Parenting Severe Autism

Shannon Chamberlin
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Parenting Severe Autism is a raw, unfiltered podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with Severe Autism. Hosted by Shannon Chamberlin - a parent, not a professional - this show is your emotional lifeline, real-talk resource, and reminder that you're not alone. From early childhood to adulthood and beyond, Shannon shares honest stories, painful truths, small victories, and survival strategies for the families the world forgets. Whether you're in crisis mode or just need someone who gets it, this is your space. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just truth, hope, and community. Severe Autism and special needs considerations. This type of autism parenting is lifelong... it becomes adult autism parenting.  Seek caregiver support when possible.

  1. 4D AGO

    EP.74: What Soundtrack Does Your Severe Autism Child Live To?

    Send us a text We pause the summer saga to share what’s been blocking us: relentless environmental triggers, family drop‑ins, and a birthday derailed by overstimulation. We draw a hard line on media, lock doors during the 20‑minute adjustment window, and lean on body‑based tools to bring the baseline down. • why the home soundtrack drives meltdowns • a betrayal trigger and weeks of fallout • birthday routines, arcade overload, and damage control • the 20‑minute medication window  • boundaries with relatives  • kitchen dynamics and how roles change behavior • small wins in speech and humor that keep us going • vibration plate, B complex, and red light for calm If any of my episodes or stories hit home for you, make you laugh, cry, or jump up and down and scream, please consider dropping me a line or even buying me a coffee S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles Respite GoFundMePlease share this GoFundMe to help raise funds for building our DREAM, Outlined in Episode 57SAVE 5% LIFEPRO FITNESS PRODUCTSWe love our Waver Vibration Plate and BioHeal Plus Red Light Panel! Calming. Healing. YES.AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlyTherapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex FreeSpecial Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalmSelect a Size TV Screen Impact ProtectorHeavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.Magnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaOrganic Herbal Liquid Tinctures For You!Mountain Rose Herbs supplies carefully formulated tinctures that fit in with our busy lifestyle.Rhodiola AdaptogenicNervousSystemsupportThese are some of my favorite products - Organic with no fillers, no flow agents, and no synthetics.Organic Matcha TeaI enjoy the calming and strengthening benefits of this tea.View My Summer Supplies Shopping Cart!iHerb supplies some of the safest summer products for sunscreen, bug screen, and stress management!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    26 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    EP 73: From Chaos To Connection: Parenting Severe Autism Without Sleep, Space, Or Support

    Send us a text We trace a season of sleepless nights, stomping floors, and bathroom chaos into two quiet breakthroughs: independent handwashing and a shared Soup Dance that reveals connection inside repetition. A harsh LED light becomes a surprising trigger, and a softer presence opens space for growth. • recognizing environmental triggers like harsh LED lighting • coping with insomnia, nighttime roaming, and sensory seeking • testing the idea that less praise can reduce pressure • finding communication inside repetitive questions • celebrating independent hygiene and song completion • using calm spaces to invite regulation and connection • redefining wins as small, repeatable steps • sustaining caregivers with simple, steady routines One of the most important things at the end of my show notes is the link for my GoFundMe for the Safer Lifestyles respite communities You can always contact me at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com You could still buy me a coffee, and all the coffees are helping me keep this podcast free for those who need it Please remember to share my episodes the best that you can Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    36 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    EP 72: Bathroom Battles And A Glimmer Of Hope

    Send us a text We share a hard summer of bathroom destruction, broken trust with family, and a support group that didn’t get it, then find relief in small wins: a playful de‑escalation, emerging words, and happy tears that we learned to name.  • family boundary breaches and safety risks • obsessive bathroom behaviors and home damage • product lockdowns and supervision trade‑offs • safe medical sedation tip for procedures • a simple co‑regulation trick that worked • signs of speech returning after regression • nervous system healing and calmer dynamics • happy tears, labeling emotions, gentle support • holiday stress, criticism, and emotional armor Please remember to share this podcast. Check my show notes for links to products that have worked for our family. You can also become a member for private locked episodes. Share the link to my GoFundMe for our safer lifestyles blueprint for respite communities for families like yours and mine. S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles Respite GoFundMePlease share this GoFundMe to help raise funds for building our DREAM, Outlined in Episode 57AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlySelect a Size TV Screen Impact ProtectorHeavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.Therapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex FreeSpecial Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalmMagnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    25 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    EP.71: He Destroyed Things Because He Was Hurting Emotionally

    Send us a text We draw a hard line on boundaries after a “fun” day out breaks our son’s diet, a chaotic family visit disrupts routine, and grief surfaces through targeted destruction. We also name caregiver resentment without shame and share a simple tech tool that averted a meltdown. • fundraiser links, storefront resources, and coffee support • standing firm when family ignores diet rules • post-visit escalation and how we confronted it • targeted destruction as communication of loss • clearing environmental triggers and resetting routines • naming caregiver resentment without guilt • the camp “primal scream” report and levity • using phone filters as a fast regulation tool • subscriber-only episodes on relationships and stress • contact options for stories, questions, and support Please share my episodes and spread the word to get more awareness around the subject of severe or profound autism, and also to let people know that they can donate to either my Safer Lifestyles Respite Community Blueprint project, which is a GoFundMe, or they can just donate cups of coffee as well S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles Respite GoFundMePlease share this GoFundMe to help raise funds for building our DREAM, Outlined in Episode 57AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlyWilbarger Therapy Therapressure BrushesWilbarger Therapy Brush, 2 Pack – Therapressure Brush for Occupational Therapy for Sensory Brushing Magnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaSelect a Size TV Screen Impact ProtectorHeavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    29 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    EP 70: It's Only Applesauce - Severe Autism Therapy Backfires

