship — her case was extreme and atypicalInformal supported decision making is something many autism families are already practicing without realizing it🔗 Learn More: Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com 00:00 Intro & The Pitt recap01:09 Becca's UTI storyline explained01:36 Sponsor: Brain Performance Technologies02:08 More questions than answers02:14 When representation oversimplifies03:15 Becca's consent & boyfriend Adam03:55 UTIs, protection & unanswered questions04:11 Becca's living situation05:05 Sexual health & disability: no guidance05:28 What is supported decision-making?05:37 What is conservatorship?06:07 Ad: Brain Performance Technologies07:10 Conservatorship & reproductive rights07:56 Supported decision-making explained08:18 Where does supported decision-making fall short?08:34 Pregnancy, responsibility & legal gaps09:16 Kelley's son's conservatorship story10:47 The judge says "Granted"11:10 When independence IS possible11:42 Advice: don't use Britney as your benchmark12:47 Start at puberty, not at 1813:06 Document with your pediatrician13:10 Julianna's son & informal supported decisions14:23 Autonomy, complexity & The Pitt's value15:01 Outro & disclaimer

    16 min

  2. 15 APR

    Why This Viral Autism Book Has Us Asking Hard Questions About Facilitated Communication

    Upward Bound by Woody Brown is getting major media buzz — a New York Times review, a spot on Jenna Bush Hager's Today Show book club — but Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen aren't satisfied with the surface-level conversation. They dig into what makes this debut novel both powerful and complicated: its unflinching portrait of broken adult day programs, the real systemic failures facing profoundly autistic adults, and the thorny science (and ethics) of facilitated communication. They celebrate the book's important message while pushing back on the mainstream coverage that missed the bigger story. Key Takeaways: Upward Bound is being celebrated as inspiration porn, but its deeper value is as a critique of broken systems for profoundly autistic adultsFacilitated communication is a pseudoscience — studies consistently show the facilitator, not the autistic person, drives the outputThe "ideomotor effect" (think Ouija board) explains how facilitators can unconsciously influence responses without intending toAAC devices build independence; facilitated communication never can — and that distinction matters enormouslyFacilitated communication has a documented dark side, including cases of false abuse accusations and, in extreme cases, criminal exploitationThe most important stories in this book are about the staffers, the systemic underfunding, and the "cliff" autistic adults fall off of after age 22 — not just Woody's individual storyMainstream media coverage (including the Today Show interview) failed to ask critical questions about the system the book is actually indictingParents of profoundly autistic children develop remarkable communication shorthand with their kids — that's a feature, not a bug, but it's different from facilitated communicationThe book is worth reading and sharing — just go deeper than the inspiration porn framing and let it spark the harder conversations🔗 Learn More: Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com (00:00) - Welcome & Autism Acceptance Month (00:27) - Introducing Upward Bound by Woody Brown (01:02) - What is inspiration porn? (01:18) - Did Woody write this book? (02:05) - The plot: adult day programs explained (02:57) - Vignettes & multiple perspectives (03:35) - Who this book is for (04:01) - Should you send it to autism families? (04:45) - Systemic failures & the real story (06:02) - Camp Cammie & the "place for me" question (06:19) - Getting kicked out of special needs spaces (07:00) - The Temple Grandin movie reference (07:52) - Why coverage missed the system story (08:12) - Facilitated communication: the elephant (08:54) - 3 questions that debunk FC (09:39) - What is facilitated communication? (10:19) - How FC works in practice (12:43) - Why the facilitator is the real author (13:05) - Watching the Today Show interview (13:31) - Woody at Columbia: what it means (14:35) - Kudos & the real intention of the book (15:46) - How the book was supposedly generated via FC (17:02) - Parents as creative translators (17:56) - AAC devices vs. facilitated communication (18:28) - FC vs. AAC: independence is the goal (19:28) - What media coverage left out (19:59) - The Anna Stubblefield case (21:06) - Why parents are justifiably upset (22:28) - Red flags in the text (23:49) - Thomas the Tank Engine & other tells (24:57) - Perspective-taking & authorship clues (26:52) - It's a love story — but who's telling it? (27:57) - Shame on coverage; kudos to the book (28:07) - The r-word & editorial choices (29:34) - Acknowledge the facilitator; read the book (30:40) - The system conversation we need (31:02) - Outro & disclaimer

