Full Spectrum Parent: Christian Autism Support | Special Needs Parenting | Faith & Autism Resources

Christian Parenting
  • 4.9 (140)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Full Spectrum Parent - the premier Christian podcast for autism and special needs parenting. Join pastors and autism parents Greg and Jessica Hurlbut as they share Biblical wisdom, practical strategies, and authentic encouragement for your special needs journey. Each episode delivers a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. Greg and Jessica offer practical help for daily challenges, genuine humor to lighten your path, and faith-filled hope to strengthen your spirit. Whether navigating IEP meetings, sensory challenges, or seeking God's purpose in special needs parenting, you'll find understanding and community here. As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Full Spectrum Parent combines clinical insights with Biblical truth to support your family's unique needs. For more parenting resources and spiritual guidance, visit www.ChristianParenting.org. New episodes are released biweekly to help you become the confident, faith-filled special needs parent God called you to be.

  1. You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Your Purpose in Motherhood

    AUG 22

    You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Your Purpose in Motherhood

    Feeling like you've lost your sense of purpose in the daily grind of motherhood? You're not alone. In this transformative episode of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast, host Jessica Hurlbut sits down with bestselling author Abbie Halberstat to explore how mothers can rediscover meaning and intentionality in their parenting journey. Featured Guest: Abbie Halberstat Abbie is the bestselling author of "M Is for Mama," "Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad," and her latest release "You Bet Your Stretch Marks." As a homeschooling mother of ten children (including two sets of twins), Abbie brings real-world wisdom to over 219,000 followers on her @Misformama Instagram account. What You'll Discover:   •  How to recognize when you've "lost the plot" in motherhood and practical steps to find your way back   •  Navigating cultural pressures around motherhood, parenting regret, and societal expectations   •  What it means to mother with a "legacy mindset" and how to apply it to everyday chaos   •  Practical strategies for finding purpose in mundane moments - from fussy toddlers to endless to-do lists   •  Scripture-based hope for the hardest seasons of parenting Perfect for:   •  Special needs parents seeking encouragement and perspective   •  Moms feeling overwhelmed by daily parenting challenges   •  Christian mothers looking for faith-based parenting wisdom   •  Parents struggling with feelings of lost identity in motherhood   •  Anyone needing a dose of hope, humor, and practical help in their parenting journey Keywords: Christian parenting, motherhood purpose, special needs parenting, parenting encouragement, mom identity, legacy parenting, faith-based parenting, homeschool mom, parenting wisdom, motherhood struggles, Christian mom podcast Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.  To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

    31 min
  2. Advocating For Your Kids When You're a People Pleaser

    JUN 29

    Advocating For Your Kids When You're a People Pleaser

    Are you struggling to advocate for your special needs child because you hate confrontation? You're not alone. In this episode of Full Spectrum Parent, host Jessica Hurlbut tackles one of the biggest challenges facing special needs parents: how to effectively advocate for your child when you're naturally a people pleaser. What You'll Learn:   •  Why people-pleasing hurts your child's advocacy efforts    •  The 4 root causes of people-pleasing behavior    •  Biblical strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies   •  How to shift from seeking human approval to God's approval when advocating for your special needs child Perfect For Parents Who:   •  Feel anxious about IEP meetings and school conferences   •  Struggle to speak up when their child isn't getting proper support   •  Want to be better advocates but fear being seen as "difficult parents"   •  Need encouragement to prioritize their child's needs over people-pleasing   •  Are looking for faith-based guidance on special needs parenting Full Spectrum Parent is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more resources and support for special needs families, visit cpgive.org. Tags: #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #Peoplepleasing #ChildAdvocacy #IEPMeetings #SpecialEducation #ParentingPodcast #ChristianMom #SpecialNeedsAdvocate #ParentingStruggles

    26 min
  3. Power Struggles in Parenting

    JUN 6

    Power Struggles in Parenting

    As Christian parents, we desire for our kids to listen and obey the rules we set out for their safety and good, but what do we do when they refuse?  Whether you have a child on the spectrum, an obstinate toddler, or just a typical strong-willed kid—we’ve all been there. We find ourselves raising our voices, demanding compliance, and feeling defeated when our kids spiral into a full-fledged meltdown.  Greg and Jess are getting real about the difference between tantrums (where kids are totally in control) and meltdowns (where they're absolutely not). Trust us, understanding this will be a game-changer for your autism parenting journey and your faith-based approach to discipline. Here's what we're diving into:   •  Why your typical parenting tricks aren't working with neurodivergent children (and it's not your fault!)   •  The one question that changes how you respond to autism meltdowns and challenging behavior   •  3 simple Christian parenting principles that actually work with kids on the autism spectrum Our go-to strategies:   1.  Relationship Over Compliance - Sometimes you gotta choose your battles   2.  Choice Over Demand - Two options, both ones you're cool with   3.  Love Over Fear - Because scared kids don't learn, they just survive Whether you're dealing with a toddler who won't cooperate, a child with autism in a meltdown mode, or a typical teen who wants to push every button you have—this one's for Christian parents seeking God's wisdom in power struggles. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

