193 episodes

This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children but it 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 is 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently.
I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week I talk about topics that directly impact your life and go hand in hand with your unique parenting journey.
info@notyouraverageautismmom.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

Not Your Average Autism Mom Shannon Urquiola

    • Kids & Family

This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children but it 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 is 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently.
I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week I talk about topics that directly impact your life and go hand in hand with your unique parenting journey.
info@notyouraverageautismmom.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    188. Out and About; Mastering Public Outings

    188. Out and About; Mastering Public Outings

    In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon tackles a common challenge for many families raising children on the autism spectrum: going out in public. Feeling confined to the safety of home is a familiar struggle, but Shannon shares practical strategies to make outings not only possible but also enjoyable.

    Key topics include:


    Sensory Considerations: Use tools like iPods, fidget toys, and strategic seating to minimize sensory overload.
    Special Arrangements: Plan seating and physical space to ensure your child’s comfort.
    Handling Waiting Times: Bring activities to occupy your child and reduce wait times by planning ahead.
    Clarify and Verify: Use visual supports and clear
    communication to explain the outing's steps.
    Preview and Review: Create picture stories to prepare and review outings with your child.
    Giving a Sense of Control: Involve your child in
    the outing process to reduce anxiety.
    Preparing for Overwhelm: Develop a proactive
    plan to handle overwhelming situations.
    Reaction Strategies: Have a plan for addressing
    unanticipated behavior challenges.
    Graded Exposure: Gradually increase the complexity of outings to build confidence and success.

    Join Shannon as she shares these valuable insights and encourages families to take small, manageable steps toward successful community integration.

    🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

    Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

    If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, be sure to get over and join the WAITLIST for our Private Membership.

    ⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠ 

    Additional Resources:

    Join the Movement on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenotyouraverageautismmommovement⁠

    If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠

    ⁠Episode 96. Our Parenting Journey is Different⁠

    ⁠Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time⁠ 


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 11 min
    187. The Gaming Guide: Easing Video Game Stress

    187. The Gaming Guide: Easing Video Game Stress

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, we're tackling the ups and downs of video gaming for children on the autism spectrum. Video games can be both a
    source of joy and frustration, providing excitement and a sense of control but also leading to emotional meltdowns when things don't go as planned. We dive into why video games are so appealing to autistic children and discuss the challenges they face when playing.

    Key topics covered include:


    Understanding the Appeal: Why video games are so
    engaging for children on the spectrum.
    Setting Boundaries: How to gradually reduce gaming time and set clear expectations.
    Emotional Regulation: Strategies to help your child manage their emotions during and after gaming.
    Managing Game Complexity: Identifying which
    games cause more frustration and how to handle it.
    Teaching Coping Skills: Using video games as a
    tool to teach emotional control and frustration tolerance.
    Partnering in Play: Playing alongside your child to
    coach them through challenging game stages.
    Building Competency: Focusing on positive reinforcement and building your child's coping skills.

    Join us as we share practical tips and real-life scenarios to help you navigate the world of video games with your autistic child. With these strategies, you can
    turn gaming time into an opportunity for growth and learning.

    Tune in to learn more about managing video game frustrations and helping your child enjoy their gaming time while also developing essential life skills.

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

    If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, becoming Not Your Average Autism Mom is your answer. We are the single best online resource for moms raising autistic children.  

    Is the educational journey overwhelming and confusing for you?  Our member portal has an array of training and resources with everything you need to know about Special Education and you can also join LIVE ZOOM calls with an Advocate to get any of your specific questions answered.  

    Maybe you are feeling alone on your journey or maybe you are looking for other moms to connect with in a PRIVATE community who understand your day-to-day challenges, be sure that you check out ALL THE BENEFITS available for you when you BECOME Not Your Average Autism Mom.

    ⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com ⁠

    Additional Resources:
    ⁠Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠⁠⁠

    These are our most downloaded Special Education Editions. We have these and many others too. It's important you understand what your expectations should and shouldn't be in relation to your child's education.

