This Best of Summer episode is for every autism mom who’s ever found herself locked in a battle of wills with her child—especially during the tween, teen, or young adult years.

In this honest and solution-focused conversation, Shannon dives into what’s really behind those power struggles, resistance, and seemingly defiant behaviors. She shares why arguments escalate, how to recognize red herrings (those sneaky distractions that derail progress), and what to do instead.

You’ll walk away with strategies to create calm, reduce conflict, and set boundaries that actually stick—all while staying grounded and connected to your child.

Whether your child slams doors, talks back, or pushes every single boundary—this episode will help you bring peace to your parenting and power to your presence.

Tune in to learn how to navigate defiance with confidence and build a more peaceful home environment.

🌟 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.

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! Get access to 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?

Episode 96. Our Parenting Journey is Different⁠

Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time⁠

This episode struck a deep chord with so many of you—and that’s why it’s part of our Best of Summer series.

Too often, our children are underestimated simply because they’re autistic. In this episode, Shannon revisits the powerful reminder that low expectations can become invisible barriers—and how shifting our mindset can open up opportunities we never imagined.

Whether it’s at school, at home, or in the community, your child deserves to be seen for who they are and what they’re capable of. Shannon shares stories, lessons learned from raising Jordan, and ways you can start raising the bar while still honoring your child’s individual journey.

💡 This one’s about encouragement, belief, and the quiet strength it takes to expect more when others expect less.

Join Shannon for an inspiring conversation about raising the bar for your child and believing in their abilities, no matter what others might say. Whether you have
a son or daughter on the spectrum, this episode will remind you to stop saying “They can’t” and start believing in “They will.”

Tune in for encouragement, insights, and actionable advice to help you keep going, stay strong, and never give up. You’ve got this!

🌟 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 at Not Your Average Autism Mom.com

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?

70. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean?

124. What To Do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)

In this Best of Summer favorite, Shannon returns to one of the most raw and relatable topics in autism parenting—behavior.

From meltdowns and aggression to sensory challenges and emotional outbursts, this episode is for every mom trying to stay calm in the chaos while figuring out what their child’s behavior is trying to say.

With heartfelt honesty, Shannon shares her personal stories as Jordan’s mom and brings in the lived experiences of other moms inside the NYAAM community. You’ll learn practical, real-world strategies to teach replacement behaviors, set boundaries with love, and manage your own emotions when things feel out of control.

This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out—and that grace under pressure is a skill we learn, one step at a time.

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom, Shannon dives into one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child on the spectrum—managing behaviors. With heartfelt stories from her own journey as Jordan’s mom and insights from moms in the NYAAM community, she explores how to balance understanding and validating your child while setting clear boundaries and expectations.

Shannon shares practical strategies for managing meltdowns, teaching replacement behaviors, and building your resilience muscle along the way. You’ll learn why it’s okay not to have all the answers and how every twist and turn is an opportunity for growth—for both you and your child.

Whether you’re navigating aggression, sensory challenges, or emotional outbursts, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. Together, you and your child will figure it out, one step at a time.

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.

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?

⁠⁠110. Have You Ever Secretly Hated Autism?⁠

⁠181. Impulse IQ; The Maze of Impulsivity

We’re revisiting one of the most talked-about episodes in our Best of Summer series—and for good reason.

High energy in autism can look a lot like manic behavior—impulsivity, intense pacing, non-stop movement, pressured speech, and stimming that just doesn’t let up. And when you're in it, it can feel like you're holding on for dear life.

In this episode, Shannon breaks it all down with real-life examples from her own journey raising Jordan. She shares practical strategies for managing those intense moments—from helping your child calm down at bedtime to creating safer spaces when they’re overwhelmed by energy they can’t regulate.

If you’ve ever felt like your child is operating at a level 10 and you’re just trying to survive the day—this one’s for you.

Join Shannon as she navigates the highs and lows of manic episodes, helping you better understand and support your child's unique needs. Whether you're dealing with constant pacing, pressured speech, or intense irritability, this episode is packed with valuable information to make your parenting journey a bit smoother. Tune in and remember, you're not alone on this journey—Shannon is here to support you every step of the way.