    33 min

  3. 8 APR

    Why Won't My Kid Behave at His Own Birthday? Autism Parents Get Real

    Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen dig into real questions posted by autism and special needs parents on social media. They tackle a mom's hurt and embarrassment when her teen's anxiety derailed his own birthday celebration, share sport and activity ideas that blend neurotypical and autistic kids without the pressure of forced socializing, unpack the root cause behind panic attacks (fear, not just breathing), and offer a frank conversation about young adult depression and burnout. They also discuss verbal loops and repetitive questioning, explaining how to decode what a child is really trying to communicate. Key Takeaways When a child's anxiety disrupts a planned birthday celebration, the loss is real for both parent and child. Holding onto what went well (like a successful outing with friends) matters.Adjusting expectations is an ongoing process. Rather than blaming, revisit the plan together before the next event."Alone together" activities like bowling, skiing, skating, or hockey let autistic kids build confidence and social connection without heavy verbal demands.Mixed-ability sports programs can be a gateway to lasting friendships and skills that carry into adulthood.Panic attacks are rooted in fear. Managing the moment is useful, but identifying and addressing the trigger is essential for reducing frequency.If panic attacks are frequent, consult a doctor and use behavioral tools like ABCs to track what precedes them.Young adult depression and burnout should be treated as a chronic condition requiring ongoing management, not a phase that will pass.Interventional psychiatry, SAINT, ketamine, TMS, and traditional therapy can all play a role in treating treatment-resistant depression.Kelley's son, who has had depression since childhood, experienced roughly 80% improvement after completing the SAINT protocol.Verbal loops in autistic individuals are often anxiety in disguise. Redirect toward the underlying concern rather than repeating the loop.00:00 Welcome & episode intro00:39 Q1: Birthday meltdown02:11 Birthdays are hard03:03 Adjust expectations & replanning03:37 Sponsor: Brain Performance Technologies05:05 Wackiest comment reaction05:45 Q2: Mixed activities for neurodiverse kids07:10 Kelley's sons & skating/hockey story08:14 "No downside to trying"08:29 Q3: Panic attacks in a 10-year-old09:24 Panic attacks are fear10:15 Address the trigger, not just the moment11:05 ABCs & seeing a doctor11:42 Managing vs. preventing panic attacks12:07 No substitute for a professional12:23 Sponsor: Brain Performance Technologies12:57 Q4: Young adult depression & burnout13:51 Not something amateurs should handle14:07 Treat depression as a chronic condition15:25 Interventional psychiatry & fast-acting options15:47 Kelley's son: SAINT treatment update16:55 80% improvement after SAINT18:01 Try all the tools18:34 Q5: Verbal loops & repetitive talk19:33 Redirect to the underlying anxiety20:31 Holiday loops & visualizing the plan21:16 OCD loops vs. autism anxiety loops22:13 Antecedent: find the trigger22:44 Sign-off & disclaimer

