Sip and Stim

Kate Martin and Toni Toole
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Sip and Stim is a podcast for parents raising children with autism who want honest conversations, practical support, and a reminder that they are not alone. Hosted by Toni, an experienced autism leader, and Kate, a mom raising two children on different ends of the spectrum, each episode blends trusted guidance with real-life experience. From diagnosis and daily routines to relationships, overwhelm, and small wins, Sip and Stim is here to help you take it one day at a time.

  1. 3d ago

    Social Media vs. Autism Reality: The Highlight Reel Nobody Posts

    A smiling family photo can hide what happened ten seconds later. Social media can help families find resources, support, and people who truly understand. It can also make everyone else’s home, vacation, parenting, and life look impossibly perfect. So how do we hold onto the connection without comparing our real lives to someone else’s highlight reel? Kate and Toni have an honest conversation about the complicated role social media plays in the lives of families raising children with autism. They talk about the pressure created by spotless homes, perfect vacations, and carefully selected family photos. They also explore caregiver burnout, judgment from strangers, protecting a child’s privacy, and the difficult question of how much of family life should be shared online. At the same time, social media can make families feel less alone. It can connect people with helpful resources, supportive communities, practical advice, and professionals who understand their child’s needs. The feed is only a snapshot. Real life includes hard days, beautiful moments, progress, grief, laughter, mess, and everything in between. What has social media made easier or harder for your family? Share only what feels comfortable. Then like, follow, subscribe, and send this episode to someone who might need the reminder that nobody’s life looks like their highlight reel. WATCH, LISTEN, & FOLLOW https://links.sipandstim.com Season 2 Episode 2 CREDITS Hosts: Kate Martin and Toni Toole Producer: Mike Axe Editor: Derek Kedell Theme Song From: Derek Martin CHAPTERS 00:00 On This Episode 00:34 Welcome to Sip & Stim 01:05 Kate is back 01:14 Social media versus real life 01:36 What is the “fakest” thing you have posted? 03:09 The reality of taking family photos 06:10 Comparing homes, vacations, and families 09:35 Connection versus endless scrolling 10:29 Sharing honestly while protecting children 13:36 How online resources reduce isolation 18:36 Caregiver stories that help people feel seen 20:32 Burnout, criticism, and “shame on you” responses 23:04 Judgment and safety in public spaces 26:38 Using social media as a helpful tool 29:22 Finding people who understand sensory needs 33:40 Helping one family can still matter 34:59 The feed is only a snapshot 36:40 Next week on Sip & Stim #SipAndStim #AutismAcceptance #CaregiverSupport

  2. Aug 5

    Appreciating Holland: The Journey I Never Planned

    You picture motherhood one way. Then life takes you somewhere you never expected to go. In the Season 2 premiere, Toni is joined by her friend Michelle for an honest conversation about raising her son, Sal, and becoming the advocate she never knew she would need to be. Michelle shares how Sal developed typically as a baby before communication challenges, anxiety, meltdowns, and social difficulties began changing the picture. For years, her family explored speech support, therapy, homeschooling, and other possibilities before Sal received an autism diagnosis at nine years old. Michelle reads and reflects on “Welcome to Holland,” a poem by writer Emily Perl Kingsley that uses an unexpected change in travel plans as a metaphor for raising a child with a disability. The poem deeply resonates with Michelle’s experience of grieving the parenting journey she imagined while learning to recognize the beauty in the life her family actually has. She also shares what happened when public school stopped meeting Sal’s needs, how she began learning about IEPs and educational rights, and why she ultimately had to choose advocating for her son over keeping everyone else comfortable. This episode is for the parent who feels overwhelmed, intimidated, or unsure where to begin. It is a reminder that you do not have to know everything on day one. You can ask for help, build your village, learn as you go, and become the voice your child needs. Sometimes accepting that the journey has changed is exactly where a new sense of purpose begins. Sip & Stim - S2 Ep 01 00:00 Intro 00:30 Appreciating Holland: The Journey I Never Planned 02:56 Welcome to Holland: A Poem About an Unexpected Parenting Journey 07:46 Early Journey: Things Changed Around 18 Months 09:57 Understanding the Signs: It Was Not Obvious at First 14:01 School & Support: When School Stopped Working 20:16 Becoming His Biggest Advocate: Parents Are Their Child's Expert 31:18 Appreciating Holland: Different Does Not Mean Less #Autism #AutismParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness #ParentingJourney #WelcomeToHolland #SpecialNeedsMom #AutismAcceptance #IEP #ParentAdvocate #DisabilityAwareness #RaisingAnAutisticChild #ParentSupport #Neurodiversity #AppreciatingHolland

