Embracing Autism
Your child is autistic, now what? Parenting a child is often rewarding, but for parents of autistic children, it can be a struggle when communication, finances, or behavior is a barrier. Join hosts Lia & Matt McCabe, an Autistic & ADHD couple raising two autistic daughters and the founders of the charity project AutismWish, in weekly discussions to provide parents with guidance, tips, resources, and a newfound perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each week we will share our experience raising special needs children and tackle difficult or taboo subjects in the Autism world with encouragement and guidance on how to broaden your perspective while learning to understand and empathize with your autistic child, from weathering the storm to Embracing Autism. Learn more at www.autismwish.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @AutismWish. Disclaimer: We are not doctors or therapists, so please always consult with your child's physician before taking any of our advice. We try our absolute best to get everything right but we are only human, so please make sure to consult with an expert. If you feel anything has been misrepresented or inaccurate, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at podcast@autismwish.org.
Episodes
What if the smallest shifts in perspective could create the biggest changes at home? In this NeuroNugget, we share why seeing your child’s potential while respecting their challenges can help build a stronger framework for growth. Plus, we dive into our very first Listener Letter on navigating self-harm behaviors with compassion and practical strategies.
💌 Want your letter featured? Become a member at patreon.com/autismwish to ...
What happens if the protections our children depend on suddenly change? In this episode, we sit down with Jean Mayer, co-creator of the Moms Talk Autism podcast, to unpack the Texas v. Becerra lawsuit and the growing pressures on Section 504 — the law that ensures vital supports for students with disabilities. We tackle the tough questions parents are asking: Could this lawsuit weaken our kids’ rights in schools? Why is it still so...
Ever feel like you’re failing your child by not “getting it right”? What if the most powerful thing you could do is stop trying to fix everything—and start truly seeing your autistic child for who they are? In this first-ever NeuroNuggets microcast, we break down the core of Embracing Autism, sharing practical insights and mindset shifts that can transform your parenting journey. Quick, actionable, and full of hope—this 10-minute e...
When motherhood takes a different path and the journey feels endless… Julie Hornok and Dr. Regina Crone, co-founders of Labeled & Loved, share honest stories about the challenges and joys of being a “forever-nester.” They reveal how finding true community and healing through retreats and sisterhood circles has brought strength and hope to moms like you. If you’re looking for encouragement, connection, and a place to belong—this...
We’ve hit 200 episodes—and today we’re giving you a glimpse into what’s next for the Embracing Autism Podcast. Things are changing, and we’re excited to bring you along for this new season of support, growth, and connection—in a whole new way.
Connect with us + unlock bonus grant entries at patreon.com/autismwish
Ask your questions, we'll answer them on air at letters@autismwish.org
Leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/em...
Could autism be detected before behavioral signs even appear? In this episode, Dr. John Jay Gargus and Michelle Majewski introduce a revolutionary test that identifies autism risk at the cellular level—even at birth. We explore how this breakthrough could transform early diagnosis and intervention, giving families hope and a head start. Tune in to hear the science, the challenges, and what this means for the autism community. This ...
After four years and nearly 200 episodes, we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown—together. Today, we’re taking time to reflect on the biggest lessons we’ve learned on this journey—about autism, parenting, advocacy, and ourselves. It’s a moment to honor the path we’ve walked and get ready for what’s ahead.
Unlock 5 bonus entries to our monthly Embracing Autism Grant, Become a Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Can stem cells really help autistic individuals—or is it all just hype? 🧬 In this episode, physician and autism dad Dr. Eric Weiss dives into the science of neuroinflammation, the promise and risks of stem cell therapy, and his personal journey raising an autistic son. 🎧 A must-listen for parents exploring every option.
Follow Dr. Weiss here:
Website: www.northfloridastemcells.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-we...
Tired of worrying that your autistic child doesn’t have a “friend group”? What if we’ve been measuring friendship all wrong? In this episode, we unpack why fewer friends isn’t always a red flag—and how autistic people often crave connection in different, meaningful ways that break the neurotypical mold.