    24 min

  4. 1 APR

    Why Autism & Perfectionism Go Hand in Hand — What Every Parent Needs to Know

    Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott get personal about perfectionism — and it turns out both hosts scored high on the assessment. They unpack the difference between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, why autistic kids are especially prone to perfectionist thinking, and how rigid standards and fear of failure can quietly fuel anxiety, burnout, and even disordered eating. From Tiger Moms to Snowplow parents, helicopter tendencies to procrastination, this episode covers the full landscape. They close with a practical to-do list for recovering perfectionists — parents and kids alike — anchored by the mantra: don't compare, don't compete. Key Takeaways Perfectionism is not a diagnosis, but it can quickly become maladaptive — leading to anxiety, depression, and burnoutThere are two types: adaptive (high standards that drive healthy achievement) and maladaptive (unrealistic standards that lead to paralysis and shame)Procrastination is often rooted in perfectionism — if you can't do it perfectly, you put it offAutistic kids are especially prone to perfectionism due to black-and-white thinking, rigidity, and identity tied to performanceAdjusting expectations isn't the same as lowering them — "high standards" should be calibrated to what your child is actually capable ofSnowplow and lawnmower parenting removes obstacles but leaves kids unable to handle real-world failureAppearance perfectionism and socially prescribed standards are fueling disordered eating, particularly in girls on the spectrumParents can unintentionally reinforce perfectionism through excessive praise tied to performance outcomesThe "what if" exercise — following a worry all the way to its logical end — is a powerful tool for anxiety and perfectionist thinkingCore strategies: reframe failures as learning, model self-acceptance, set attainable goals, and embrace "good enough"Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com 00:00 Welcome & Episode Intro00:28 "Perfection Is the Enemy of Progress"01:02 When Perfectionism Turns Maladaptive01:27 Perfectionism in Autism Parenting01:49 Taking the Perfectionism Assessments02:49 Frost Multidimensional Scale Overview03:11 Parental Approval & the Assessments04:11 Kelley's Results: Adaptive Perfectionism05:26 Julianna's Results: Maladaptive Patterns05:35 Ad Break: Brain Performance Technologies (MeRT)06:30 Julianna Scores — The Full Picture07:07 Procrastination as Perfectionism08:37 Autism Diagnosis & Letting Go of the Fantasy09:15 High Standards vs. Impossible Standards10:34 Rigidity, Control & Black-and-White Thinking11:42 Self-Oriented, Other-Oriented & Social Perfectionism13:18 Appearance Perfectionism & Disordered Eating14:52 Autism, Rigidity & Big Problem/Small Problem16:03 Identity, Achievement & Fear of Failure18:25 Kids Redoing Work & Recognizing the Signs21:19 Parenting Styles: Tiger, Lawnmower & Snowplow Moms22:27 Ad Break: Brain Performance Technologies (SAINT)23:42 What Would We Do? Practical Strategies25:38 Helping a Spouse Who Doesn't See Their Perfectionism28:08 The To-Do List for Recovering Perfectionists34:39 Resilience, Learned Helplessness & Wrap-Up35:22 Don't Compare, Don't Compete35:40 Closing & Five-Star Reminder

    37 min

  5. 25 MAR

    The Words We Use to Describe Autism — And Why They're So Controversial

    Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott dig into one of autism's most charged debates: language. From "nonverbal" versus "non-speaking" to the ADA's definition of disability, to person-first versus identity-first language, the hosts weigh what these distinctions actually mean in practice. They explore who benefits from these word choices, who gets left behind when semantics overshadows real advocacy, and how cultural, academic, and personal identity factors all shape the conversation. With their trademark candor, Kelley and Julianna push back on word policing while acknowledging when precision in language genuinely matters. Key Takeaways "Nonverbal" vs. "non-speaking" is a meaningful distinction in research and classroom settings, but word-policing mid-conversation can derail real advocacyNon-speaking individuals may have full language comprehension even without speech — but that assumption shouldn't be applied universallyThe severe autism community is often sidelined when advocacy focuses on semantics rather than servicesThe ADA defines disability broadly as any physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activitiesSocial Security defines disability as inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment lasting at least 12 monthsDisability definitions have shifted from a medical model toward a civil rights/social model over time"Person first" language (a child with autism) was once the standard; "identity first" (an autistic person) is now preferred by many autistic adultsA 2023 study found autistic adults overwhelmingly preferred identity-first language, while professionals still default to person-firstA 2024 analysis found person-first language still dominates academic and scholarly literatureBoth hosts agree: Gently correct if a word matters to you, but don't police others or make it the centerpiece of every conversation🔗 Learn More:Website: refrigeratormoms.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormomsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com (00:00) - Introduction: Words & semantics in autism (01:48) - Nonverbal vs. non-speaking explained (02:51) - Non-speaking: language ability vs. speech (04:35) - Severe autism & assumptions of comprehension (05:05) - Who benefits from language corrections? (06:10) - When precise language matters (research, school) (07:57) - The word "disabled" and its definitions (08:24) - ADA definition of disability (09:06) - When is someone considered disabled? (09:20) - Social Security disability definition (09:50) - How autism diagnosis affects benefits (09:58) - From medical model to civil rights model (10:30) - Person first vs. identity first language (11:04) - Kelley's take: Labels don't matter, help does (11:39) - Philosophy behind person-first language (12:07) - The pendulum swings to identity-first (13:08) - What the research says (2023, 2024 studies) (13:39) - It's personal: Do what feels right (14:00) - Language policing & need for control (14:27) - Wrap-up & disclaimer

