Manage Anxiety Effectively: 5 Considerations for Moms When Having Conversations About Autism

Welcome back to another episode of the Thriving Moms of Autistics Podcast. 

When my son was two we were referred to an ENT (ears nose and throat specialist) because my son wasn’t talking. There was a concern he might need tubes in his ears or have an issue with his hearing. 

We were proactive and made an appointment right away. The thought that he might need surgery was overwhelming. He was so little. We were 15 minutes into the consultation when the doctor said that tubes might help but he believed our son was autistic. 

As someone who had been practicing myself for years, I knew to stay in my own lane and not practice outside of my own scope of practice. I recall what that felt like. I couldn’t catch my breath. The tears started flowing before I could get my words out. 

He went on to say that his own son was autistic and he saw the similarities. He encouraged us to seek an evaluation. He reminded us that early intervention was essential.

In this episode, we explore that burning question of when should I tell my child about autism as we recall what it was like for ourselves to hear that for the first time. 

Find the full transcript for this episode on your favorite podcast app. 

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Wrapping “Autism” Around Your Head as a Mom

As many of you know, I did not get married until my 40’s and was told I would never have children. 

I will never forget getting ready for lunch one day. I was still practicing in an office when something came over me. I was pregnant. I recall thinking, where did that come from. I thought about it for a minute, went out to grab a test to put this to rest once and for all, and sure enough it was positive. 

My knees weekend and I literally said, “Thank you God.” I could not believe this was happening. I promised God in that moment that I would raise this child to know Him and that he or she would spread light onto the world. 

I remember being in the hospital as my son was about to make his way into the world. I wondered what he would look like, what his personality would be like, all the things. I think all moms do this.

Fast forward a few years later in the ENT’s office, just trying to wrap my head around it all. 

Those who know me well, know that I am a woman of faith. I knew what God laid on my heart so many years to be true, but I was perplexed at what that might look like now that things would be different. 

The truth is that we never really know what lies in our future. We waited a few more years before my son would talk. One thing remained true. God laid it on my heart the day I learned of my pregnancy that my son would be a change maker or someone who helped others see the world differently and boy that was so true. 

You see, it was his differences that helped others see the purity and goodness in this world, including myself. 

“Autism” Can Be a Scary Word for Moms. Wouldn't It Be Scary for Kids to Hear the First Time Too?

There are so many things about autism that the general public does not understand, even in 2025. We can change that together! 

When my son turned 8, we told him he was autistic. I will never forget it. I found a couple of great books that explain autism to children. 

I happen to be neurodivergent as well. I am a female, and females tend to be maskers. I mask well! Most don’t recognize my symptoms. I am a trained psychologist, so I have been trained to attend to others and make eye contact.