Not Your Average Autism Mom

Shannon Urquiola
  • 4.8 (48)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 29. 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. info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

  1. 270. When There is No Pause Button: Riding Out the Storm

    3D AGO

    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 autism parenting.  What happens when your child is completely overwhelmed, sensory-seeking, impulsive, and seemingly thriving in the chaos… while you’re standing there exhausted, overstimulated, and barely holding it together? In this episode, Shannon opens up about those intense moments so many autism moms experience but rarely talk about out loud: • the constant movement• the climbing, crashing, dumping, smearing, and sensory-seeking• the unpredictability• the hypervigilance• and the emotional exhaustion of always feeling “on” Inspired by a powerful post from a friend and fellow autism mom, Ashley at Raising Brantley, Shannon dives deep into the complicated reality of loving your child deeply while also struggling through moments that feel relentless and overwhelming. Shannon also shares personal stories about raising her son Jordan through these exact kinds of seasons—and how unexpectedly, getting a new puppy named Juno recently brought some of those memories rushing right back. 😅 Inside this episode, we discuss: ✔️ Why dysregulation can actually feel GOOD to some autistic children✔️ The difference between happiness and regulation✔️ Why parents and children can experience the same moment in completely different ways✔️ What sensory overload and nervous system dysregulation can look like in real life✔️ Practical ways to support yourself during chaotic moments without guilt or unrealistic expectations✔️ Why autism moms often stay stuck in survival mode for years Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are NOT failing in these moments. You are parenting through something incredibly hard in real time. And you are not alone. 🎧 Please Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection and please share it with another autism mom who needs to hear it. Additional Resources:💙 Looking for deeper support, coaching, and connection with moms who truly understand this life?Visit Not Your Average Autism Mom  to check out all the ways we can help you.   And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like your mind won’t shut off — this workshop was created with you in mind.  The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on."   READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE No pressure, just something to explore if you need it. Join ⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠⁠ FB group. If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠

    31 min
  2. 269. Public Meltdowns and Private Shame

    MAY 7

    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 silently carry after public meltdowns — the stares, the judgment, the overthinking, and the shame that often follows us home afterward. This episode explores:• Why public meltdowns affect parents so deeply• The stories we start telling ourselves afterward• How shame slowly shrinks our world• Teaching independence without forcing overwhelm• What actually helps in the moment• The difference between support and survival mode• Why your child’s behavior is communication, not failure Shannon also shares a powerful personal story about Jordan at Chisholm Park in Florida — a moment many moms will feel in their bones — and explains how shifting the way we THINK about these experiences can completely change the way we move through them. This is one of those episodes that will make you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone in this parenting journey. ✨ READY TO STOP LIVING IN SURVIVAL MODE?Check out Shannon’s RESET Workshop — a powerful coaching experience created specifically for moms raising autistic children who feel emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly on edge. The RESET Workshop will help you:• Understand why you feel the way you do• Learn practical tools to calm your nervous system• Stop overthinking and carrying so much guilt• Start showing up differently for yourself and your family Because sometimes the thing that needs support most… is YOU, mama. 🔗 Learn more here:https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset 🌟 Please Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership. Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be!⁠⁠ https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Additional Resources: Join ⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence⁠ ⁠212. When Progress Pauses; Regression 101 🎧 Watch or listen to the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeart Radio, YouTube, and more. #AutismMom #AutismParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismMomPodcast #NotYourAverageAutismMom #MomPodcast

    35 min
  3. 268. Why Autism Parents Don’t “Just Get a Babysitter”: The Truth About Trust

    APR 30

    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 of patented cell infusion therapy designed for children and young adults with autism. Their physician-led process begins with consultation and medical review to determine whether a child may be a candidate. Neuro-Free’s approach focuses on supporting neurological wellness and reducing inflammation in nerve pathways. As with any therapy, outcomes vary for each individual. In this episode, I’m sharing the truth about trust in autism parenting and why leaving your child with someone else can feel so complicated—especially when communication doesn’t come easily. When your child struggles to express their experiences, you become the one who reads between the lines… the one who notices the small shifts… the one who understands what others might miss. From navigating conversations that don’t really happen, to reading signals no one else sees, to the mental load that follows you even when you do step away—this is a side of autism parenting that isn’t talked about enough. I also share personal moments with Jordan that highlight how differently communication can work—and why that changes everything when it comes to trust. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one who truly understands your child… this episode is for you. Tune in for encouragement, strategies, and the reminder that you’re stronger than you think. 💙 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership  at ⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠ for ongoing guidance, connection, and exclusive resources! Additional Resources: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re just trying to hold everything together most days…The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always “on.” If that sounds like you, take a few minutes to read about it and see if it feels like something you need right now:👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset Join ⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠⁠ group on FB If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time⁠ ⁠201. Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids BackSponsor: Neuro-Free🌐 https://neuro-free.com 📞 (504) 294-8333

    24 min
  4. 267. Autism Parenting and Marriage: Why Couples Struggle (And How They Reconnect)

