Not Your Average Autism Mom Shannon Urquiola

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," we are taking a break from the regular format to share a message from your host, Shannon Urquiola.

As we approach the holiday season, Shannon wants to remind all her incredible listeners that there's no right way to celebrate.

She encourages you to embrace your family's uniqueness and celebrate the holiday in your special way, free from expectations and regrets.

The holidays can look different for each family, and that's perfectly okay.

It's all about focusing on gratitude, love, and the joy of being with your loved ones, in whatever way works best for you.

Shannon also invites you to take a moment during the upcoming week to scroll through some of the past episodes you might have missed.

And don't worry – She will be back with another new episode next week.

Remember that there's no "should" when it comes to celebrating with your family. Embrace it just as it is.

Happy Thanksgiving from our "Not Your Average Autism Mom" family to yours.


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We know for many families, the holidays and travel can be a
source of joy, but for families like yours and mine it also presents unique challenges when you're raising a child on the autism spectrum.

Traveling during the holidays can be a sensory overload for
our kids right? The unfamiliar environments, crowded airports, and even family gatherings can be overwhelming. I've experienced this firsthand, and I know many of you have too.

Our children on the spectrum usually thrive on routine and
predictability. They offer a sense of safety, predictability, and structure. But when we travel during the holidays, these routines are often disrupted leading to heightened anxiety and negative behaviors.

So, how can we balance the need for routine with the necessity
of adapting to a new environment?

Through this episode, your host, Shannon Urquiola answers that question and much more.

Additional Resources:

54. Understanding Memory in Autism

109. Why Waiting is So Difficult

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

If you didn't get our FREE BOOKLET- Embracing the Journey; Accepting Autism and Finding Support, you can grab your copy at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com


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

In this episode, Shannon focuses on unique challenges and effective strategies for teaching personal hygiene skills to children on the autism spectrum.

Exploring the hurdles faced by children with autism, such as fine motor skill deficits, sensory issues, and more, she provides a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers.

She discusses the importance of creating daily routines, using visual supports, and providing fading prompts to help children develop independence in essential hygiene tasks.

With practical examples and considerations for privacy and safety, this episode equips parents with valuable tools and expert insights to empower their children's journey toward hygiene independence.

Join Shannon and discover the path to Hygiene Skills and Autism – a fundamental episode for parents navigating this vital aspect of autism parenting.

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 get registered for our FREE Course, Unburdened; Finding Balance Living Alongside Autism 

⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/freecourse ⁠

It is a self-paced video course that will help you reduce your stress and overwhelm and show up better every day.

Additional Resources:Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement

54. Understanding Memory in Autism

109. Why Waiting is So Difficult

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

If you want to change your life and become Not Your Average Autism Mom, get all the details at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

We would love to walk alongside you on your unique autism parenting journey.




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

Raising a child on the autism spectrum is not a linear journey and it’s by far, not easy.  I think that one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child on the autism spectrum is the constant search for what works.

It's a topic that many of us have faced and continue to wrestle with – those moments when we feel like we're on the edge
when the challenges of raising a child on the spectrum seem overwhelming. It's the feeling of wanting things to be easier, even if just for a moment.

Maybe you tell yourself, "I've tried everything, I've done
it all, and nothing is working." Sound familiar? 

Something that many of us experience when raising a child
on the spectrum is the feeling of defeat when our child isn't making progress, or perhaps they're experiencing regression in their skills.

In this episode, I share why is it unhelpful to buy into this "nothing is working" narrative. When it feels like progress is stagnant or there's regression, it's essential to take a step back and assess the situation.

As parents, our role is to support, encourage, and believe
in what is possible for our children. Embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the progress they make, no matter how small it may seem.

Let's embrace the quirks, the challenges, and the extraordinary love that defines our lives. After all, it's in these shared experiences that we find strength, compassion, and the reassurance that we're part of a community that truly understands.

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 us, and if we're not open for new members when you get there, be sure to join the waitlist so you are the first to know when we do open.

Last OPENING of 2023

November 2nd - 6th ONLY

⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

Additional Resources:

Follow us on Facebook so you won't miss an upcoming Community Collective - Creating Collaborations Together

https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageAutismMom2020 

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

In this episode, I'm talking about the impact of electronics on our kids and how they can become addicted to screens.  It's a subject that hits close to home for me, and I believe it's one of the most
critical issues we face as parents and caregivers.

I’m sure that you’ve questioned the impact of social media, YouTube videos, and video games on your child’s overall well-being, right?  How many times have you tried to encourage
them to go outside or read, but it felt like they were always choosing screens over anything else?  You’re not alone. 

And please, don't get me wrong; I'm not here to demonize electronics or the internet. In many ways, they can be incredible
tools, offering learning opportunities, connections, and entertainment. But we can't ignore the fact that there are real consequences to excessive screen time and honestly, our children with autism can be particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects, and that's what we're going to explore today.

The pros and cons of screen time, and how many families have
found that the benefits of unplugging far outweigh the challenges.

The problem arises when it becomes a never-ending rabbit hole, and children, particularly those on the spectrum, find themselves glued to screens for hours on end. It's easy for them to miss out on real-life experiences.

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.  LAST OPENING of 2023 SOON!

⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com ⁠

Additional Resources:

Follow us on Facebook so you won't miss an upcoming Community Collective - Creating Collaborations Together

https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageAutismMom2020 

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 7. Electronics and the Benefits of Screen Time Limits

Epiosde 72. Ripping the Band-Aid Off on Electronics


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

Join me as I chat behind the scenes with real moms just like you who are raising children on the spectrum and finding balance and happiness along the way!

These women are MY VILLAGE as much as I am theirs.

Each of their stories is different, yet similar. You might just hear your story in theirs.

They were drowning and felt overwhelmed and since becoming Not Your Average Autism Mom they are becoming who they want to be along this unique parenting journey we are on.

They are learning to stop resisting and instead, they are embracing their life, just as it is. Chaos and all, because well, that's autism, right?

If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, we invite you to join us inside our PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP.

Get All the Details HERE

Our LAST OPENING for 2023 is November 2nd - 6th, 2023.

You deserve this! I would love to be your coach!

Additional Resources:

Follow us on Facebook so you won't miss an upcoming Community Collective - Creating Collaborations Together

https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageAutismMom2020 

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