    37 min
  4. Navigating Single Parenting With a Child on the Spectrum

    APR 24

    Navigating Single Parenting With a Child on the Spectrum

    Raising a child with autism solo? You're not alone!  Join us for Episode 95 of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast as host Jessica Hurlbut chats with Katie Blackburn - writer, teacher, and single mom to six kids, including her 10-year-old with severe autism. Katie gets real about the everyday challenges of autism parenting without a partner, sharing practical tips for managing therapies, school struggles, and finding moments of joy along the way. She also discusses her children’s book, "The Very Best Baseball Game" which offers both comfort and inspiration. Whether you're flying solo or just need some autism parenting encouragement, this episode delivers our signature mix of HELP, HUMOR, and HOPE that will leave you feeling seen and supported on your special needs journey. Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.  For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org To grab the CP Gift Guide visit https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/ To learn more about Katie Blackburn and her newest book, visit www.katiemblackburn.com #AutismParenting #SingleParenting #SpecialNeedsSupport #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

    33 min
  5. Finding Joy When Life Doesn't Change

    MAR 29

    Finding Joy When Life Doesn't Change

    Happiness is circumstantial. But joy comes from Jesus—it’s not based upon our circumstances.  Yet one of the hardest hurdles to conquer in our parenting is finding joy when life doesn’t change.  Episode 94 is part 2 of our 3-Part Series, Finding God in our Pain.  Christian Author Will Acuff joins the Full Spectrum Parent to share his journey of parenting a child with autism.  After hitting a wall of emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, Will shares how the Holy Spirit met him in his pain. Now, he offers hope and direction for others on how to stay rooted in Christ when the storms rage around you.  Learn more about Will’s newest book: No Elevator to Everest at www.noelevatortoeverest.com Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

    40 min
  6. Finding God in our Pain & Embracing this Special Life

    MAR 17

    Finding God in our Pain & Embracing this Special Life

    Parenting is a gift from God and a beautiful journey. But if we’re honest, it’s also incredibly hard and sometimes heartbreaking.  In Episode 93 of the Full Spectrum Parent, we chat with Jenn Soehnlin about embracing the special needs life God has given us. Join us as we sit down with Jenn as she unpacks how to pray Scripture over your children and how this one act has become a game changer for her. You don’t want to miss this episode!  Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

    25 min
  7. The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love

    FEB 17

    The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love

    In this powerful episode of Full Spectrum Parent, we explore the extraordinary journey of Austin LeRette, a remarkable young man living with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and autism.  Join us as we sit down with Scott LeRette, Austin's father and author of "The Unbreakable Boy," to discuss their family's inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unconditional love. Episode Highlights:   •  Scott LeRette shares his family's emotional journey raising a child with multiple diagnoses   •  Behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming Lionsgate film adaptation   •  How Austin's joyful perspective on life has transformed their family and community   •  Practical wisdom for parents navigating similar challenges   •  The role of faith in facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles Connect With Us Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org Keywords Special needs parenting, osteogenesis imperfecta, brittle bone disease, autism, faith and family, Christian parenting, special needs movie, inspirational stories, parenting podcast, disability advocacy, rare disease awareness, family support, religious faith, parent testimonial, medical challenges Episode Tags #UnbreakableBoy #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #ParentingPodcast #OsteogenesisImperfecta #AutismAwareness #FaithAndFamily #ParentingJourney #RareDisease #Inspiration

    24 min
  8. Extended Family and Special Needs: An Aunt’s Unique Perspective

    JAN 30

    Extended Family and Special Needs: An Aunt’s Unique Perspective

    We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But when it comes to special needs parenting, often friends and family struggle knowing how to help.  In Episode 91, Dr. Kelly Cagle joins us as she shares the unique lessons she has learned as an aunt to her 17-year-old non-verbal nephew Isaac.  Rather than offering parenting advice or sympathy, Kelly shares some of the special ways she has connected to and supported her sister and her family on their special needs journey. You don’t want to miss this heartwarming episode.  To learn more about Dr. Kelly Cagle and her coaching for ADHD families or schedule a free consultation, go to www.drkellycagle.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.christianparenting.org

    33 min
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4.9
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140 Ratings

About

Welcome to Full Spectrum Parent - the premier Christian podcast for autism and special needs parenting. Join pastors and autism parents Greg and Jessica Hurlbut as they share Biblical wisdom, practical strategies, and authentic encouragement for your special needs journey. Each episode delivers a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. Greg and Jessica offer practical help for daily challenges, genuine humor to lighten your path, and faith-filled hope to strengthen your spirit. Whether navigating IEP meetings, sensory challenges, or seeking God's purpose in special needs parenting, you'll find understanding and community here. As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Full Spectrum Parent combines clinical insights with Biblical truth to support your family's unique needs. For more parenting resources and spiritual guidance, visit www.ChristianParenting.org. New episodes are released biweekly to help you become the confident, faith-filled special needs parent God called you to be.

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