    APR 23

    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 adults with autism. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (504) 294-8333 or visit ⁠https://neuro-free.com ⁠ . In this honest episode, Shannon Urquiola talks about the realities many couples quietly face while parenting a child with autism. From different parenting styles and emotional exhaustion to the silent resentment that can grow when partners feel overwhelmed, Shannon dives into the real reasons relationships can start to feel strained. You’ll hear real-life scenarios that many autism parents will recognize, along with practical ways couples can reconnect without adding more pressure to an already full life. In this episode, we talk about: • Why autism parenting can create tension between partners• The “you’re too soft” vs. “you’re too harsh” parenting dynamic• Emotional distance that slowly sneaks into relationships• The invisible mental load many parents carry• Why couples often start keeping score without realizing it• The reality of intimacy and connection during stressful seasons• Simple ways to reconnect and rebuild partnership If you’ve ever felt like autism parenting has changed your relationship, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that reconnection is possible. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. Check out all the other ways we can help you on this parenting journey that none of us planned at NotYourAverageAutismMom.com Additional Resources: Join ⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠⁠143. Social Expectations vs Autism Reality⁠⁠ ⁠215. The Inclusion Debate: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why It Matters Sponsor: Neuro-Free 🌐 ⁠https://neuro-free.com ⁠ 📞 (504) 294-8333

    32 min
  5. 266. Autism Changes Siblings Too: The Story Nobody Talks About

    APR 16

    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 sponsored by Neuro-Free, a provider focused on supporting neurological wellness through patented cell infusion therapy for children and young adults with autism. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (504) 294-8333 or visit https://neuro-free.com  . When a child is diagnosed with autism, the focus naturally turns to therapies, support, and helping that child navigate the world. But there is another story unfolding in the same home. The siblings. In this episode, Shannon Urquiola talks honestly about the emotional side of raising siblings alongside autism — the guilt parents feel about divided attention, how siblings often grow up faster, and the complicated mix of love, frustration, resilience, and deep connection that can develop over time. Drawing from her own experience raising her daughter Maddie alongside her son Jordan, Shannon shares personal reflections, real-life moments, and encouragement for parents who sometimes worry about how autism is shaping their other children’s childhoods. Because autism doesn’t just impact one child in a family — it changes the entire family dynamic. And sometimes the most meaningful sibling relationships take time to grow. If you are raising multiple children in a home impacted by autism, this conversation will likely resonate deeply. Access exclusive support, training and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be! ⁠⁠ https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠  Additional Resources: Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 ⁠⁠  Have you listened to these episodes yet? 143.Social Expectations vs Autism Reality 70. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean  Sponsor: Neuro-Free🌐 https://neuro-free.com 📞 (504) 294-8333

    12 min
  6. 265. The Hard Lessons Autism Parenting Eventually Teaches Every Mom

    APR 9

    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 powerful realizations that autism parenting eventually teaches many moms—lessons about control, expectations, identity, peace, and learning not to lose yourself along the way. If you’re a mom raising an autistic child and have ever wondered if you’re the only one feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or quietly questioning where you fit into your own life anymore… this conversation will resonate. This episode is about perspective, protecting your peace, and remembering that you matter too on this long parenting journey. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership. Find all the ways we can help you navigate this parenting journey, none of us planned at ⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠ Additional Resources: Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time⁠ ⁠201.Breaking Barriers; Why Low Expectations Hold Our Kids Back Sponsor: Neuro-Free🌐 https://neuro-free.com📞 (504) 294-8333 This episode is sponsored by Neuro-Free, a U.S.-based provider of patented cell infusion therapy designed for children and young adults with autism. Their physician-led process begins with consultation and medical review to determine whether a child may be a candidate. Neuro-Free’s approach focuses on supporting neurological wellness and reducing inflammation in nerve pathways. As with any therapy, outcomes vary for each individual. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit https://neuro-free.com or call (504) 294-8333.

    21 min
  7. 264. The Invisible Communication Gap (And Why It Causes So Much Frustration)

    APR 2

    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 down what she calls “The Invisible Communication Gap” — the difference between how many autistic brains process information and how the rest of the world communicates. While neurotypical brains often infer hidden meaning, tone, and intention, many autistic individuals process communication more factually and literally. This difference can lead to misunderstandings in everyday moments like conversations, watching movies, following classroom lessons, or even watching sports on TV. Shannon shares relatable real-life stories from raising her son Jordan, including: • why he asks questions about the sports ticker during games• why many autistic individuals prefer captions• why kids often rewind the same scene repeatedly• why small details can pull attention away from the bigger story You’ll also learn practical ways to bridge this communication gap by adjusting how we explain things, clarifying expectations, and helping our children balance details and meaning. If you’ve ever wondered why your child takes things so literally, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening inside their brain — and how you can support them more effectively. If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out other ways we can support you at https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Additional Resources: Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence 212.When Progress Pauses; Regression 101

    27 min
  8. 263. ABA Therapy: Helpful, Harmful, or Misunderstood? What Parents Need to Know

    MAR 26

    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 Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola breaks down what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) actually is, how it has evolved over time, and the types of behaviors it’s commonly used to address at different ages — from early childhood through the teen years and into adulthood. Shannon also shares personal insight from raising her son Jordan, why her family focused on occupational therapy instead of ABA, and how different therapies can overlap in the skills they support. You’ll also learn: • What ABA therapy actually focuses on• How ABA today differs from earlier approaches• The kinds of behaviors ABA may help address at different ages• What parents should look for in a quality provider• Georgia-specific information about insurance coverage for ABA therapy• Why the right therapy path looks different for every child If you’ve ever wondered whether ABA therapy might help your child — or if you’ve heard conflicting opinions and don’t know what to think — this episode will give you the information you need to make the best decision for your family. 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection. Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership. Find all the ways we can help you navigate this parenting journey none of us planned at ⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠ Additional Resources: Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? Disconnect to Reconnect: The Impact of Screen Addiction Uncharted Territory in Special Education

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
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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 29. 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. info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Urquiola
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    289
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shannon Urquiola
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Autism Mom

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