    15 min

  6. 18 MAR

    Stop Trying to Fix Everything: How Autism Taught Us to Live With the Unknown

    Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen tackle a concept that hits close to home for autism families: Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) — the tendency to react negatively on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels to unpredictable situations. They explore how autism parenting puts this into overdrive, from diagnosis-day fears to hypervigilance and the endless "fix it" mindset. Drawing on personal stories, research, and a recommendation for The Healing Power of Resilience, they offer practical strategies: plan only 3–5 years out, measure progress in "inch stones," find joy in small moments, and treat uncertainty tolerance as a muscle you build — not a problem you solve once. Key Takeaways Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a defined psychological tendency to react negatively to unpredictable situations — and autism parents often experience it intenselyAutism can be an unexpected teacher: it forces a crash course in living with the unknownThe "only until age six" therapy panic is a myth — your child is on their own trajectoryPlan no more than 3–5 years ahead; don't catastrophize about the distant futureYour anxiety is not invisible — your child can sense when it's contributing to theirsHypervigilance is the flip side of uncertainty: constantly scanning for threats fuels more anxiety, not lessExcessive research can actually increase anxiety — know when to turn it offProgress for autistic kids should be measured in "inch stones," not milestonesResilience is a practice, not a destination — build it like a muscle through community, connection, and self-compassionLook for joy in unexpected moments; small shared experiences can quiet the noise of uncertainty🔗 Learn More: Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com (00:00) - Introduction & IU defined (01:00) - One gift of autism: living with the unknown (01:51) - Sponsor: Brain Performance Technologies (SAINT) (02:30) - Hypervigilance & the diagnosis experience (03:08) - Plan only 3–5 years out (03:30) - What diagnosis can't predict (03:57) - The "only until age 6" myth (04:23) - Your anxiety affects your child (05:03) - Sponsor: Brain Performance Technologies (MeRT) (05:30) - Research on IU and anxiety (06:22) - When to stop researching (06:39) - Letting go of "fix it" mode (07:12) - Predictions that turned out to be wrong (07:59) - Inch stones & measuring small progress (08:13) - Finding joy in unexpected moments (08:48) - Hypervigilance: the perpetual anxiety loop (09:37) - Don't pack the schedule on hard days (09:50) - Resilience & The Healing Power of Resilience (11:12) - Resilience as a daily practice (11:47) - Keep going — we're all in it (11:57) - Disclaimer & closing

