Mother's Guide Through Autism

Hope, Clarity & New Research: Navigating Autism with Dr. Theresa Lyons

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/542917/open_sms] In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte Shipman sits down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, Yale-trained scientist and founder of Navigating AWEtism, to bring clarity, hope, and grounded science to the conversation. Dr. Lyons explains what new research is revealing about the evolving definition of autism, how some children lose their autism diagnosis over time, and how parents can navigate the flood of information without confusion or fear. Together, Brigitte and Dr. Lyons talk about: ✨ How autism science is changing so rapidly ✨ The importance of parents staying informed with accurate and current scientific information ✨ The emotional side of parenting—grief, hope, confusion, intuition ✨ Practical steps families can take to prioritize what truly matters for their child If you’ve ever felt lost in the noise of autism information, this episode will bring relief, clarity, and direction. You are not alone—there is a path forward. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Guest Introduction 03:47 Dr. Teresa Lyons' Personal Journey 07:15 Understanding Autism and Its Evolving Definition 09:39 Navigating the Overwhelm of Autism Information 16:01 The Navigating Autism Matrix 21:07 Common Mistakes and First Steps for Parents 24:14 Balancing Life and Autism 24:26 Communicating Needs and Reducing Stress 25:08 Emotional Journey of Parenting 28:44 Understanding and Addressing Myths 33:17 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 39:03 Finding Joy and Connection 41:56 Resources and Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources & Links 📘 Learn more about Dr. Lyons and the Navigating AWEtism Matrix: https://awetism.net/ [https://awetism.net/] Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat] Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book] Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com] Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/542917/support]

Transforming Our Journey of Autism Through Presence and Play with Jennifer Briggs

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/542917/open_sms] What happens when you step away from “fixing” and begin meeting your autistic child exactly where they are? In this heartfelt episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte talks with Jennifer Briggs, a mom who created a home-based Son-Rise program—called Sarah-Rise—for her daughter who has a rare genetic anomaly and autism. Jennifer opens up about the stressful early years, the emotional weight of trying so many therapies, and the turning point that led her to a completely different approach—one rooted in presence, joining, and deep connection. She shares how the Son-Rise philosophy (now known as Do Autism Differently) helped Sarah make meaningful developmental gains—and how embracing her child’s world instead of resisting it transformed their relationship. This conversation is filled with gentleness, honesty, and hope for any parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed, doubtful, or unsure of the next step. 💛 In this episode, Jennifer shares: - How she shifted from stress and fear to connection and trust - What “joining” looks like and why it matters - How the Sarah-Rise program helped her daughter engage more deeply - The emotional challenges of guilt, grief, and self-pressure If you’re navigating your own autism journey, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to rush, force, or push. There is another way—one rooted in presence and acceptance. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:16 Jennifer's Journey: From Teacher to Mom  04:46 Sarah's Early Years and Diagnosis  08:28 The Turning Point: Discovering the Sunrise Program  11:01 Implementing the Sunrise Program at Home  18:32 Understanding Genetic Anomalies and Autism  31:10 The Power of Community and Asking for Help  33:52 Jennifer's Book: Watching Sarah Rise  38:45 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect  🔗 Resources & Links Jennifer's Website: https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/ [https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/] Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat] Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book] Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com] Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/542917/support]

From Meltdowns to Calm: Tools for Emotional Resilience with Lisa Candera

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/542917/open_sms] When your child is in full meltdown mode, what do you do? If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to hold it together while everything around you is falling apart—you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Brigitte talks with Lisa Candera, solo mom to a teen with severe autism and OCD, full-time attorney, and certified life coach for autism moms. Lisa shares the hard-earned tools that helped her stop reacting out of overwhelm and start responding with calm, clarity, and compassion. She introduces her Meltdown Action Plan—a simple, step-by-step approach to staying regulated when your child isn’t. 🔑 You’ll hear about: - The concept of being the “solid object” in your child’s storm - Why your nervous system—not your child’s behavior—is the place to start - How to prepare before, stay grounded during, and recover after a meltdown - Strategies for managing guilt when you don’t respond perfectly Lisa’s free resource: the Meltdown Action Plan, available at This episode is packed with empathy, insight, and practical guidance for parents navigating intense emotional moments—and learning to show up differently. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Lisa Candera's Story and Parenting Challenges 05:21 Navigating Parenting with ADHD 07:58 Shifting from Fixing to Managing Emotions 13:11 Implementing the Solid Object Strategy 19:31 Handling Meltdowns and Parental Guilt 28:59 Self-Compassion and Evaluation 30:01 Mantras and Intellectual Decisions 31:09 Understanding Stress and Parenting Challenges 32:21 The Importance of Support and Community 35:47 Introducing the Meltdown Action Plan 37:32 Implementing the Meltdown Action Plan 44:33 The Power of Pausing 49:52 Regulating Yourself for Your Child 52:57 Conclusion and Resources 🔗 Resources & Links Lisa's Website: https://theautismmomcoach.com/ [https://theautismmomcoach.com/] Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat] Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book] Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com] Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/542917/support]

