Shows
Parenting Severe AutismEP.78 When Calm Snaps Into ChaosSend a textWe share a brutal garage meltdown from our Summer of Hell and the ripple effects that followed, then end with small, human moments that reminded us why we keep going. Fear, responsibility, and survival sit beside laughter, food, and connection.• moving from gratitude into a hard story• morning spiral and the sprint to the garage• real physical danger• being attacked and a late rescue• fear aftershock and weighing self‑defense options• dinner plans that calm anxiety• playful nudges done gently for once• Thai‑style stretches, safe roughhousing, a...
2026-02-2525 minParenting Severe AutismEP. 77: Our Son, The Welcome Mat, And The Pants Problem Severe AutismSend a textWe open our hearts about caregiver fatigue, broken trust, and the sharp edges of life with severe autism while weighing practical options like group homes and community respite. Along the way we face language boundaries, public behaviors, new obsessions, and small moments of joy that keep us going.• caregiver stress after years without respite• loss of trust with family after neglect• emotional needs of severe autism, not stereotypes• dependence vs dignity and pacing independence• marriage strain and the ethics of group homes• community-based respite and pooled solutions• summer...
2026-02-1131 minParenting Severe AutismEP 76: Private Needs, Public Stress, And The Cost Of Sleepless CaregivingSend a textSleepless nights, decoding a taboo topic with compassion and clarity...Safety, dignity, and small wins guide the way while we keep reaching for calmer mornings and better tools.• naming severe autism risks and caregiver isolation• addressing startle responses• coping with sleep deprivation and night chaos• removing obsessional objects that spike aggression• setting consequences for self-injury on pizza day• discussing self-pleasure without shame while teaching hygienePlease contact us at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com. If you can share this episode with anyone in your life, please...
2026-01-2833 minParenting Severe AutismEP 75: Morning Reset, Calmer Days, Regulating A Dysregulated HomeSend a textWe share how escalating anxiety pushed our family to the edge, and how a simple morning reset brought peace back. Clear boundaries, a 20-minute quiet window, shifting behavior and energy fast. Also another item on the daily menu during the Summer of Hell.• closet destruction, failed fixes, safety locks• meds context• behavior as communication• mapping triggers• the non-negotiable• visible changes in anxiety, cannabis dose, and attention loops• family roles, energy, and being the calm leader• practical steps to observe antecedents and set boundariesPlease remember...
2026-01-1433 minParenting Severe AutismEP.74: What Soundtrack Does Your Severe Autism Child Live To?Send a textWe pause the summer saga to share what’s been blocking us: relentless environmental triggers, family drop‑ins, and a birthday derailed by overstimulation. We draw a hard line on media, lock doors during the 20‑minute adjustment window, and lean on body‑based tools to bring the baseline down.• why the home soundtrack drives meltdowns• a betrayal trigger and weeks of fallout• birthday routines, arcade overload, and damage control• the 20‑minute medication window • boundaries with relatives • kitchen dynamics and how roles change behavior• small wins in speech and humor that keep...
2025-12-3125 minParenting Severe AutismEP 73: From Chaos To Connection: Parenting Severe Autism Without Sleep, Space, Or SupportSend a textWe trace a season of sleepless nights, stomping floors, and bathroom chaos into two quiet breakthroughs: independent handwashing and a shared Soup Dance that reveals connection inside repetition. A harsh LED light becomes a surprising trigger, and a softer presence opens space for growth.• recognizing environmental triggers like harsh LED lighting• coping with insomnia, nighttime roaming, and sensory seeking• testing the idea that less praise can reduce pressure• finding communication inside repetitive questions• celebrating independent hygiene and song completion• using calm spaces to invite regulation and connection• redefi...
2025-12-1036 minParenting Severe AutismEP 72: Bathroom Battles And A Glimmer Of HopeSend a textWe share a hard summer of bathroom destruction, broken trust with family, and a support group that didn’t get it, then find relief in small wins: a playful de‑escalation, emerging words, and happy tears that we learned to name. • family boundary breaches and safety risks• obsessive bathroom behaviors and home damage• product lockdowns and supervision trade‑offs• safe medical sedation tip for procedures• a simple co‑regulation trick that worked• signs of speech returning after regression• nervous system healing and calmer dynamics• happy tears, labeling emo...
