Raising Three Neurodivergent Boys & The Scare That Changed Everything

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, I sit down with my friend Andrea, a proud boy mom of three neurodivergent children, for an honest, deeply human conversation about parenting, advocacy, and the moments that change everything.

Andrea opens up about the joy and challenges of raising boys with unique needs and strengths, the ongoing frustration of navigating school systems that expect neurotypical milestones, and the importance of celebrating neurodivergence as a gift rather than a problem.

But the heart of this episode is the terrifying night her teenage son faced a sudden medical emergency: testicular torsion. With courage and vulnerability, Andrea shares how quickly everything unfolded, what she wishes she had known sooner, and why her son insisted she tell this story publicly, so no other family is left unprepared.

We dive into:

• Raising three neurodivergent boys with love, humor, and resilience

• How to advocate for your child in a system that resists change

• The medical emergency every parent of boys should know about

• Transforming mom guilt into advocacy and empowerment

• Finding grace and self-kindness in the messiness of motherhood

Whether you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, navigating the medical system, or simply looking for an authentic motherhood conversation, this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and empowered.

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• Instagram: @glowinganswers

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Hosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.

Work with me + Resources: ⁠➤ Sleep training & parenting support⁠

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• Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠

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