Unlock 5 Bonus Grant entries, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Potty training an autistic child can feel impossible—meltdowns, refusals, fear of flushing. Sound familiar? Autism consultant Molly Johnson shares the real reasons it’s so hard—and exactly how to overcome them. From sensory struggles to nonverbal communication and regression, get the step-by-step plan that’s helped thousands of families finally ditch the diapers. Tried everything and still stuck? This is the breakthrough you’ve bee...
What if your child isn’t struggling to learn—just learning in the wrong environment? Today, we’re exploring a big question: Should we homeschool our autistic twice-exceptional (2e) children? Between 24% and 38% of homeschooled children have special needs, compared to only 14% in public schools. Many families are turning to homeschooling not just for education, but as a way to help their children thrive. In this episode, we’ll cover...
What happens when a mother’s journey to support her autistic son uncovers her own hidden diagnosis? Sarah Kovit Hanna shares her powerful story of late discovery, raising an AuDHD child, and how one moment changed everything. From corporate boardrooms to grassroots activism, she’s redefining what it means to embrace autism—and sparking a movement in the process.
Website: www.thepositivityspectrum.org
Facebook: www.facebook....
Ever been stuck choosing between listening to your kid's special interest monologue or looping the Disney intro for 3 hours straight? SAME. In this hilarious and painfully relatable episode, we play a game of “Would You Rather: Autism Parent Edition,” tackling the wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic scenarios only we truly understand. Need a break from the serious stuff? This one’s for you.
Support our mission and unlock perks...
Why are so many kids being diagnosed with neurological disorders today? Dr. Robert Melillo, bestselling author of Disconnected Kids, breaks down the science behind the rise in autism, ADHD, and anxiety — and what parents can do to help. Learn practical tips from The Melillo Method and how understanding brain imbalances can transform how we support our children. Sponsored by Dr. Robert Melillo and The Melillo Method.
Website: ww...
Today, we’re talking about something deeply personal: early autism screening and intervention. Our own 13-month-old is currently going through the process, and we want to share what that looks like, how it feels as a parent, and why early support matters—even if you're unsure or still waiting on a diagnosis.
Whether you're just noticing signs or you’ve already started the referral process, this episode will walk you through:
...
What if your child’s passion for art, media, or tech could become a real career? In this episode, we sit down with Diane Strand—founder of a groundbreaking program helping autistic youth and adults land real jobs in the creative industry.
We’re talking jobs that light them up, work environments that get them, and a future full of possibility. We answer:
🔥 How she’s breaking barriers in employment 🎥 Why autistic strengths th...
As the school year winds down, many of us are left wondering: What now? In this episode, I walk you through how to check in on your child’s IEP before summer break hits. Whether you’re gearing up for Extended School Year (ESY) services, planning summer support, or just trying to make sure your child doesn’t lose progress, this is your step-by-step guide to wrapping up the year with intention — and setting up for a smoother transiti...
What if the key to understanding autism isn’t in behavior… but in the brain itself? In this enlightening conversation, Dr. David Amaral of the UC Davis MIND Institute reveals the one topic that could change everything: brain donation. It’s sensitive. It’s rarely discussed. But it could unlock answers we’ve been searching for. Discover what brain donation actually looks like, how it honors the autistic community, and why this conver...
We’re answering your real-life parenting questions—from potty struggles to public stares—and announcing April’s Embracing Autism Grant winner, chosen from our Patreon members. Plus, important updates about how the grant and newsletter is changing starting in June 2025.
Support our mission and unlock 5 bonus entries today, Become A Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Is your child really speaking through someone else—or are you being misled? Today, we tackle the hot-button issue of facilitated communication (FC) and the explosion of pseudoscience in the autism world, especially after the viral success of The Telepathy Tapes podcast. Joining us is Dr. Katharine Beals—autism expert, linguist, and mother to an autistic child—who helps us cut through the noise. Learn what FC really is, why it's so ...
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