In this inspiring episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion, profound autism mom of two nonspeaking autistic children and advocate, sits down with director Nicola Rose of Magnetosphere to discuss her groundbreaking film exploring neurodiversity and the lived experiences of children with synesthesia which is a fascinating neurological condition where the brain links two or more senses that are usually separate. Through the story of a 13-year-old girl, the film offers a fresh and authentic lens on autism, adolescence, and representation in media.

Sarah and Nicola dive deep into the heart of autism parenting, reflecting on the joys and challenges mothers face while raising neurodiverse children. They highlight the importance of witnessing and honoring each child’s unique perspective, recognizing that all behavior is communication, and celebrating humor as a powerful tool for storytelling and connection.

For autism moms, this conversation is both validating and uplifting...a reminder that raising a neurodiverse child is not only about challenges but also about deep transformation, empathy, and unconditional love.

Key Takeaways

• The film explores neurodiversity and synesthesia through the perspective of a teen girl.
• Personal experiences with autism and neurodiverse identities inspire creative projects.
• Autism parenting means learning to witness children’s unique perspectives.
• Adolescence is a transformative stage for both parents and children.
• Autism moms face unique challenges that foster resilience and advocacy.
• Representation in media is essential for building empathy and understanding.
• Humor brings lightness to serious conversations.
• Every behavior communicates something meaningful.

• (00:00:00) - Interviewing Nicola Rose of Magnetosphere
• (00:05:47) - A Dog Plays With Her House Rocks
• (00:06:12) - The Importance of Magnetosphere
• (00:12:20) - Autism and the Caregiving Process
• (00:15:40) - The film's theme of synesthesia
• (00:21:31) - Neurotypian on 'The Good Girl'
• (00:25:08) - "The Dark Knight" Review

Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual—but if it did, autism parenting would be filed under “plot twist.”
In this candid episode of the Inchstones podcast, host Sarah Kernion welcomes Marie Watkinson, a successful NYC entrepreneur and owner of Spa Chicks on the Go and devoted autism mom, for a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to raise a profoundly autistic child in a world that wasn’t built with him in mind.

From the gut instinct that something was different, to the rollercoaster of diagnosis, advocacy, and redefined expectations, Marie’s story captures the emotional landscape of parenting through the lens of neurodiversity. Together, she and Sarah explore how inchstones—not milestones—become the markers of growth, strength, and survival for autism families.

This conversation is equal parts real talk, hard truth, and soft place to land—for any parent navigating the beautifully chaotic world of autism.

Top Takeaways:

• Inchstones are the new milestones for autism parents.
• Mother’s intuition matters—more than any textbook.
• You will grieve, grow, and get stronger.
• Support systems make survival possible.
• Social media can connect isolated autism caregivers.
• Special needs parenting forces a rewrite of motherhood’s script.
• There’s no perfect outcome—just powerful love and persistence.

About the Guest:
Marie Watkinson is the founder of Spa Chicks On The Go, a luxury mobile spa business based in NYC. She’s also the proud mom of Ryan, her 16-year-old son with profound autism. Marie and her husband Chris live in Port Jefferson, NY, where they fiercely advocate for inclusive education, dignity, and a future where every neurodiverse child has a place to thrive.

• (00:00:01) - Marie Watkinson on Special Needs Parenting
• (00:01:07) - Ryan's Mother's Journey as a Mother
• (00:05:39) - One mother's experience with autism
• (00:10:04) - No guidebook for special needs parents
• (00:12:46) - One Mother's Experience with Special Ed School
• (00:18:25) - On the Loss of Autism
• (00:22:51) - Sarah on her autism diagnosis
• (00:26:45) - One mother's story of her autistic son
• (00:31:15) - One parent's struggle with her son's autism
• (00:36:19) - How a Parent's Issues Affect His Business
• (00:41:46) - Marie O'Brien on Parenting With a Big Man

Parenting autistic kids isn’t a straight line—it’s a zigzag through school meetings, medication trials, sleepless nights, and unexpected joy. In this episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion joins Gena Mann for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it truly feels like to raise neurodivergent kids in a world built around milestones.

They cover everything from early intervention to IEPs, puberty panic to post-high school plans—with brutal honesty, well-earned wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.

This isn’t just about autism. It’s about parenting in the unknown—and learning to celebrate the inchstones that quietly change everything.

Key Takeaways for Parents of Autistic Children:

• Early intervention helps—but the journey doesn't end with a diagnosis.
  Adulthood transitions in autism parenting can be emotional and unpredictable.
  Anticipatory anxiety is common—especially when imagining the future.
  Curiosity about your child's needs often leads to deeper connection.
  Community support is not optional—it's essential.
  Celebrating inchstones can sustain parents through burnout and uncertainty.
  Communication breakthroughs—verbal or nonverbal—are major emotional wins.
  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting in the world of neurodiversity.
  You deserve to feel peace and joy, even in the hard seasons.
  Autism parenting is a marathon—find joy in the pace that fits your child.

• (00:00:00) - Back to the Inch Stones With Jenna Mann
• (00:00:54) - Autism Mom's Reflections on the Years After Diagnosis
• (00:07:47) - Stay Curious: The Process of Autism School Choices
• (00:15:19) - Jenna on Emotionally Processing Her Son's Transition
• (00:19:39) - Mac and Millie's First Period
• (00:22:45) - How To Get Out Of the House
• (00:27:41) - In the Elevation: Victorious Wins for Your Family