Parenting Severe Autism

Parenting Severe Autism

A first-hand account of parenting severe autism, this podcast is hosted by a parent, NOT a medical professional. This podcast aims to give superhero parents of special-needs kids with severe autism a community, an outlet - a voice. Your host, Shannon Chamberlin, wants to help you cope with the unbelievable pressure that comes with this job. Shannon will be talking about all things severe autism, raising these kids from early childhood into adulthood and beyond.

Episodes

February 5, 2025 42 mins

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Our latest podcast episode takes a raw look at the joys and challenges of parenting a child with severe autism, examining the delicate balance of striving for independence while facing recurrent setbacks. We delve into personal stories that highlight toileting challenges, dietary decisions, and the impact of family dynamics as we navigate the complexities of autism parenting.

• The emotional toll of societal ...

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Heads Up! This one gets a little emotional!

What if you could transform your understanding of autism and turn challenging moments into opportunities of growth? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, as I share our family's journey navigating early puberty with our son, who has severe autism. From managing the long transition periods between activities that disrupt his school therapies to ingeniously fostering his...

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This episode recounts our personal experience navigating Jacob's autism evaluation at 16 years old, detailing the process, insights, and outcomes that emerged from it. We explore key findings, discuss challenges within family dynamics, and share humorous anecdotes that highlight the unique aspects of parenting in the context of severe autism. 

• Discussion of the journey to find an appropriate evaluation...

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The episode highlights the complexities of parenting a child with severe autism, touching on legislation like the Autism Cares Act, personal experiences, and behavioral challenges faced at home. We share humorous anecdotes alongside heartrending truths about navigating daily life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion in our journey.

• Discussion about the Autism Cares Act and its implica...

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Our latest episode explores the transformative journey of non-schooling for kids with severe autism, emphasizing the value of nature, creativity, and family engagement in a child's learning experience. We reflect on the challenges posed by traditional education methods and share insights on how we've adapted our parenting approach to better support Jacob's unique needs and interests. 

• Explori...

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Exploring the complexities of autism and family dynamics, this episode delves into vaccine concerns, genetic traits, communication challenges, and the necessity of parental advocacy. Listeners gain insight into the ongoing journey of understanding and supporting their children with autism. 
• Discussion on the potential link between vaccines and autism 
• Recognition of family traits and hereditary behaviors <...

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This episode features a heartfelt conversation with my spouse Jason as he describes being a single father of a child newly diagnosed with autism, sharing insights about the journey through diagnosis, therapy, and the advocacy needed within education. The emotional rollercoaster of birthday reflections and the importance of understanding energy dynamics in their relationship forms a compelling narrative.

• Jas...

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Imagine navigating a world where words are scarce, but choices abound. Join me on a profound journey with my son Jacob, who has severe autism, as I unravel the intricacies of parenting beyond the conventional. Discover how we respect Jacob's autonomy through simple yet powerful acts like letting him choose whether to attend school, and explore the enchanting world of outdoor adventures that help him connect with ...

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Misunderstandings with family, self-harming incidents, and heartbreaking decisions mark the emotional terrain of parenting a child with severe autism. Picture a moment where miscommunication with my son’s grandmother unravels, highlighting the delicate dance of maintaining family ties amidst the unique challenges of special needs parenting. I share a poignant story of a self-harming episode that led to the wrenching c...

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Navigating the world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both a heartwarming and harrowing journey. Join us as we recount the triumphs and trials of teaching our son, Jacob, to communicate and expand his vocabulary. While there are moments of joy, we also confront the struggles that come with Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and the frustration when communication with educators falls short. D...

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Is the holiday season a joyful experience for families navigating severe autism? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, in this heartfelt episode of the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast as I share our journey through seasonal traditions with our son. Through these stories, I look at how we’ve managed to create a harmonious environment that supports Jacob's development and our family’s unity.

Caring for a child with...

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Navigating the intricate world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I've experienced firsthand the profound impact external factors like supermoons can have on his behavior, and the importance of understanding these triggers. Through personal anecdotes, I unveil the struggle of handling well-meaning yet sometimes insensitive comments from family, and how I&ap...

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After years of navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with severe autism, I've amassed a treasure trove of stories and insights that I’m excited to share with you. This episode takes you on a deeply personal journey through my life as Jacob’s mom, highlighting the power of community and family in shaping his world. You'll hear about the creative ways we've fostered understanding and accepta...

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November 6, 2024 33 mins

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Imagine finding a hidden gem—a 50-acre sanctuary that promises tranquility and safety for a child with severe autism. That's exactly the unexpected joy we stumbled upon as we embarked on a journey to create a sensory-friendly haven for my son, Jacob. From thrilling riding trails to a peaceful pier by the river, this new chapter is not just about a change in scenery, but a much-needed shift towards hope and comfor...

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Ever wondered how a simple water balloon fight could turn into an unforgettable lesson on resilience and understanding? Join me in this heartwarming episode of the Parenting Severe Autism podcast where I share some of our family's most cherished memories, like Jacob's adventurous spirit during our quirky door-knocking sales days, his creative costume designs, and the pride we all felt when he caught his firs...

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What happens when a phone conversation turns into an emotional storm? Join us as we navigate the unpredictable waters of raising a child with severe autism, sharing stories of heartache and hope, laughter and lessons. You'll hear about the time our son overheard a phone call that led to an explosive meltdown, revealing the depths of his feelings of exclusion. We also unravel the curious case where a sudden scare ...

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After an unplanned hiatus, I'm back with the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast to share insights and gratitude with you all. I've got exciting news to kick things off: our podcast has caught the attention of some key players who could really make a difference for families like ours. But life's never straightforward, is it? I also dive into a rather unexpected proposal from a podcast platform manager that ...

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As the sun sets on another April, we welcome a time of acceptance that extends far beyond a single month. Imagine shifting this conversation to the heart of summer, when the world is in full bloom, or perhaps as we turn the page to a new school year—moments ripe for the seeds of awareness to take root. Today, I'm going to share a lunar eclipse story, one that unveils the unexpected beauty and chaos of parenting a...

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Every year as I prepare for the daunting task of legal guardianship reporting, I'm reminded of the unique and enduring challenges that come with raising my son, Jacob, who lives with severe autism. This episode peels back the layers of our daily life, from bureaucratic headaches like insurance verifications and PUNS list updates to the heartache of realizing the unchanging nature of Jacob's condition. I offe...

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Welcome, friends, to another episode where we unmask severe autism, one layer at a time. What do you do when your child develops a new tick - like trying to talk with his mouth closed? Well, that's the recent challenge we've been facing with our son. Aside from the obvious communication difficulties this poses, it's also just one of many OCD tendencies he exhibits - tendencies that the medical field oft...

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