509: Opening Up About My Journey as an Autism Mom

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This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy. What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family.This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined.Highlights Include00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness MonthLinks Mentioned in This Episode• Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17)Watch & ListenW