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. 265. The Hard Lessons Autism Parenting Eventually Teaches Every Mom

    14H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 262. When "Helpful" Advice Isn't Helpful: Navigating Advice From People Who Don't Understand

    MAR 19

    262. When "Helpful" Advice Isn't Helpful: Navigating Advice From People Who Don't Understand

    “Just make him go.”“They’ll eat when they’re hungry.”“He’ll catch up.” If you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum, chances are you’ve heard some version of these “helpful” suggestions more times than you can count. And while most people mean well, advice like this can leave you feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and sometimes even questioning your own parenting decisions. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about the kind of advice autism parents hear all the time — and more importantly, how to navigate those moments without letting doubt creep in. Shannon shares relatable examples, personal stories from raising her son Jordan, and practical strategies to help you handle comments from family, friends, and others who may not fully understand what your child — and you — are actually navigating. You’ll learn: Why “helpful” advice can sometimes hurt more than it helps Why these comments trigger doubt for so many autism parents How to respond without over-explaining or starting conflict Simple ways to protect your confidence as a parent How to navigate advice from people who mean well but don’t truly understand If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you had to defend your child, your parenting, or your decisions, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone — and that trusting what you’re learning about your child matters more than anyone else’s quick opinion. Because parenting a child on the spectrum is complex, and one-size-fits-all advice rarely applies. 🌟 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. P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out the other ways we can help you. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠⁠⁠Episode 146. The Myth of “One Day”; Spectrum of Strengths⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Episode 149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone⁠

    27 min
  5. 261. Biomedical Testing and Autism: Understanding a Complex Topic

    MAR 12

    261. Biomedical Testing and Autism: Understanding a Complex Topic

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola explores a topic many parents quietly wonder about but don’t always know how to navigate: biomedical testing and autism. Shannon discusses common tests that are often mentioned in the autism community—including OATS testing, MTHFR genetic variants, CBC panels, vitamin deficiencies, gut health testing, and sleep studies—and why some parents begin asking whether certain behaviors could have underlying biological contributors. This conversation is not about curing autism.It’s about understanding that sometimes discomfort, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or sleep disruptions can affect a child’s regulation—and those things deserve attention. Throughout the episode Shannon emphasizes three key principles: • Autism is not something to cure• Curiosity should guide decisions—not panic• Discernment matters in a very noisy space You’ll also hear real-life scenarios that many parents will recognize, along with the important reminder that biomedical testing isn’t the right path for every family—and that’s okay too. Shannon also invites listeners to share their own experiences with biomedical testing so the community can learn from one another. If you’ve ever wondered whether certain behaviors might have medical contributors, this episode will help you think through the conversation in a thoughtful and grounded way. Shannon is also hosting a FREE 3-part educational series on stem cells and autism beginning March 17th.If you’re curious about emerging research in this area, you can register HERE or find the information across Not Your Average Autism Mom social media. We have so many of you who are NEW here, we wanted to share Shannon's feature on News Nation Now with Nichole Berlie. She shares her perspective as a mom raising an autistic son and as the founder of Not Your Average Autism Mom. Every chance she gets to use her voice for families like ours is a privilege—and this conversation was no exception. 💙 They talked about what it means to raise children on the spectrum, the challenges families face, and why representation in these national conversations matters so much. If you missed it, you can watch the full interview here ⬇️👉 ⁠Watch Now⁠ Every chance she gets to use her voice for families like ours is a privilege—and this conversation was no exception. 💙 🌟 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. Additional Resources: Join the MOVEMENT 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 Below are two of our most downloaded episodes not to miss. ⁠⁠Episode 148: Shifting Perspective; Looking Through A Different Lens⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Episode 48. Differentiating a Speech Delay and/or Autism

    27 min
  6. 260. The Most Important Page in the IEP (That Many Parents Forget to Use)

    MAR 5

    260. The Most Important Page in the IEP (That Many Parents Forget to Use)

    In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola dives deep into one of the most overlooked — yet powerful — tools in special education: the Parent Input Statement. If you’ve ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling unprepared, intimidated, or unsure what to say, this episode is for you. Shannon breaks down: • What the Parent Input Statement actually is • Why it legally matters • What should (and should not) be included • How to write about academics, behavior, communication, sensory needs, executive functioning, social skills, anxiety, and transition planning • Why wording matters more than you think • And how working with the right advocate can completely change the trajectory of your child’s services You are the only person at that IEP table who has known your child their entire life. Your voice deserves to be documented clearly and strategically. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist. This episode will help you walk into your next IEP meeting informed, confident, and prepared. 🌟 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 the ways we can support you at 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 at ⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠ 🎙️ Have you listened to these episodes yet? ⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time ⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence 🎙 Find more episodes at NotYourAverageAutismMom.com 🎥 Now available in video format on Spotify and YouTube.

    47 min
  7. 259. Is This Autism ... or Something Else? How to Know When to Look Deeper

    FEB 26

    259. Is This Autism ... or Something Else? How to Know When to Look Deeper

    “Is this autism… or are we missing something?” It’s a question so many autism moms quietly wrestle with — especially when behaviors shift, anxiety increases, focus drops, or school becomes harder than it used to be. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola dives into one of the biggest conversations happening right now in the autism community: Autism and ADHD overlap Anxiety vs. defiance Trauma responses that look like “behavior problems” When it may be time to push for additional evaluations And how to trust your gut without chasing labels This episode is not about collecting diagnoses.It’s about lowering the daily struggle.It’s about helping your child feel understood and supported. If you’ve ever wondered whether something feels “different” — not just hard, but different — this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and direction. And above all, it will remind you that you are not failing. You are paying attention. And that matters. 🌟 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? Want to work with me?  When you're ready to take control and see different results in your life, check out our private membership at ⁠⁠Not Your Average Autism Mom⁠⁠ 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! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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? ⁠⁠157. Reframing Defeat: Your Child’s Progress is Closer Than You Think⁠⁠ ⁠⁠83. Assessing Your Child’s IEP

    29 min
  8. 258. The Loneliest Seat in the Room: When You’re the Only One Who Sees the Struggle

    FEB 19

    258. The Loneliest Seat in the Room: When You’re the Only One Who Sees the Struggle

    Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or even a family gathering and thought… You’re not seeing what I’m seeing? In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about what it feels like to be the only one who sees your child’s struggle — the masking, the shutdowns, the after-school crashes, the 2 a.m. anxiety spirals — while everyone else says, “They seem fine to me.” You’ll learn: Why “fine” doesn’t always mean regulated What silent dysregulation can look like How subtle dismissal can start to make you question yourself How to trust your intuition without becoming defensive Practical strategies for advocating calmly and effectively Why does regulating yourself first change everything If you’ve ever felt dismissed, minimized, or alone in your advocacy, this episode will remind you that you are not overreacting — you are paying attention. If you’re exhausted from sitting in that “loneliest seat,” check out Shannon’s RESET Workshop — designed to help you calm your nervous system, clear the mental noise, and advocate with clarity instead of frustration.👉Click HERE for Details 🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughtsand 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 futurefor 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. Additional Resources: Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠⁠⁠ group on FB If there is a specific topic that you would like us totalk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episodes referenced in this episode:   256. ⁠The Long Game of Advocacy and How to Keep Going 153. ⁠Calm Kids, Happy Homes: Mastering After School Transitions Have you listened to these episodes yet?   222. ⁠Locked Pantries and Naked Kids; Autism Parenting Chronicles⁠ 223. ⁠What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)⁠

    20 min
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4.8
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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
    284
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shannon Urquiola
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Autism Mom

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