Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or even a family gathering and thought… You’re not seeing what I’m seeing?

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about what it feels like to be the only one who sees your child’s struggle — the masking, the shutdowns, the after-school crashes, the 2 a.m. anxiety spirals — while everyone else says, “They seem fine to me.”

You’ll learn:

• Why “fine” doesn’t always mean regulated

• What silent dysregulation can look like

• How subtle dismissal can start to make you question yourself

• How to trust your intuition without becoming defensive

• Practical strategies for advocating calmly and effectively

• Why does regulating yourself first change everything

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, minimized, or alone in your advocacy, this episode will remind you that you are not overreacting — you are paying attention.

If you’re exhausted from sitting in that “loneliest seat,” check out Shannon’s RESET Workshop — designed to help you calm your nervous system, clear the mental noise, and advocate with clarity instead of frustration.
👉Click HERE for Details

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

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

Episodes referenced in this episode:

256. ⁠The Long Game of Advocacy and How to Keep Going

153. ⁠Calm Kids, Happy Homes: Mastering After School Transitions

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)⁠

Rules can feel like constant battles in autism parenting— especially when you’re repeating yourself, feeling frustrated, and wondering why things that should be simple just aren’t clicking.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon Urquiola breaks down why rules without context often don’t work for autistic children — and why that isn’t defiance, disrespect, or failure.

You’ll learn:

• Why phrases like “you know better” and “because I said so” often backfire
• How stress, overwhelm, and regulation impact your child’s ability to follow rules
• Why timing matters — and why something that doesn’t work now may work later
• How to explain rules in ways your child’s brain can actually receive
• Practical, real-life ways to support rule learning over time without shame or power struggles

If rules have been exhausting in your home, this episode will feel like a deep exhale — and a new way forward.

This episode is a reminder that your child isn’t ignoring rules — they’re navigating a world full of invisible expectations. Andyour job isn’t to enforce harder, but to explain more clearly.

🌟 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 private membership at ⁠⁠Not Your Average Autism Mom⁠⁠

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! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Advocacy isn’t a phase of autism parenting—it’s a long-term role that evolves from diagnosis through adulthood. And for many moms, it can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and never-ending.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola walks you through what advocacy really looks like across every stage of the autism parenting journey—from early intervention and school years to adulthood,siblings, and families parenting non-speaking autistic children.

This is an honest, encouraging conversation about:

• Why advocacy changes over time
• How to advocate without burning out
• Supporting children who cannot advocate for themselves
• Navigating advocacy inside your family, including siblings
• Letting go of the pressure to “do it all” and learning how to keep going

If you’ve ever wondered how you’re supposed to sustain advocacy for the long haul, this episode is for you.

🌟 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 future forour 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 saveyou 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 groupon FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talkabout 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)⁠