In Episode 179 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola dives into the world of understanding and addressing stressors for children on the autism spectrum. Shannon breaks down the seven common stressors faced by these children, including sensory challenges, level of interest, uncertainty, degree of control, performance demands, social demands, and length of time. She explores real-life scenarios where these stressors might show up and provides practical examples and strategies to support our children proactively. Listeners learn how to recognize and lessen sensory over ..read more

In episode 178 of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," host Shannon Urquiola dives into the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) within the autism spectrum. Shannon emphasizes why a specific PDA diagnosis isn't always paramount when autism is already in the picture. She walks listeners through common scenarios, parents, may encounter, offering practical strategies for navigating the challenges associated with severe avoidance and anxiety. The episode explores the fear of uncertainty, unexpected events, and the need for control that often characterizes the behavior of child ..read more

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, your host, Shannon Urquiola is talking about the complex world of repeated questioning in our autistic children. As parents, we know firsthand the exhaustion and frustration that can come with hearing the same question over and over again. But why do our children engage in this behavior, and how can we lessen its impact on both them and you? Shannon explores the various reasons behind repeated questioning, from seeking reassurance to managing anticipatory anxiety or simply craving attention. Understanding the underlying motives is cru ..read more

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola digs into the complex world of socialization within the autism spectrum. Shannon explores the diverse social interests and preferences among autistic individuals, shedding light on the challenges they face in navigating social interactions while also emphasizing the beauty of their unique perspectives. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from autistic adults, she discusses the detrimental effects of conforming to neurotypical social norms, commonly referred to as "masking." She highlights the exhaustio ..read more

In this episode of "Not Your Average Autism Mom," Shannon digs into the challenging world of self-injurious behaviors in children with autism. We explored the various forms these behaviors can take, from hand/arm biting to head banging, and discussed why they occur, often as a means of releasing stress chemicals when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed. Throughout the episode, we provided practical strategies for parents and caregivers to address these behaviors effectively. Listeners learn the importance of identifying triggers and reducing stressors, as well as the value of teaching alter ..read more

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the complex world of disciplining children on the autism spectrum. She begins by emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations for all children, particularly for those on the spectrum who may struggle with understanding unwritten social rules. She provides practical strategies for parents, such as using visual aids and consistent consequences, to help their children navigate these boundaries effectively. Throughout the episode, Shannon illustrates these strategies with specific scenarios that parents commonly encou ..read more

In Episode 172 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola talks about the challenges faced by individuals with autism on the journey to self-actualization. Inspired by her son Jordan, she explores the delicate balance of fitting in while ensuring our loved ones receive the dignity they deserve. In a world that may perceive them differently, finding this balance is necessary. The struggles, from clothing mishaps to social norms, highlight the unique lens through which individuals with autism experience the world. As parents, we advocate for embracing diversity while equip ..read more

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the often misunderstood challenges of self-initiation and sustained attention in autistic children. Acknowledging the frustration parents may feel when their child appears unmotivated, Shannon emphasizes the importance of understanding these difficulties as linked to executive functioning skills rather than attributing them to laziness. She provides insights into the workings of the pre-frontal cortex, the brain's command center responsible for managing tasks, making decisions, and regulating emotions. Shannon explores the hurdles autistic ..read more

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola takes you on a journey into the world of routine mastery and skill-building for children on the spectrum. Shannon guides listeners through practical strategies to integrate new skills seamlessly into existing routines. Discover how to celebrate progress, reward success, and stay motivated in the face of setbacks. Uncover the secrets of being specific and realistic to ensure lasting success. Join Shannon as she explores the nuances of routine mastery, and shares insights, examples, and tips to create positive changes in your family's life. ? Leave a R ..read more

In this episode, Shannon explores the unique challenges our children on the spectrum face in understanding and navigating the social world. The episode sheds light on the difficulty some children have in predicting how others think or feel. Shannon provides practical strategies for parents to help their children develop these essential social skills. The goal is to help our children build the skills necessary to actively engage in social interactions while predicting and adjusting their responses based on an understanding of the social setting. The episode encourages parents to make the learni ..read more