Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Birth of SheRest with Candice Boyd

In this episode, I sit down with Candice Boyd to talk openly about the realities of raising a child with autism, the traumatic moments most families never talk about, and what explosive meltdowns actually look like.

Candice shares how her daughter’s behaviour changed almost overnight, how food triggers played a role, and the emotional toll it took on her as a parent.

We also explore mum-guilt, burnout, and how Candice turned pain into purpose by creating SheRest, a community that offers connection, support, and respite for mothers raising autistic children. This episode is real, raw, and deeply moving.

Watch the episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/65O6MtkoKDI

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome and intro
00:31 Who is Candice Boyd?
01:25 Early signs of regression
03:22 The importance of getting a diagnosis
06:01 The "Switch Flipped" moment in Queensland
10:11 Initial discovery: Food and behaviors
12:33 Dealing with "Mom Guilt"
14:59 Identifying trauma in the body
18:41 Meltdowns vs. Tantrums
21:31 Asking "How can I help?" instead of judging
26:39 Finding humor in the hardship
28:25 The breaking point: Crying under the doona
31:59 Taking action: The birth of SheRest
33:53 The first community lunch
38:14 Business lesson: You don't need ducks in a row
45:30 Dreaming big: Nationwide hubs
47:52 The hidden domestic violence of carer burnout
52:47 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
58:20 The "What's in it for me?" mindset
01:01:53 Fears for the future: Police and the law
01:07:20 The importance of true respite
01:10:46 How special needs parenting impacts marriage
01:13:30 Clashing parenting styles
01:21:04 The Tug of War: Picking your battles
01:23:37 The question of "HeRests"
01:29:29 Deep dive: Artificial colors and MSG
01:36:47 Final message: Stay curious

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