In our final Best Of Summer Series episode, your host, Shannon Urquiola dives into a critical issue that many parents and caregivers face: the impact of electronics on our kids and the risk of screen addiction. This topic is especially relevant for families raising children on the autism spectrum, who can be particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of excessive screen time.

Have you ever questioned the effects of social media, YouTube videos, and video games on your child's overall well-being? Do you find yourself encouraging them to go outside or read, only to see them choose screens over everything else? You're not alone. Shannon explores these common concerns, emphasizing that while electronics and the internet can be valuable tools, offering learning opportunities, connections, and entertainment, they also come with significant downsides.

In this episode, Shannon discusses the pros and cons of screen time, highlighting how some families have discovered that the benefits of unplugging far outweigh the challenges. She addresses the issue of children, especially those on the spectrum, getting lost in a never-ending rabbit hole of screen time, missing out on real-life experiences.

Shannon shares practical strategies and tools to help parents manage their children's screen time effectively, creating a healthier balance. This episode serves as a guide to understanding the impact of electronics on kids and offers actionable advice for fostering better habits.

Additional Resources:

• Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement on FB
• Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming Community Collective events: Not Your Average Autism Mom on Facebook
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Don't miss these related episodes:

• Episode 7: Electronics and the Benefits of Screen Time Limits
• Episode 72: Ripping the Band-Aid Off on Electronics

Tune in to gain insights on managing screen time and creating a supportive environment for your child's unique needs.

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola, Life and Parent Coach, goes deep into the unique dynamics parents face when raising autistic children, especially when their parenting styles don't align. Parenthood is often described as a rollercoaster of emotions, and it takes a unique turn when partners find themselves on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum.

Are your differences in parenting currently a source of negativity and conflict in your relationship? Shannon explores this common scenario, where one parent often takes the lead in research and advocacy, while the other may have different perspectives on their child's behavior. Emphasizing the importance of unity in parenting, Shannon discusses the three main parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative.

Recognizing and embracing each partner's parenting style is key. Shannon highlights the power of self-awareness and the willingness to adapt, noting that meaningful change starts with oneself. She also addresses how childhood experiences impact parenting styles, discussing how parents may unconsciously recreate or react against their upbringing.

Listeners will gain practical strategies and actionable goals for fostering a healthy relationship between parents, including effective communication, private discussions, and avoiding disagreements in front of children. This episode serves as a guide for parents raising autistic children, offering a roadmap to navigate challenges, promote unity, and create a supportive environment for their child's unique needs.

Additional Resources:

• Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement group on Facebook if you're a mom or female caregiver.
• Check out these episodes for more insights:

115. Judgment and Parent Shaming

89. Calming Down BIG Emotions

If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, be sure to get over and get registered for our FREE Webinar, Finding Strength & Resilience; A Mom's Guide to Autism Parenting

⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠

Got a specific topic you want us to discuss? Email us directly at info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

In this Best Of Summer Series episode, we tackle the complex topic of societal expectations and social norms, particularly how they affect families raising children on the autism spectrum. Our society often values conformity and can overlook individual differences, which can be challenging for our kids.

Social norms are the unwritten rules that dictate appropriate behavior in interactions. Neurotypical children usually pick up these norms naturally through observation, but for children on the spectrum, these social cues can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding personal space, appropriate touch, and suitable conversation topics can be particularly difficult, leading to misunderstandings and sometimes negative perceptions from others.

These societal expectations can take a toll on families like ours, causing emotional, mental, and even physical strain. Striving to meet these norms can leave parents feeling anxious, isolated, and worried that their child may be judged or excluded.

But there's hope. By shifting our perspective and advocating for awareness, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and understanding world. Challenging societal expectations and promoting acceptance is crucial. As parents, we have the power to shape the lives of our children and unlock their fullest potential with unwavering belief in their abilities.

If you're looking for strategies and tools to improve your life on this autism parenting journey, consider joining Not Your Average Autism Mom. We offer the best online resources for moms raising autistic children, including training on Special Education, live Zoom calls with advocates, and a private community for connection and support.

If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, be sure to register for our FREE Webinar, Finding Strength & Resilience; A Mom's Guide to Autism Parenting

⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠

Additional Resources:⁠Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠

⁠145. Differently Wired; A Glimpse Into Autism Parenting

⁠109. Why Waiting is So Difficult⁠

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com

Visit www.notyouraverageautismmom.com to learn more about all the benefits available to you when you become Not Your Average Autism Mom.

Together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive society for our children.