When your child is melting down, your instinct is to fix it. To solve it. To make it stop.
But here’s the truth—before you can teach regulation, you have to model it.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, Shannon dives deep into why emotional validation is the foundation for every behavioral strategy that actually works.She explains what “feelings first” really looks like in real life, shares real-life scenarios from Jordan (now 29), and offers concrete phrases and resets to help your child feel safe before you address behavior.

You’ll also hear about her upcoming book, When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned: Finding Strength, Surrender, and Acceptance Parenting an Autistic Child, coming in 2026 — written straight from her heart for moms just like you.

Because when you learn to see the feeling before the behavior, you begin to change everything — startingwith yourself.

🎧 Listen now wherever you stream podcasts.
💙 Connect | Coach | Community: www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

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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.

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 directlyat ⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠133.Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

212. When Progress Pauses; Regression 101

Advocating is part of everyday life when you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum — but it can also be exhausting. In this episode, Shannon shares how to manageyour energy so you can advocate effectively without burning out. Learn how to protect your peace, choose your battles wisely, and sustain your advocacy over the long haul.

Shannon also recommends revisiting Episode 157, “Reframing Defeat; Your Child’s Progressis Closer Than You Think,” for added insight and support.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to keep showing up — notjust for your child, but for yourself and your family — with calm confidence and energy that lasts.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates withyou, 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.

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?

• Disconnect to Reconnect; The Impact of Screen Addiction

• Uncharted Territory in Special Education

Life runs on rules—and our kids need practice learning them at home so they can navigate the real world with safety and confidence. In this episode, Shannon shares why rules aren’t harsh or unfair; they’re loving preparation. You’ll learn how to make expectations clear, follow through consistently, and use consequences that teach (not scare).

Shannon opens up about Jordan’s electronics story—why she used to give in, how taking devices away at 24 was the hardest season, and the freedom that followed. No judgment here—just encouragement, clarity, and one simple challenge to help you start today.

I was honored to join Nichole Berlie on News Nation NOW ahead of the administration's press conference on autism & the search for causes.

My hope is that research continues—but without blame or shame for parents. Families deserve support and answers.

Watch at the link below:

NEWS NATION NOW Interview

🌟 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 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠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

Pragmatic language is about more than just talking—it’s the invisible set of social rules that help conversations flow and relationships grow. For children on the spectrum, these skills can be tricky, but they’re also essential, especially as they move from elementary into middle school.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon explains what pragmatic language really means, why it matters so much, and how you can practice these skills at home. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, everyday examples, and a new perspective on helping your child build confidence and connection—one conversation at a time. And if you missed it, Shannon was recently featured on News Nation Now with Nichole Berlie, ahead of the administration’s autism announcement on September 22nd. 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

I’m always grateful for opportunities like this to shine a light on our families and children. Thank you for being here and being part of this journey with me. 💙

🌟 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

⁠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

⁠Episode 148: Shifting Perspective; Looking Through A Different Lens⁠

⁠Episode 48. Differentiating a Speech Delay and/or Autism

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about the long game of independence and why the little skills your child learns today matter so much for their future.

Letting go isn’t easy, but when you nurture their confidence through small, everyday moments, you’re laying the foundation for big freedoms later on.

Shannon also unpacks the difference between parentingfor your comfort versus parenting for their future—and why that shift is one of the most powerful things you can do. If you’ve ever struggled with holding on too tightly, this conversation will give you both encouragementand a gentle nudge forward.

Tune in for encouragement, strategies, and the reminderthat you’re stronger than you think. 💙

🌟 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? Whenyou're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

www.notyouraverageautismmom.com

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ groupon FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us totalk 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 ittogether—just like we always do.

And above all, remember…

YOU are doing AMAZING at this MOM thing!

Letting go is one of the hardest things we face as moms, and when you’re raising a child on the spectrum, it often feels impossible. In this episode, Shannon opens up about her own struggles with overprotection—why she did too much for too long, and how it actually stalled Jordan’s independence. She explains why stepping back, even when it feels uncomfortable, is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child, and how safe struggles (like we talked about in last week’s episode) not only build confidence for your child, but resilience for you as their mom.

You’ll learn practical strategies to manage your own anxiety in the moment, reframe those fearful “what ifs,” and begin creating opportunities for your child to try, grow, and succeed on their own terms. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just easier if I do it myself,” this episode will challenge and encourage you to pause, breathe, and remember that easier for us doesn’t always mean better for them.

Join Shannon for an honest, heartfelt conversation about why letting go matters—and how both you and your child can grow through it.

🌟 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

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

Because sometimes, holding it together means understanding 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

Struggle isn’t something most moms want to see theirkids go through — but what if I told you that safe struggles are one of the greatest gifts you can give your child?

In this episode, I’m breaking down why stepping back(instead of swooping in) matters so much for kids on the spectrum.

You’ll also hear a few Jordan stories that show how these lessons play out in real life.

If you’ve been caught in rescue mode, this episode willencourage you to loosen your grip just enough to let your child learn, grow, and surprise you.

Real progress isn’t about perfection—it’s aboutpracticing real life, one small step at a time.

Tune in, breathe deep, and let’s keep building theirbright, independent futures together!

🌟 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? Whenyou'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 tosave 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 totalk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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)⁠

In this special Listener Q & A episode, Shannon answers real questions from moms, a grandmother, a para, and even a special education teacher. From after-school meltdowns and silent shutdowns to IEP meetings, repetitive questions, friendships, independence, and handling judgment in public — these are the real struggles happening in homes just like yours.

You’ll hear practical strategies, the exact questions to ask yourself (and your child or team), and ways to handle these challenges without feeling so alone. Shannon also points you back to past episodes for deeper dives into some of the most asked-about topics.

If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?” — this episode will remind you it’s not. These questions could have come straight from your living room.

🌟 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.

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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠⁠

⁠⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)