    13 min

  7. 11 MAR

    How Autism Looks Different in Girls — And Why Doctors Keep Missing It

    Autism has long been defined by male behavior patterns — and girls have been paying the price. Julianna and Kelley dig into the research of British neurobiologist Gina Rippon, whose book Off the Spectrum: Why the Science of Autism Has Failed Women and Girls exposes how diagnostic tools normed on boys have systematically overlooked autistic females for decades. From camouflaging and masking to misdiagnoses of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, the hosts explore why autistic girls tend to "fly under the radar" — and what's finally changing in research, diagnostics, and the broader conversation around female autism. Key Takeaways Autism diagnostic tools like the ADOS were primarily normed on male participants, causing systematic underdiagnosis in girls.Autistic girls are more likely to internalize distress and camouflage symptoms rather than display the externalizing behaviors clinicians look for.Girls' special interests (animals, celebrities, fictional characters) often mirror typical female interests, so they don't raise clinical red flags.Masking in autistic girls is survival-driven, not situational — unlike neurotypical "impression management," it is exhausting and constant.Autistic girls are more commonly misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or personality disorders instead of autism.Adolescence is the breaking point — as social demands increase, masking becomes harder to sustain and mental health crises emerge.Even families who already have a child with autism may miss the signs in their daughters.The DSM-5 now acknowledges autism may not become apparent until social demands exceed coping capacity — a meaningful philosophical shift.Research is beginning to develop girl-sensitive diagnostic tools that include camouflaging, social exhaustion, and gendered interests.Autistic girls and women are increasingly raising their own voices through social media and research participation, driving real change.🔗 Learn More: Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com (00:00) - Intro: Autism Is Not a Boys Club (00:17) - Meet the "Autism Barbie" guest (00:31) - Why girls are overlooked (00:37) - Gina Rippon's research explained (02:04) - Lining up Barbies — nobody notices (02:36) - Sponsor: SAINT therapy (03:18) - Male-normed diagnostic tools (ADOS) (04:24) - How diagnostic questions fail girls (05:33) - What Kelley sees in the clinic (05:53) - Misdiagnosed: anxiety, depression, EDs (06:25) - Language development & early diagnosis (07:46) - Two forces hiding autistic girls (08:54) - Camouflaging & masking behaviors (09:28) - Girls understand their social impact (09:39) - Empathy & the will to assimilate (10:18) - Fear of bullying drives masking (10:40) - Sponsor: MeRT therapy (11:33) - Masking versus impression management (11:53) - Girls' fragile friendships explained (12:29) - Special interests that "look normal" (13:21) - Sensory issues & DSM-5 changes (13:55) - Adolescence as the breaking point (14:28) - How assessments are finally changing (15:16) - Autistic girls finding their voices (15:50) - Clinic perspective & key lesson (16:21) - Even autism families miss the signs (16:49) - Closing: Barbie belongs (16:55) - Outro & disclaimer

    18 min

  8. 4 MAR

    Autistic Kids & Food Struggles: From Goldfish to Grilled Cheese

    Food struggles are one of the most common — and emotionally charged — challenges in autism parenting. Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott break down the full spectrum of disordered eating, from picky eating to food selectivity to ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a DSM-5 diagnosis that affects the majority of autistic children. Drawing on their own parenting experiences, they tackle the "safe foods" conversation, introduce practical strategies like food chaining, and offer a compassionate long-game perspective for families who feel like they're failing at mealtimes. Key Takeaways ARFID versus picky eating versus food selectivity — these are distinct, and knowing the difference matters for getting the right support.Food selectivity is defined as eating 20 or fewer foods in a single month — a bar many autistic children fall below.Sensory issues (texture, temperature, flavor, presentation) are often the root cause of food refusal — treat it through a sensory lens, not a food lens."Safe foods" aren't always safe — if a child's preferred foods are causing cavities, constipation, or nutritional deficits, it's worth asking who is defining "safe" and in what sense.Food chaining — scaffolding from a known safe food to a similar new one (goldfish → Cheez-It → Ritz → grilled cheese) — is a gentler, more effective path than forcing new foods.Anxiety drives a lot of food refusal — managing your own mealtime anxiety is one of the most impactful things parents can do.Involve your child in the process — grocery lists, meal planning, food prep, and knife skills all give kids agency and reduce mealtime power struggles.Growth spurts are strategic windows — hunger can override rigidity, making them great opportunities to introduce new foods.Play the long game — food habits take years, not weeks, to change. Day-to-day failures are not the measure of success.When to bring in professionals — if you're seeing rotting teeth, chronic constipation, or signs of a clinical eating disorder, a pediatrician, nutritionist, or eating disorder specialist should be involved.🔗 Learn More: Website: refrigeratormoms.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

    40 min
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About

Born from 20 years of friendship, during which they navigated the trenches of autism parenting and advocacy, the Refrigerator Moms is Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott’s way of reaching out to parents waging the same battles they were.  Their purpose with this podcast is to clear the fog, silence the noise, and find a path through neurodivergence for parents that are stuck between bad choices. They tackle parenting topics such as mom guilt, tantrums, pathological demand avoidance, siblings, medication, comorbidities, social media, and much more. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kelley Jensen, Julianna Scott
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Refrigerator Moms
  • Show Website
    Refrigerator Moms

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