  3. Jul 9

    Hurry Up and Wait | Sip & Stim - Ep 14

    The journey to an autism diagnosis rarely begins with certainty. More often, it begins with a parent’s quiet instinct that something just feels different. In this episode, Kate and Toni sit down with Rebecca, a mom of two children receiving Early Intervention services, to talk honestly about those first moments of uncertainty. Together, they explore the fears, doubts, long waitlists, second opinions, insurance hurdles, and emotional weight that so many families face while searching for answers. Rebecca shares her family’s journey through evaluations, therapies, medical appointments, and learning to trust her instincts, even when others encouraged her to “wait and see.” Along the way, they discuss why Early Intervention matters, how to advocate for your child, and why finding the right providers can make all the difference. If you’re wondering whether your child should be evaluated, feeling overwhelmed by appointments and paperwork, or simply need reassurance that you’re not alone, this conversation is for you. Sometimes the hardest step is the very first one. And sometimes that first step changes everything.

  4. Jun 30

    In Sickness, Health, and Constant Crisis | Sip & Stim - Ep 13

    Every marriage has challenges. But what happens when autism is part of the relationship too? In this episode, Kate and Toni are joined by Kate's husband, Derek, for one of their most honest conversations yet. Together, they pull back the curtain on what life really looks like when autism shapes not only parenting, but communication, routines, emotional needs, and marriage itself. Derek shares his experience of being diagnosed with autism as an adult, how it changed the way he understood himself, and the ways he and Kate have learned to support each other through seasons of burnout, overwhelm, and everyday life. From raising Greyson and Roz to balancing work, therapies, and family life, they talk openly about the realities that many couples experience but rarely say out loud. This isn't a conversation about having the "perfect" marriage. It's about learning each other, communicating honestly, giving grace, and remembering that you're on the same team, even when life feels overwhelming. Whether you're in a neurodivergent relationship, parenting a child with autism, or simply trying to navigate the ups and downs of marriage, this episode is a reminder that understanding each other will always matter more than being perfect.

  5. Jun 23

    The Magic of Thinking Differently | Sip & Stim - Ep 12

    What happens when the thing that once felt impossible becomes the thing that helps you connect?   In this episode, Kate and Toni are joined by Tom, a magician from the UK who shares his story of growing up autistic without knowing it, struggling through school, feeling misunderstood, and eventually finding a completely unexpected path through magic.   Tom opens up about being labeled as the “naughty kid,” navigating social challenges, masking, overwhelm, and the turning points that helped him better understand himself later in life. He also shares how learning magic gave him a way to communicate, build confidence, manage social situations, and create a space where people could connect with him on his terms.   And of course, Tom brings the magic. He performs several mind-blowing tricks that show not only his skill, but the unique way he thinks, connects, and he lets the magic speak for itself.    This conversation is funny, honest, surprising, and full of moments that show how powerful it can be when someone finds the thing that finally makes the world feel a little more manageable.   Because sometimes support does not look like a textbook strategy.   Sometimes it looks like a deck of cards, a TikTok Live, and the courage to show up exactly as you are. Tom’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomasrickmagic? @thomasrickmagic

