Mother's Guide Through Autism

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This episode was originally released on Your Trauma Talks and is being shared here with permission so our audience can hear this meaningful conversation. 
In this interview, host Rahul K. Maharaj speaks with Brigitte Shipman and Joseph Shipman about faith, advocacy, acceptance, autism, and neurodiversity from both the mother’s and autistic adult’s perspective. 
The conversation explores grief, hope, stigma, self-compassion, and the power of understanding autism more deeply.
Episode highlights 
Brigitte’s journey through diagnosis, grief, advocacy, and self-compassion 
Joseph’s perspective on growing up autistic and navigating stigma and missed social cues 
Advocacy without losing yourself 
Why being different is powerful 
What every parent needs to understand about neurodiversity
Listen to the original episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359531/episodes/18741535
🔗 Resources & Links

Purchase the book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com
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When a child is emotionally dysregulated, it’s easy for parents to feel unsure, exhausted, or like they’re constantly reacting instead of responding.

In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, host Brigitte Shipman sits down with Sara Lewis Hartley, a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience and the author of the Purposefully Me children’s book series, to explore what emotional regulation really means—and how parents can support it without burning themselves out.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level tips. Sara shares practical, compassionate insights about creating emotional safety at home, why regulation starts with the parent, and how understanding emotions—rather than trying to control them—can change the dynamic between parent and child.

💛 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

- Common misconceptions parents have about “big emotions” and behavior
- How parents can regulate themselves first—without guilt or perfection
- How to create a foundation of trust and safety with your kids
- The inspiration behind the Purposefully Me book series

This episode is especially for parents who feel overwhelmed by emotions—both their child’s and their own—and are looking for a more grounded, compassionate way forward.

🎧 You’ll walk away with perspective, reassurance, and ideas you can start using right away.

🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more about Sara Hartley and get her books:
https://saralewishartley.com/

Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com
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In this compilation episode, we explore how nervous system regulation plays a foundational role in children’s focus, emotional balance, and ability to engage—especially for kids with sensory processing differences and autism.

Drawing from two past conversations on the podcast, this episode highlights how overactive or underactive sensory systems can impact learning, behavior, and daily life. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, these clips offer insight into body-based, nervous-system–informed approaches that support regulation and felt safety.

You’ll hear perspectives on Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), including how these approaches work with the nervous system to reduce anxiety, improve engagement, and support developmental growth. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

- Why nervous system regulation matters for children with sensory processing differences
- How CST and SSP support regulation and felt safety in different ways
- Practical insights and real-world examples from clinicians working with children

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Sensory Systems in Children
02:02 The Role of Craniosacral Therapy
07:17 Real-Life Success Stories
08:34 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory
09:50 Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
11:54 Transformative Impact of SSP
Original Episodes:

This Gentle Therapy Will Leave Your Kids Calm & Relaxed with Dr. Sally Fryer Dietz: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/podcast/episode-142

Soothe Your Child’s Nervous System with Safe and Sound Protocol with Kelly Beins: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/podcast/episode-139

🔗 Resources & Links

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com
Support the show

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In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte welcomes back Carrie Cariello—mother, writer, and one of the co-authors of the bestselling book Autism Out Loud, written alongside Kate Swenson and Adrian Wood.

Together, these three mothers share their lived experiences of raising children with very different autism profiles. In this conversation, Carrie opens up about the emotional journey behind the book, the power of writing alongside other autism moms, and the realities of parenting across different seasons—from childhood to adulthood.

This episode explores both the practical and deeply human sides of the autism journey, including long-term planning, marriage, siblings, and the everyday moments that often go unseen but matter most.

💛 In this episode, Carrie shares:

- The emotional experience of writing alongside two other autism moms
- The importance of disability planning and thinking about the future
- Why celebrating everyday miracles matters more than milestones
- Ways to thoughtfully involve siblings in the autism journey

With honesty, warmth, and clarity, Carrie reminds parents that while this journey can be heavy, it is also filled with connection, love, and moments of unexpected beauty.

🎧 If you’re an autism parent who’s ever wondered what comes next—or how to stay grounded in the now—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:53 Introducing Carrie Cariello
04:06 Carrie's Family and Writing Journey
05:53 Autism Out Loud: The Collaborative Book
07:05 Navigating Adulthood with Autism
17:15 Marriage and Family Dynamics
22:52 The Importance of Community and Comparison
29:28 Encouragement for New Autism Parents
33:05 Closing Remarks and Resources
🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more about Carrie Cariello and get her books:
https://carriecariello.com/

Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com
Support the show

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In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte Shipman sits down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, Yale-trained scientist and founder of Navigating AWEtism, to bring clarity, hope, and grounded science to the conversation.

Dr. Lyons explains what new research is revealing about the evolving definition of autism, how some children lose their autism diagnosis over time, and how parents can navigate the flood of information without confusion or fear.

Together, Brigitte and Dr. Lyons talk about:

✨ How autism science is changing so rapidly
✨ The importance of parents staying informed with accurate and current scientific information
✨ The emotional side of parenting—grief, hope, confusion, intuition
✨ Practical steps families can take to prioritize what truly matters for their child

If you’ve ever felt lost in the noise of autism information, this episode will bring relief, clarity, and direction.

You are not alone—there is a path forward.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
02:03 Guest Introduction
03:47 Dr. Teresa Lyons' Personal Journey
07:15 Understanding Autism and Its Evolving Definition
09:39 Navigating the Overwhelm of Autism Information
16:01 The Navigating Autism Matrix
21:07 Common Mistakes and First Steps for Parents
24:14 Balancing Life and Autism
24:26 Communicating Needs and Reducing Stress
25:08 Emotional Journey of Parenting
28:44 Understanding and Addressing Myths
33:17 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care
39:03 Finding Joy and Connection
41:56 Resources and Final Thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links

📘 Learn more about Dr. Lyons and the Navigating AWEtism Matrix:
https://awetism.net/

Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat

Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book

Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com

Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com
Support the show