In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the often-overlooked challenge of working memory in autistic children and young adults.

From missed steps in routines to emotional overload andsocial struggles, weak working memory can show up in ways that leave both you and your child feeling frustrated. Shannon breaks down the difference betweenworking memory in neurotypical vs. autistic individuals, shares relatable age-specific examples, and offers practical strategies you can start using today to support your child more effectively.

🌟 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 privatemembership at Not Your Average Autism Mom

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! ⁠⁠

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

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon explores a powerful and often overlooked topic in autism families: parentification — when children, especially siblings of autistic kids, take on adult roles far tooearly.

Are they helping… or quietly carrying too much?

Shannon shares real-life stories, signs to look for, and strategies to ensure your typically-developing child doesn’t lose their childhood in the chaos of caregiving. She opens up about her own intentional journey as a mom, how sheprotected her daughter Maddie from taking on that “third parent” role, and how the sibling relationship between Maddie and Jordan beautifully unfolded later in life — on their own terms.

You’ll walk away with greater awareness, practical ways to shift emotional weight back to where it belongs, and a gentle reminder: there is no perfect sibling bond — only what’s right for your family.

Whether your children are close or distant, growing together or still finding their way — this conversation is for you.

Tune in for encouragement, strategies, and the reminder that you’re stronger than you think. 💙

🌟 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.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for 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 privatemembership.

🎙️ Want more support from a community of moms who truly get it? Check out our private membership at www.notyouraverageautismmom.com forongoing guidance, connection, and exclusive resources!

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠74. You Cannot Fix All the Things ALL the Time

⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

You’re not alone in this, Mama. We’ll get through it together—just like we always do. And above all, remember… YOU are doing AMAZING at this MOM thing!

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon opens up about a challenge that hits close to home — perseveration.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re answering the same questiondozens (or hundreds!) of times a day, or watching your child get stuck on worries, routines, or reminders, you’re not alone. This is part of everyday life for many autistic children, teens, and adults — including Shannon’s son Jordan, who still struggles daily with perseveration even in adulthood.

Together, we’ll unpack what perseveration really lookslike at different ages and why it happens — from slow processing and sensory overload to anxiety and the need for predictability. Shannon shares specific real-life examples you’ll relate to, like constant questioning about schedulesor getting “stuck” on worries from the past, and offers simple, practical strategies to help support your child when they can’t move on easily.

If perseveration is a regular visitor in your home, thisepisode will help you feel less alone and give you tools to make it just a little bit easier.

Because progress is always possible — even when it showsup one small moment at a time.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and createsa 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? Whenyou're ready to take control and see different results, check out our 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 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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

217. Your Words Matter; Raising Resilient Kids

110. Have You Ever Secretly Hated Autism?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the essential (andoften overlooked) world of functional skills—the real-life abilities our kids need to navigate the world with confidence and independence.

I’ll walk you through what a functional curriculum really means, why it's non-negotiable for our children on the spectrum, and how to start building these skills right now—at any age and stage.

From early routines like brushing teeth and packinglunches, to teen goals like budgeting, cooking, and using public transportation, we’ll cover how everyday life can become the most powerful classroom.

Plus, I’ll share strategies for breaking prompt dependence, teaching self-awareness, and building real-world communication skills that matter more than perfect report cards ever will.

Real progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about practicing real life, one small step at a time.

Tune in, breathe deep, and let’s keep building their bright, independent futures together!

🌟 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? Whenyou'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 tosave you 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 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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

222. Locked Pantries and Naked Kids; Autism Parenting Chronicles

124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)⁠

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, host Shannon Urquiola breaks down one of the most misunderstood challenges many moms face—why their autistic child seems to ignore them or tunethem out.

Whether your child is a toddler, a teen, or somewhere inbetween, attention to people is a skill that doesn’t always come naturally.

Shannon explains why this happens, especially in children with both autism and ADHD, and shares practical, everyday strategies to help your child begin noticing, responding to, and connecting with you more consistently.

You’ll learn:Why attention to people is critical for learning

What to do when your child seems more engaged with objects or screens

Simple ways to build attention without pressure or power struggles

How to meet your child where they are—and build from there

This episode is full of relatable examples and guidanceto help you feel more equipped and less alone. Because your child isn’t ignoring you on purpose—it’s a skill gap.

And together, we’ll work on it.

🌟 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.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for 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.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you 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 group on FB

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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠⁠218. Planning for the Unplanned; A Legacy of Care⁠⁠

⁠⁠137. Explaining our Children’s Differences

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mompodcast, Shannon dives into one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged aspects of raising an autistic child—tantrums, emotional dysregulation, and meltdowns.

Although these emotional outbursts may look similar onthe outside, the why behind them couldn’t be more different. Shannon breaks down the crucial differences between each, explains how to recognize what’s really going on, and offers real-life scenarios and simple strategies to help you respond in a way that supports your child and preserves your peace.

You’ll learn:

• The key differences between tantrums, emotional dysregulation, and meltdowns
• What to do (and not do) when your child is in the middle of an outburst
• How to create a proactive plan to help prevent future episodes
• Why time, patience, and understanding are essential on this journey

This episode is full of practical advice and heart-centered reminders that you're not alone. Whether you're just beginning to navigate emotional outbursts or need new tools to reset your approach, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

🌟 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? Whenyou're ready to take control and see different results, check out our 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 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

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

Episode 96. Our Parenting Journey is Different

Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola dives into a conversation many moms need to hear — the truth that autism isn’t a bad word, and having an autistic child doesn’t mean they are less than.

Shannon shares the emotional reality of hearing the word“autism” for the first time, why so many parents fear saying it out loud, and how the label is often misunderstood by those who haven’t been impacted by autism personally.

She offers real-life scenarios, encouraging strategies, and powerful mindset shifts to help you speak confidently about your child’s diagnosis.

Whether you’re still sitting in fear or just unsure how to explain things to others, this episode will give you perspective, courage, and practical support. Because the more you talk about it, the easier it becomes.

And remember — your child isn’t broken. They’re just different. And different isn’t bad.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

Finding Strength & Resilience; A Mom's Guide to Autism Parenting

Click HERE for the details⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for 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 private membership.

Access exclusive support, training and resources to save 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 NYAAM MOVEMENT on FB

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

Did you miss these episodes?

⁠⁠129. Getting a Grip on Escalating Behaviors⁠⁠

⁠⁠124. What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)

Have you ever felt like something just isn’t right with your child’s behaviors—like their hyperactivity, sleep struggles, or sensory sensitivities seem to come out of nowhere? Maybe they crave sugar like it’s their full-time job or have tummy troubles that you can’t quite pinpoint?

Well, what if I told you that yeast overgrowth in their gut might be playing a bigger role than you ever realized?

In this week’s episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom, we’re diving into how gut health—specifically yeast overgrowth—could be sabotaging your child’sprogress.

I’ll walk you through:

✅ Why yeast overgrowth is more common in autistic children
✅ The surprising symptoms that might be connected to gut health
✅ How diet, antibiotics, and immune function impact yeast levels
✅ What you can do to help, including real-life strategies that make a differenceThis isn’t about adding more stress to your plate—it’s about giving you another tool to help your child feel better.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Yourfeedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

Journey to Resilience; Navigating Autism Parenting

REGISTER NOW

⁠⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Shannon as she uncovers (3) hidden truths you need along your journey.

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

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 check out our Private Membership.

Additional Resources:

Join the NYAAM Movement on Facebook HERE

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

⁠Episode 96. Our ParentingJourney is Different⁠

⁠Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time⁠