  6. Jun 16

    The Babysitter Dilemma | Sip & Stim - Ep 11

    For many parents, finding a babysitter means sending a text, making a phone call, or asking a family member for help. For autism families, it's often much more complicated. In this episode, Kate and Toni have an honest conversation about one of the least talked about challenges of parenting a child with autism: finding someone you trust to care for your child. From seizure protocols and safety concerns to behavioral support, communication differences, and the constant worry that comes with leaving your child in someone else's care, they explore why "just get a babysitter" isn't always an option.  Kate shares the reality of raising Greyson, whose medical and behavioral needs require caregivers with specialized training, experience, and a deep understanding of who he is. She opens up about the challenges of finding support, the anxiety that comes with leaving him with new people, and the countless family events, weddings, trips, and opportunities that have been missed along the way.  Toni reflects on the universal challenge of trusting others with our children, while recognizing the additional layers autism families often face. Together, they discuss building trust, preparing caregivers for success, creating support systems, and why asking questions is one of the most important qualities any caregiver can have.  The conversation also explores the hidden impact caregiving has on parents themselves. The missed date nights. The postponed dreams. The hobbies left behind. The constant balancing act between caring for your child, maintaining relationships, and preserving your own identity.  Most importantly, this episode shines a light on the power of community. Whether it's a trusted therapist, a respite worker, another autism parent at the playground, or a stranger who simply understands, the right support can make an overwhelming journey feel a little less lonely.  Because sometimes the hardest part isn't finding someone to watch your child. It's finding someone who truly sees them. And for families raising children with autism, that kind of trust can change everything.

  7. Jun 9

    Thriving on Neglect and Goldfish Crackers - The Sibling's Story | Sip & Stim - Ep 10

    What is it like to grow up alongside a sibling with autism? In this special episode, Kate and Toni welcome a very important guest to the podcast: Kate's daughter, Roz. Together, they have an honest, funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional conversation about life as Greyson's big sister. Roz shares what it's really like growing up in a world where therapy schedules, medical appointments, seizures, support staff, and autism often take center stage. She talks openly about feeling overlooked at times, wishing for more one-on-one attention, and navigating the complicated reality of loving a sibling who requires so much of the family's time and energy. But this conversation is about far more than the challenges.It's about the bond between siblings. The unspoken understanding. The inside jokes. The protectiveness. The way a brother and sister can learn to read each other better than anyone else in the world. Through laughter, honesty, and a few moments that may hit close to home for many families, it's clear that Greyson and Roz share a connection that runs deep. Kate opens up about the guilt many parents carry when trying to divide their attention between children with very different needs. Toni explores the emotions that siblings often experience but rarely get the chance to talk about openly. Together, they discuss honesty, communication, independence, family dynamics, and why making every child feel seen matters so much. This episode is a reminder that autism doesn't just impact the individual who receives the diagnosis.It touches parents. It shapes siblings. It influences family relationships in ways both beautiful and difficult. Whether you're raising multiple children, have a sibling with autism, or simply want a better understanding of what life can look like inside these families, this conversation offers an honest perspective that doesn't get enough attention. Because every autism story includes more than one voice. And this time, it's Roz's turn to share hers. 💜

  8. Jun 2

    IEP: I Expect Panic (and Paperwork) | Sip & Stim - Ep 09

    For many parents, an IEP meeting feels less like a meeting and more like walking into a room where everyone knows the rules except you. In this episode, Kate and Toni tackle one of the most important and often most intimidating parts of raising a child with autism: advocating for your child at school. Kate shares what it's really like preparing for Greyson's IEP meetings, from reviewing pages of reports and data to learning how to speak up when something doesn't feel right. Toni offers practical insight from both the education and clinical sides of the table, breaking down what parents need to know about IEPs, 504 Plans, evaluations, accommodations, and the rights available to support their child. But more than anything, this conversation is about confidence. It's about realizing that you do not need a degree in education to advocate for your child. You do not need to know every law, every acronym, or every piece of educational jargon. You simply need to know your child. Whether you are preparing for your very first IEP meeting or have spent years sitting across from school teams fighting for the support your child deserves, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your concerns are valid, and you belong at that table. Because at the end of the day, no one knows your child better than you do.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Sip and Stim is a podcast for parents raising children with autism who want honest conversations, practical support, and a reminder that they are not alone. Hosted by Toni, an experienced autism leader, and Kate, a mom raising two children on different ends of the spectrum, each episode blends trusted guidance with real-life experience. From diagnosis and daily routines to relationships, overwhelm, and small wins, Sip and Stim is here to help you take it one day at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Martin and Toni Toole
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kate Martin and Toni Toole
  • Show Website
    Sip and Stim