    Send us a text A candid mention about staying when others say to leave, and how structure, safety, and short, clear language can turn daily chaos into small wins. From wall padding to therapy brushes to locks and applesauce mishaps, we share what worked, what failed, and why timing matters. • reducing attention-seeking by replacing constant input with predictable access • why soothing tools must be used before stress not during • protecting space and reducing hypervigilance • two to three word cues that cut through noise and guide behavior • community expectations vs real support and consistent presence • small wins  • next steps to lower ambient stress in the home environment Check my show notes for links to tracking devices, therapy items, nervous system support, and my creator store. If you want the tea, I’ll drop more personal details in a subscriber-only episode. S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles Respite GoFundMePlease share this GoFundMe to help raise funds for building our DREAM, Outlined in Episode 57AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlyTherapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex FreeSpecial Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalmMagnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    43 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    What if compassion—not credentials—keeps our severe autism kids safest?

    Send us a text We share a raw stretch of our severe autism journey: the camp that finally said yes, why patient volunteers sometimes trump credentials, and what it costs to hold your home together when your child unravels. Along the way, we ask for community help and outline what support should look like. • subscriber‑only truth‑telling episodes and why we lock some content • GoFundMe for Safer Lifestyles Respite communities and how sharing helps • the “word accident” memory and self‑awareness moments • finding safety at a special needs day camp after rejection • why untrained, compassionate volunteers often succeed where pros don’t • survival routines, timed “cookies,” and car‑ride de‑escalation • violent escalations at home, property protection, and caregiver safety • the grandparents’ intervention and the need for real training for parents • the arcade story, limits, and humor as coping • self‑injury patterns, deterrent ideas, and community requests • interview policy, fees for self‑promoters, and listener‑driven topics • preview of shifting family support and next stories Please keep an eye out for my link to the GoFundMe that I started for the Safer Lifestyles Respite communities. I would love it if you would just share that link. You can always reach me at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com. Send me a fan mail on BuzzSprout at PSA.buzzsprout.com. S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles Respite GoFundMePlease share this GoFundMe to help raise funds for building our DREAM, Outlined in Episode 57AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlyTherapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex FreeSpecial Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalmMagnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaOrganic Matcha TeaI enjoy the calming and strengthening benefits of this tea.Select a Size TV Screen Impact ProtectorHeavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.View My Summer Supplies Shopping Cart!iHerb supplies some of the safest summer products for sunscreen, bug screen, and stress management!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    21 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    When Home Hurts: Moving, Meltdowns, and the Search for Care

    Send us a text We face the change in the story since moving back to Illinois: the first sign of aggression that changed everything between us. We also share GeneSite results, ask about Leucovorin, weigh group homes vs “never,” and find a quiet win by the river. • impact of the Illinois move on behavior and family strain • the car attack as a turning point in safety and trust • losing verbal leverage and rebuilding boundaries • GeneSite insights, med tweaks, and timelines • curiosity about Leucovorin and real-world outcomes • cannabis dosing as a flexible regulation tool • group homes vs institutions and future-proof care • building respite networks and care continuity • a small victory: silent connection and calm outdoors Please remember, if you would like to support this podcast, you can click the support the podcast link and buy me a coffee and buy me as many coffees as you like You can reach out to me at contact.parentingsevereautism at gmail.com You can also drop me a fan mail message at psa.buzzsprout.com AngelSense DeviceAngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, ElderlySelect a Size TV Screen Impact ProtectorHeavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.Magnesium Citrate Nervous System SupportNOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods MaTherapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex FreeSpecial Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalmDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    28 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    The Fight for Inclusion in a World of Exclusion Severe Autism

    Send us a text Moving to Illinois with our severely autistic son brought unexpected challenges, including his increasingly violent behavior and our struggle to find appropriate medical and community support. Rejection has become an abnormally normal occurrence, but this is where it started. • Our son developed concerning rage behaviors in public • Housing search • Parent support group silence • Theatre program • Despite rejections, our son continues to show creativity and new skills • We're exploring disc golf as a new family activity • Looking for positive recreational activities remains an ongoing challenge If you'd like to share your own experiences or what activities your child enjoys, email me at contactparentingsevereautism@gmail.com. Support the podcast through the "buy me a coffee" link on your player or check out merchandise at psabuzzsprout.com. Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/ Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Parenting Severe Autism is a raw, unfiltered podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with Severe Autism. Hosted by Shannon Chamberlin - a parent, not a professional - this show is your emotional lifeline, real-talk resource, and reminder that you're not alone. From early childhood to adulthood and beyond, Shannon shares honest stories, painful truths, small victories, and survival strategies for the families the world forgets. Whether you're in crisis mode or just need someone who gets it, this is your space. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just truth, hope, and community. Severe Autism and special needs considerations. This type of autism parenting is lifelong... it becomes adult autism parenting.  Seek caregiver support when possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Chamberlin
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Parenting Severe Autism
  • Show Website
    Parenting Severe Autism