🌟 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 at Not Your Average Autism Mom.com

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?

⁠Episode 146. The Myth of “One Day”; Spectrum of Strengths⁠

⁠Episode 149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone

Welcome to our Best of Summer series! In this re-release of one of our most popular episodes, we’re tackling one of the most talked-about topics in our community—discipline strategies for children on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, Shannon shares real-life experiences, practical strategies, and thoughtful insights to help you navigate discipline in a way that’s effective, compassionate, and realistic for your family. Whether it’s setting clear boundaries, using visual supports, or understanding how to follow through with consequences, this conversation is packed with helpful tools and encouragement.

Discipline looks different for every child, especially in autism parenting—and that’s okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook, but this episode will help you feel more equipped to write your own.

🎧 Tune in and discover why this episode continues to resonate with so many Not Your Average Autism Moms.

🌟 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.

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.

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!

Get Details HERE

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

Loving our autistic children through their struggles isn’t always simple — and it’s definitely not always easy. In this heartfelt episode, Shannon opens up about the complex emotions many parents face when their child can’t or doesn’t express love in typical ways.

Maybe your child doesn’t say “I love you.” Maybe they don’t come to you for comfort or push you away during meltdowns. Maybe you’ve quietly wondered, "Why does this feel so one-sided?" or "Am I the only one who feels this way?"

You are not alone.

As summer begins — a time that can feel overwhelming for families like ours — this episode is a soft place to land. It offers you an alternative perspective for those long, unstructured days when everything feels harder than it should. Come back to it whenever you need a reminder that you’re not alone, and your love still matters — more than you know.

You’ll hear stories, strategies, and compassionate insights about what it means to love your child through their hardest moments — not despite them. You’ll learn why their love may look different (but is still real), why grief and love can exist side by side, and how to hold space for both hope and heartache on this unexpected parenting journey.

And don’t forget — next week kicks off our BEST OF Summer Series! We’ll be spotlighting some of our most downloaded episodes to make sure you haven’t missed any favorites. With over 230 episodes, there’s so much to take in, and what didn’t apply when it aired might be exactly what you need today. Be sure to scroll through and find the episodes that speak to where you are now. We’ll be back with brand new episodes later this summer!

🌟 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?

79. Uncharted Territory in Special Education⁠

⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the often-overlooked challenge of working memory in autistic children and young adults.

From missed steps in routines to emotional overload andsocial struggles, weak working memory can show up in ways that leave both you and your child feeling frustrated. Shannon breaks down the difference betweenworking memory in neurotypical vs. autistic individuals, shares relatable age-specific examples, and offers practical strategies you can start using today to support your child more effectively.

🌟 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 abrighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? Want towork with me? When you're ready to take control and see different results in your life, check out our privatemembership at Not Your Average Autism Mom

Access exclusive support, training and resources to saveyou 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 totalk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why can’t theyjust remember what I said?”—this episode is for you.

Because sometimes, holding it together meansunderstanding why their brain can’t always hold on.

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

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon explores a powerful and often overlooked topic in autism families: parentification — when children, especially siblings of autistic kids, take on adult roles far tooearly.

Are they helping… or quietly carrying too much?

Shannon shares real-life stories, signs to look for, and strategies to ensure your typically-developing child doesn’t lose their childhood in the chaos of caregiving. She opens up about her own intentional journey as a mom, how sheprotected her daughter Maddie from taking on that “third parent” role, and how the sibling relationship between Maddie and Jordan beautifully unfolded later in life — on their own terms.

You’ll walk away with greater awareness, practical ways to shift emotional weight back to where it belongs, and a gentle reminder: there is no perfect sibling bond — only what’s right for your family.

Whether your children are close or distant, growing together or still finding their way — this conversation 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 privatemembership.

🎙️ Want more support from a community of moms who truly get it? Check out our private membership at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com forongoing guidance, connection, and exclusive resources!

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

You’re not alone in this, Mama. We’ll get through it together—just like we always do. And above all, remember… YOU are doing AMAZING at this MOM thing!