    ⁠⁠Episode 124. What to Do When They Say No [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION]⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠Episode 27. Special Education Things You Should Know [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION]⁠

    ⁠Episode 35. Early Intervention and IFSP Explained [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION]⁠

    ⁠Episode 73. Let's Clear Up the Confusion About Category of Eligibility [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION]


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 13 min
    186. Unexpected Blessings; Living Alongside Autism

    186. Unexpected Blessings; Living Alongside Autism

    Join host Shannon Urquiola on the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast as she explores the theme of embracing the unexpected on the journey of
    autism parenting. Think of this episode as the encouragement and pep talk you need on a tough day.

    In this episode, Shannon shares her personal experiences and insights, from the initial fear and uncertainty of receiving her son's diagnosis to the unexpected joys and blessings that have unfolded along the way.

    Shannon highlights the strength found in community, and the redefinition of success in the autism journey. She also discusses the challenges faced and the resilience cultivated, emphasizing the celebration of uniqueness and the joy and happiness found in embracing the unexpected.

    Tune in to discover how embracing the unexpected can transform your perspective, and gain inspiration and encouragement for your autism parenting journey.

    Join us as we navigate the complexities of parenthood, finding joy amidst the highs and lows, and embracing the extraordinary in the not-so-ordinary. 💙

    🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

    Additional Resources:

    Follow us on Facebook

    If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

    127. Seeing the Forest through the Trees

    137. Explaining Our Children's Differences


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 12 min
    185. Autism in Action; Meltdowns and Shutdowns

    185. Autism in Action; Meltdowns and Shutdowns

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon talks about autistic meltdowns and shutdowns—two very different ways that kids on the autism spectrum might react when things get too overwhelming.

    She helps listeners spot the signs of each and understand what causes them.

    Shannon shares helpful ways to handle these tough situations, giving advice for both right when they happen and for the long run. Whether your child has loud, upset reactions or goes very quiet and withdrawn, this episode gives you practical advice to help them through these times.

    Tune in to learn how to support your child with kindness and understanding, making sure they feel safe and supported.

    🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along this parenting journey we weren't prepared for.

    Additional Resources:

    Join the MOVEMENT on FB

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenotyouraverageautismmommovement

    If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠

    Did you miss these episodes?

    ⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠

    ⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 19 min
    184. Independence Matters; Beyond Limits

    184. Independence Matters; Beyond Limits

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon gets passionate about building independence and ways you can begin teaching independence through everyday things.

    She discussed the importance of teaching life skills from early childhood through the teenage years, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting this aspect.

    Throughout the episode, she shares practical strategies and real-life examples to guide you in supporting your children's journey toward independence.

    From establishing routines and incorporating life skills into play to introducing chores and responsibilities, she provides actionable tips for you, regardless of where you are along your journey.

    By the end of the episode, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the significance of promoting independence and will leave with concrete strategies to implement at home.

    Join us as we navigate the complexities of parenthood, finding joy amidst the highs and lows, and embracing the extraordinary in the not-so-ordinary. 💙

    🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. 

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

    Additional Resources:

    JOIN The NYAAM Movement Group on FB

    If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠

    ⁠141. The Lying Paradox; Exploring Truth & Autism ⁠

    ⁠139. Summer Survival; Successfully Navigate Summer


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 18 min
    183. Navigating the Ripple Effect; Life Beyond the Diagnosis

    183. Navigating the Ripple Effect; Life Beyond the Diagnosis

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the concept of acceptance in the context of parenting children on the autism spectrum.

    She discusses how accepting your child's diagnosis changes the trajectory of parenthood and reshapes the plans you once had.

    Then she shares the concept of secondary losses - the unforeseen shifts and changes that accompany your journey. From the loss of certain milestones and expectations to the shift in social circles and relationships, she shares the impact of these secondary losses on your life.

    Despite the challenges, you will find resilience, strength, and joy in the unexpected twists and turns of this parenting journey you weren't prepared for.

    Join us as we navigate the complexities of parenthood, finding joy amidst the highs and lows, and embracing the extraordinary in the not-so-ordinary. 💙

    🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. 

    Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

    Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

    REGISTER NOW

    ⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠

    Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

    Additional Resources:

    Follow us on Facebook

    If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

    127. Seeing the Forest through the Trees

    137. Explaining Our Children's Differences


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    Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

    • 18 min

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