You’ve heard the phrase “make the most of summer.” But for autism moms, this often translates into do more work with less support and zero downtime.In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey of how I used to treat summer like a catch-up bootcamp for my son—drills, flashcards, workbooks, and more. I explain how this approach, fueled by fear of regression and pressure to “keep up,” ended in stress, dysregulation, and disappointment for both of us.You’ll hear:The hidden anxiety behind “making the most” of summerHow fear of regression can sabotage your best intentionsWhat to do instead: setting small, achievable goalsTips for engaging your child without turning your home into a summer schoolWhy your energy matters more than any worksheetIf you’re bracing yourself for the summer months, this episode will help you rethink your expectations and shift into a mindset that supports both your child’s growth and your well-being.Resources:Schedule a consultation: https://theautismmomcoach.com
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Parenting Teens and Young Adults with Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad
In this week’s pre-Father’s Day episode, I am bringing you my conversation with Rob Gorski, otherwise known as The Autism Dad.Rob discusses his experience of navigating solo parenting three boys on the Autism spectrum.In this episode, you will learn:The biggest problems that dads of children with Autism face.Rob’s philosophy of doing your best and knowing that’s always enough.Some of the challenges posed by our kids with Autism transitioning into adulthood.And so much more. Tune in now & soak up Rob’s pearls of wisdom.
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Summer Plans for an Autistic Child -- When it's Time to Pivot
In this episode, we dive into the realities of creating summer plans for an autistic child. I share a personal story about navigating summer camp schedules, extended school year (ESY) services, and the curveballs that come with being an autism mom. This story reminds us that autism parenting requires constant adjustment. And that even when things go sideways, we always find a way to make it work..Summer Plans for an Autistic Child --What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to prepare for the unpredictable summer shift as an autism family.✅ Why it’s essential to build flexibility into summer plans for an autistic child.✅ How coaching can help you manage stress, pivot, and support your child effectively.Key Takeaways:Creating summer plans for an autistic child can be an overwhelming time for autism parents, with ESY schedules, camps, and co-parenting logistics creating complex routines.No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues (like sudden childcare changes or unexpected home visits) can derail your plans.Flexibility and resilience are essential tools for autism parents to navigate summer challenges with confidence.Tune in now!P.S. Feeling overwhelmed?Download my free Meltdown Action Plan (MAP).P.P.S. Want to learn more about my coaching program?Book a consultation call to explore how we can work together to support your child and your family.
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Ep. 169: Who is an Autism Expert?
In Episode 169 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and autism mom—explores the concept of expertise in autism parenting and why you are the expert on your child. Using the example of the Karen Read retrial, Lisa explains that expertise isn’t just about degrees and certifications. It’s about lived experience and practical knowledge.This powerful concept applies directly to autism parenting. Parents of autistic children accumulate valuable, practical knowledge through years of firsthand care. These parents are uniquely positioned to understand their child’s needs, behaviors, and challenges.Key Takeaways:What the Karen Read retrial reveals about the meaning of expertise.The difference between credentials and real-world experience.Why you are the expert on your autistic child.How to trust your instincts and build confidence in parenting.Whether you’re navigating IEPs, therapy options, medical decisions, or everyday challenges, this episode will help you trust your own expertise.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to The Autism Mom Coach00:41 – A True Crime Obsession01:50 – The Battle of the Experts03:22 – Credentials vs. Experience -- You've Done Your 10,000 hours04:53 – You Are the Expert on Your Child06:17 – Trust Yourself as a Parent07:59 – Conclusion and Next StepsListen NowYou can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.👉 Visit The Autism Mom Coach to learn more and connect with Lisa.
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Ep. 168 The Autism Meltdown Action Plan
The Meltdown Action Plan -- Download it Here: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach.com/mapAutism meltdowns are intense, overwhelming, and often misunderstood—not just for the child, but for the parent as well. In Episode 168 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera shares a groundbreaking, trauma-informed tool designed specifically for autism moms who feel frozen, reactive, or helpless during their child’s dysregulation.Introducing the Meltdown Action Plan—a step-by-step, easy-to-follow framework that gives parents the tools and structure they need to stay calm and take purposeful action during meltdowns.Drawing on her personal experience as a solo parent to a teen with autism and her work with hundreds of coaching clients, Lisa explains how to shift from crisis-driven reactions to empowered parenting with her signature MAP Method:Meltdown PrepAction DuringPost-Meltdown RecoveryThis episode is a must-listen for every autism parent who’s ever thought:“I don’t know what to do during a meltdown.” “Why can't my autistic child just calm down?.” “Why is this still happening?”Lisa answers those questions—and more—while offering hope, clarity, and a plan.🎁 Download the Free Meltdown Action PlanLisa’s new resource includes: ✅ The 3 phases of the MAP Method ✅ Fill-in-the-blank worksheets ✅ Real-life examples from autism moms ✅ Guided prompts to help you regulate yourself before, during, and after a meltdown👉 Get it here: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach.com/map 📅 Ready for personal support? Book a free consultation with Lisa here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/⏱️ Timestamps for This Episode:00:00 – Introduction to Episode 168 00:23 – Why Lisa Created the Meltdown Action Plan 01:35 – The Real Problem With Meltdowns (Hint: It’s Not Just the Behavior) 03:27 – What Is the MAP Method? 03:55 – Phase One: Meltdown Preparation 04:28 – Phase Two: Action During a Meltdown 05:07 – Phase Three: Post-Meltdown Recovery 06:01 – What’s Inside the Free Download 06:30 – Final Thoughts and Invitation to Work With Lisa💡 What Parents Will Learn:Why trying to “fix” meltdowns often makes them worseThe difference between reacting vs. respondingWhat meltdowns signal about your child’s nervous systemThe single shift that helped Lisa stop dreading meltdowns and start preparing for themHow Lisa helps clients create personalized meltdown action plans that actually workThis Episode Is For: Autism moms who want a clear, repeatable plan for handling autism meltdowns with more skill and compassion -- for their child and themselves.About Lisa Candera: Lisa Candera is a solo mom to a teen with severe autism and significant aggression. She’s a certified life coach and the creator of The Autism Mom Coach, a coaching program designed to help autism moms regulate their emotions, reduce burnout, and become confident leaders in their homes. With a background in law and over 40 years of lived experience with autism, Lisa brings a unique blend of strategy, science, and soul to every episode.👉 If this episode resonates with you: ✔️ Subscribe ✔️ Share with another autism parent who needs a plan that works
Do you sometimes feel like your life has been hijacked by Autism?
If so, this is the podcast for you. The Autism Mom Coach is a podcast for moms who feel overwhelmed, afraid, and sometimes powerless as they raise their child with Autism. Join your host, Lisa Candera, Certified Life Coach, lawyer, and (more importantly) full-time single mom to a teenage boy with Autism as she shares cognitive-based tools and trauma-informed strategies you can use to feel better now and transform your relationship with Autism and special needs parenting. The truth is, Autism is not in charge of your life, YOU are, and you have more power than you think. Visit theautismmomcoach.com for more information
New Zealand