Why does your autistic child take things so literally? Why do they sometimes focus on details that seem completely unrelated to the situation? And why can conversations with them sometimes feel like you’re both talking about two totally different things?

In this episode, Shannon Urquiola breaks down what she calls “The Invisible Communication Gap” — the difference between how many autistic brains process information and how the rest of the world communicates.

While neurotypical brains often infer hidden meaning, tone, and intention, many autistic individuals process communication more factually and literally. This difference can lead to misunderstandings in everyday moments like conversations, watching movies, following classroom lessons, or even watching sports on TV.

Shannon shares relatable real-life stories from raising her son Jordan, including:

• why he asks questions about the sports ticker during games
• why many autistic individuals prefer captions
• why kids often rewind the same scene repeatedly
• why small details can pull attention away from the bigger story

You’ll also learn practical ways to bridge this communication gap by adjusting how we explain things, clarifying expectations, and helping our children balance details and meaning.

If you’ve ever wondered why your child takes things so literally, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening inside their brain — and how you can support them more effectively.

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out other ways we can support you at https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

212.When Progress Pauses; Regression 101

ABA therapy is one of the most talked about — and often misunderstood — therapies in the autism world. Some families swear by it. Others strongly oppose it. And many parents are left wondering what to believe and whether it’s something they should consider for their child.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola breaks down what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) actually is, how it has evolved over time, and the types of behaviors it’s commonly used to address at different ages — from early childhood through the teen years and into adulthood.

Shannon also shares personal insight from raising her son Jordan, why her family focused on occupational therapy instead of ABA, and how different therapies can overlap in the skills they support.

You’ll also learn:

• What ABA therapy actually focuses on
• How ABA today differs from earlier approaches
• The kinds of behaviors ABA may help address at different ages
• What parents should look for in a quality provider
• Georgia-specific information about insurance coverage for ABA therapy
• Why the right therapy path looks different for every child

If you’ve ever wondered whether ABA therapy might help your child — or if you’ve heard conflicting opinions and don’t know what to think — this episode will give you the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership.

Find all the ways we can help you navigate this parenting journey none of us planned at ⁠⁠
https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

Disconnect to Reconnect: The Impact of Screen Addiction

Uncharted Territory in Special Education

“Just make him go.”
“They’ll eat when they’re hungry.”
“He’ll catch up.”

If you’re raising a child on the autism spectrum, chances are you’ve heard some version of these “helpful” suggestions more times than you can count.

And while most people mean well, advice like this can leave you feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and sometimes even questioning your own parenting decisions.

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about the kind of advice autism parents hear all the time — and more importantly, how to navigate those moments without letting doubt creep in.

Shannon shares relatable examples, personal stories from raising her son Jordan, and practical strategies to help you handle comments from family, friends, and others who may not fully understand what your child — and you — are actually navigating.

You’ll learn:

• Why “helpful” advice can sometimes hurt more than it helps

• Why these comments trigger doubt for so many autism parents

• How to respond without over-explaining or starting conflict

• Simple ways to protect your confidence as a parent

• How to navigate advice from people who mean well but don’t truly understand

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you had to defend your child, your parenting, or your decisions, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone — and that trusting what you’re learning about your child matters more than anyone else’s quick opinion.

Because parenting a child on the spectrum is complex, and one-size-fits-all advice rarely applies.

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out the other ways we can help you.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join the MOVEMENT on FB⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenotyouraverageautismmommovement⁠

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠⁠⁠Episode 146. The Myth of “One Day”; Spectrum of Strengths⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Episode 149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone⁠