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. BEST of Summer Series: Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation

    3d ago

    BEST of Summer Series: Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation

    ☀️ BEST of Summer Series This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Originally released as Episode 234, Stop Chasing Calm: The Truth About Regulation continues to be one of the conversations that resonates most with moms raising autistic children. Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope it gives you exactly what you need today. In this episode, Shannon breaks down why “just stay calm” is one of the most misleading pieces of advice parents of autistic children hear—and what to focus on instead. Calm and regulation are not the same thing, and confusing them can leave you feeling like you’re failing.   Shannon explains how kids pick up instantly when your words and your body don’t match, why chasing calm can backfire, and how your regulation—not your calm—becomes the anchor your child needs. You’ll learn co-regulation strategies and discover simple tools to create space before reacting.  If you’ve ever felt like you can’t keep it together during meltdowns, this episode will help you shift your focus from perfection to connection, and from chasing calm to building true regulation. With more than 270 episodes available, there's never been a better time to explore the podcast library. 🎧 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  ☀️ BEST of Summer Series Note: Throughout the summer, I'll be revisiting some of the most impactful episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast. Some BEST of Summer episodes were originally recorded before the podcast moved to video format and may be available only on audio podcast platforms.

    17 min
  2. 272. Summer is Coming... And I Know You're Already Tired

    May 28

    272. Summer is Coming... And I Know You're Already Tired

    Summer is coming... and if you're already feeling overwhelmed thinking about it, you're not alone. In this episode, Shannon talks about the unique challenges summer brings for families raising autistic children—from the loss of routines and the fear of regression to the realities of ESY, sibling dynamics, and trying to keep everyone regulated when structure disappears. You'll hear why summer often feels heavier instead of lighter for autism families, how to think differently about learning and progress during the break, and simple ways to support your child without turning your home into a full-time classroom. Shannon also shares practical life skill activities, ideas for creating predictable summer routines, and encouragement for the moms who are already carrying anxiety because last summer was hard. If you're worried about keeping it all together this summer, this episode is your reminder that progress isn't as fragile as you think, life skills are learning, and you do not have to create a perfect summer to create meaningful moments. In this episode, we discuss:• Why summer can feel overwhelming for autism families• The fear of regression and how to manage it• Understanding the role of ESY (Extended School Year)• Everyday life skills that support growth and independence• Creating simple summer routines that reduce stress• Letting go of unrealistic expectations• Finding joy in the small moments This episode is also our final new episode before we begin our annual BEST OF Summer Series, where we'll revisit some of the most-loved and most-downloaded episodes from the past several years. 🎧 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. Please share it with another autism mom who might need 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

    17 min
  3. 271. Planning Exit Routes Since 2001: When "Easy" Isn't Easy

    May 21

    271. Planning Exit Routes Since 2001: When "Easy" Isn't Easy

    Why do autism moms feel exhausted before we even leave the house? In this deeply relatable episode, Shannon talks about the invisible mental load so many autism moms carry every single day — constantly preparing for things that haven’t even happened yet. From summer vacations and graduations to hotel stays, school transitions, family gatherings, airports, and everyday outings, autism moms often live in a state of emotional anticipation and hypervigilance that most people never see. Because when you’ve lived through enough unpredictability, your brain starts trying to prevent every future hard moment before it even arrives. In this episode, Shannon shares: • Why “easy” things often don’t feel easy in autism motherhood • The emotional exhaustion of constantly mentally preparing • Summer stress, loss of routine, and end-of-school overwhelm • How survival mode quietly becomes normal • Why autism moms struggle to fully relax and stay present • The nervous system impact of chronic anticipation • Mindset shifts to help stop emotionally living inside tomorrow If you’ve ever come home exhausted from an outing that technically “went fine,” this episode will make you feel deeply seen. 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 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

    20 min
  4. 270. When There is No Pause Button: Riding Out the Storm

    May 14

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    292
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shannon Urquiola
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Autism Mom

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