The Power of Micro Shifts: Simple Tools for Overwhelmed Autism Parents with Kimberly Guche

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/542917/open_sms] If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it all together on the outside…while your insides are screaming—this episode is for you. Brigitte sits down with Kimberly Guche, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, mindset coach, and mom of four, to talk about something we rarely say out loud: parenting an autistic or highly sensitive child can feel overwhelming. The pressure. The unpredictability. The constant scanning for the next meltdown. It’s a lot. But here’s the hopeful part—your energy matters more than you think. Kimberly introduces her Five Minute Chaos to Calm Method, a gentle yet powerful practice designed to help parents reset their nervous systems, reconnect with their inner calm, and respond to their child with confidence and clarity. No fancy tools. No hour-long routines. Just five minutes that can change the tone of your whole day. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear about: - The hidden signals your nervous system is constantly sending (and how your child picks up on them) - What it means to be emotionally congruent—and why your kids feel the difference - Grounding, breathwork, and visualization strategies for the real world - Why calming your energy can shift your whole household - Permission to not be perfect—and still be the parent your child needs This conversation is a breath of fresh air for any mom who’s been stuck in survival mode and is ready for a reset. 💛 Tune in for hope, heart, and doable tools you can start using today. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Kimberly's Journey and Professional Background 05:10 Challenges and Discoveries in Parenting and Therapy 07:58 The Power of Meditation and Self-Regulation 11:24 Shifts in Support for Families and Sensory Interventions 13:48 Five Minute Chaos to Calm Method 20:36 Guided Exercise for Calm and Grounding 25:08 Finding Calm and Peace 25:34 The Power of Nature 26:30 Dealing with Overwhelm 27:28 Personal Anchors and Visualization 31:17 Handling Chaotic Situations 33:55 Supporting Moms of Autistic Children 34:54 The Importance of Self-Care 39:12 Final Thoughts and Resources 🔗 Resources & Links Kimberley's Website: https://entrancinginspirations.com/ [https://entrancinginspirations.com/] Chaos to Calm 5 minute Reset Audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14sOHXoXJ8vYtzTFaeZ_G4s6F8_iVonzp/view [https://drive.google.com/file/d/14sOHXoXJ8vYtzTFaeZ_G4s6F8_iVonzp/view] Peaceful Parenting Meditation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y2klA61iQE-hTZBsaC4H7-PXTBmakYfo/view [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y2klA61iQE-hTZBsaC4H7-PXTBmakYfo/view] Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat] Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book] Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com] Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/542917/support]

Invisible Challenges: Understanding High-Functioning Autism with Kathleen Somers

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/542917/open_sms] In this heartfelt episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, host Brigitte Shipman sits down with Kathleen Somers, a mother and author, to explore the complex emotional landscape of raising a child with an invisible disability. Kathleen reflects on her 24-year journey parenting a son with high-functioning autism—from initial denial to acceptance.  With honesty and humility, she shares the moments that shaped her: learning to let go of expectations, finding the courage to trust her instincts, and most of all, allowing herself to become a student of her son’s inner world. The conversation explores: - What it’s like to raise a child with a disability most people can’t see - The emotional terrain of guilt, fear, frustration, and deep love - Teaching self-advocacy in ways that empower children long-term - Embracing who your child truly is Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome  01:22 Kathleen Summers' Journey and Memoir  04:20 Initial Diagnosis and Early Challenges  06:28 Navigating School and Social Dynamics  08:02 Gross Motor Skills and Sports  10:01 Understanding High-Functioning Autism  13:40 The Meaning Behind 'Barely Visible'  17:10 Lessons Learned from Parenting  20:40 Understanding and Accepting Differences  21:34 Advocating for Your Child  22:42 Teaching Self-Advocacy  23:19 Parental Reflections and Lessons  24:32 The Importance of Self-Advocacy  26:21 Advice for Autism Moms  31:06 Letting Go and Building Independence  36:32 Final Thoughts and Resources  🔗 Resources & Links Kathleen's Website: https://www.kathleensomers.com/ [https://www.kathleensomers.com/] Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat] Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book] Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com [https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com] Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/542917/support]