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Parenting Severe Autism

Parenting Severe Autism

By: Shannon Chamberlin
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Parenting Severe Autism is a raw, unfiltered podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with Severe Autism. Hosted by Shannon Chamberlin - a parent, not a professional - this show is your emotional lifeline, real-talk resource, and reminder that you're not alone.


From early childhood to adulthood and beyond, Shannon shares honest stories, painful truths, small victories, and survival strategies for the families the world forgets.


Whether you're in crisis mode or just need someone who gets it, this is your space.

No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just truth, hope, and community.


Severe Autism and special needs considerations. This type of autism parenting is lifelong... it becomes adult autism parenting.


Seek caregiver support when possible.



© 2025 Parenting Severe Autism Biographies & Memoirs Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP. 64 When Teachers Don't Listen: A Parent's Struggle for Understanding Severe Autism

    EP. 64 When Teachers Don't Listen: A Parent's Struggle for Understanding Severe Autism
    Aug 6 2025

    Send us a text

    Shannon continues sharing emails between herself and her son Jacob's teachers in Wisconsin, revealing the challenges of advocating for a child with severe autism in the school system.

    • Ongoing battles with teachers about using food as a motivator despite Shannon's opposition due to potential eating disorders and specific dietary restrictions
    • Frustration with teachers repeatedly asking for guidance already provided in Shannon's comprehensive instruction letter
    • Teachers demonstrating defensiveness when Shannon suggests someone might be "unwittingly" triggering Jacob's behaviors
    • Failed experiment with CBD oil
    • Safety concerns with school van driver
    • Hilarious and endearing story about Jacob shaving
    • Recent breakthrough moment
    • Importance of scheduling IEPs as often as needed and bringing advocates to meetings

    Please share this podcast with anyone who might benefit, email your experiences to contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com, or support the show through the "buy me a coffee" link to help keep this resource free for those who need it.


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    Organic Herbal Liquid Tinctures For You!
    Mountain Rose Herbs supplies carefully formulated tinctures that fit in with our busy lifestyle.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com

    Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/

    Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Your Child Is Not a Zoo Animal: Fighting for Dignity in Special Education

    Your Child Is Not a Zoo Animal: Fighting for Dignity in Special Education
    Jul 23 2025

    Send us a text

    I share our experience with the public school system when Jacob returned after a previous traumatic incident, revealing the challenges, frustrations, and occasional victories during this difficult period.

    • The school promised an "adulting program" for independent living skills but Jacob never got to participate
    • Jacob needed three-to-one support instead of one-to-one, which the school couldn't provide
    • We struggled with getting consistent communication about Jacob's daily activities and behaviors
    • School staff disregarded Jacob's dietary restrictions
    • Jacob's therapists worked on skills at home that the school claimed he couldn't perform
    • The special education director's accusations
    • We eventually had to move and shut down our business because Jacob required more support than we could balance with work
    • Regular public schools often lack the capacity to properly support children with severe autism

    If you find these episodes helpful, please consider sharing this podcast and supporting it by clicking the "buy me a coffee" link to help keep it free for those who need it. You can reach me at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com.


    AngelSense Device
    AngelSense GPS Monitoring Device Tracker For Kids, Teens, Elderly

    View My Summer Supplies Shopping Cart!
    iHerb supplies some of the safest summer products for sunscreen, bug screen, and stress management!

    Therapressure Brush 6 Pack Latex Free
    Special Supplies Sensory Brush for Occupational and Sensory Brushing 6 Pack Latex Free StimulateCalm

    Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support
    NOW Foods - Magnesium Citrate Nervous System Support 400 mg. - 240 Vegetable Capsule(s) NOW Foods Ma

    Organic Herbal Liquid Tinctures For You!
    Mountain Rose Herbs supplies carefully formulated tinctures that fit in with our busy lifestyle.

    Perfect Rhodiola Discounts for You
    These are some of my favorite products - Organic with no fillers, no flow agents, and no synthetics.

    Select a Size TV Screen Impact Protector
    Heavy Duty. Extensively tested; will deflect any thrown remote control or a toy.

    Organic Matcha Tea
    I enjoy the calming and strengthening benefits of this tea.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com

    Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/

    Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • When Schools Fail: Navigating Autism Education and Therapy

    When Schools Fail: Navigating Autism Education and Therapy
    Jul 9 2025

    Send us a text

    Shannon shares the experience of returning her son to school after he was abused, revealing the challenges of finding appropriate accommodations and fighting the system at every turn.

    • School couldn't handle her son's needs, requiring a reduced schedule to prevent overwhelm
    • Battle over using a communication notebook that had always worked as a behavior management tool
    • School failed to provide mandated therapy services due to transitions being too difficult
    • Discovery of intensive therapy through Innovative Counseling that provided 40+ hours of effective support
    • Advocating for IEP rights and finding alternative solutions when schools fail to meet obligations
    • Recognizing that behaviors are communication and require understanding rather than judgment
    • Setting age-appropriate expectations even with developmental disabilities
    • Working toward creating Safer Lifestyles Respite Communities based on these experiences

    Please follow us on social media and help spread awareness about our GoFundMe for Safer Lifestyles Respite Communities. You can find the link in my bio on all platforms or email me at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com with your stories and input.


    Support the show

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com

    Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/

    Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
I’ve never felt so seen! Hearing your stories gave me the reassurance I needed, and that I’m not losing my mind for feeling and thinking the way I do! God bless you and your family!

THANK YOU!!!

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I am so grateful to have found this podcast. Finally a podcast that actually talks about the reality of severe autism. I must admit, that while I don’t begrudge the parents of children with mild autism their space to vent, or share, it always leaves me feeling hopeless, alone and angry when they talk about things that seem so trivial by comparison to what my family faces. Thank you for this.

Finally! A podcast for parents like me

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