In this episode, Matt sits down with Ashley, a parent and advocate whose life has been deeply shaped by autism - from growing up with her aunt Sarah Jane, to parenting her recently diagnosed son.
Ashley opens up about her early experiences living with a family member with autism, how her mother’s compassion taught her patience and advocacy, and how those lessons came full circle as she navigated her own son’s diagnosis. The conversation dives into the emotional journey of parenting a neurodivergent child - from recognizing early signs and advocating through the healthcare system, to balancing school struggles, meltdowns, and the power of understanding over judgment.
Ashley also shares her own experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, offering an honest look at how neurodiversity runs through generations and shapes the way she connects with her kids. Now parenting in a blended family with her partner, whose daughter is also autistic, Ashley reflects on the beauty and chaos of raising four children in a household that celebrates differences while learning every day what support truly means.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services
CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery
NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday
FOLLOW US: Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube
CHAPTERS
02:37 Personal Experiences with Autism
05:48 Understanding Autism Diagnoses
08:34 The Impact of Diagnosis on Family Dynamics
11:54 Parenting Neurodiverse Children
14:35 Emotional Challenges and Growth
17:46 The Journey to Diagnosis
20:22 Reflections on Parenting and Self-Discovery
28:42 Navigating School Transitions for Children with Autism
32:45 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact
38:44 Coping Mechanisms for ADHD and Dyslexia
48:20 Building Community and Understanding in Autism
54:59 The Spectrum of Autism: Embracing Individual Differences