2025-11-2624 minParenting Severe AutismEP.71: He Destroyed Things Because He Was Hurting EmotionallySend a textWe draw a hard line on boundaries after a “fun” day out breaks our son’s diet, a chaotic family visit disrupts routine, and grief surfaces through targeted destruction. We also name caregiver resentment without shame and share a simple tech tool that averted a meltdown.• fundraiser links, storefront resources, and coffee support• standing firm when family ignores diet rules• post-visit escalation and how we confronted it• targeted destruction as communication of loss• clearing environmental triggers and resetting routines• naming caregiver resentment without guilt• the camp “primal scream” report...
2025-11-1229 minParenting Severe AutismEP 70: It's Only Applesauce - Severe Autism Therapy BackfiresSend a textA candid mention about staying when others say to leave, and how structure, safety, and short, clear language can turn daily chaos into small wins. From wall padding to therapy brushes to locks and applesauce mishaps, we share what worked, what failed, and why timing matters.• reducing attention-seeking by replacing constant input with predictable access• why soothing tools must be used before stress not during• protecting space and reducing hypervigilance• two to three word cues that cut through noise and guide behavior• community expectations vs real support and consistent...
2025-10-2943 minParenting Severe AutismWhat if compassion—not credentials—keeps our severe autism kids safest?Send a textWe share a raw stretch of our severe autism journey: the camp that finally said yes, why patient volunteers sometimes trump credentials, and what it costs to hold your home together when your child unravels. Along the way, we ask for community help and outline what support should look like.• subscriber‑only truth‑telling episodes and why we lock some content• GoFundMe for Safer Lifestyles Respite communities and how sharing helps• the “word accident” memory and self‑awareness moments• finding safety at a special needs day camp after rejection• why untraine...
2025-10-1521 minParenting Severe AutismWhen Home Hurts: Moving, Meltdowns, and the Search for CareSend a textWe face the change in the story since moving back to Illinois: the first sign of aggression that changed everything between us. We also share GeneSite results, ask about Leucovorin, weigh group homes vs “never,” and find a quiet win by the river.• impact of the Illinois move on behavior and family strain• the car attack as a turning point in safety and trust• losing verbal leverage and rebuilding boundaries• GeneSite insights, med tweaks, and timelines• curiosity about Leucovorin and real-world outcomes• cannabis dosing as a flexible regulation tool
2025-10-0127 minParenting Severe AutismThe Fight for Inclusion in a World of Exclusion Severe AutismSend a textMoving to Illinois with our severely autistic son brought unexpected challenges, including his increasingly violent behavior and our struggle to find appropriate medical and community support. Rejection has become an abnormally normal occurrence, but this is where it started.• Our son developed concerning rage behaviors in public• Housing search• Parent support group silence• Theatre program• Despite rejections, our son continues to show creativity and new skills• We're exploring disc golf as a new family activity• Looking for positive recreational activities remains an ongoing challengeIf you'd like to...
2025-09-1023 minParenting Severe AutismNavigating Severe Autism: Our Family's Difficult RelocationSend a textShannon shares the challenging journey of relocating from Wisconsin to Illinois with her severely autistic son, highlighting the unexpected difficulties they faced and the small victories that kept them going through the transition.• Preparing requires extensive preparation, ideally with videos of new locations• Transitioning to living with grandparents created significant challenges, including disrupted sleep patterns• Learning the ropes of medical cannabis in Illinois for Autism• Seeking special needs theatre opportunities• A stranger's understanding in a grocery store • Her son's attachment to his "Snowflake" obsidian rock shows his ability to co...
2025-08-2023 minParenting Severe AutismEP. 64 When Teachers Don't Listen: A Parent's Struggle for Understanding Severe AutismSend a textShannon 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 • Hilari...
2025-08-061h 02Parenting Severe AutismYour Child Is Not a Zoo Animal: Fighting for Dignity in Special EducationSend a textI 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...
2025-07-2342 minParenting Severe AutismWhen Schools Fail: Navigating Autism Education and TherapySend a textShannon 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 alternativ...
2025-07-0934 minParenting Severe AutismWhen They Function Better Without You: The Parental ParadoxSend a textSevere autism presents unique challenges during summer months, particularly increased elopement risk and the need for constant vigilance. • Summer heat and reduced structure may trigger more elopement behaviors in autistic children• AngelSense GPS tracking device provides location tracking and two-way communication during elopement incidents• Children with severe autism sometimes function better when parents are not present• Schools often lack understanding of severe autism needs and may blame parents rather than providing appropriate support• Medication effectiveness can fluctuate dramatically, requiring specialized testing to understand metabolism issues• Vision for creating spec...
2025-06-2533 minParenting Severe AutismMy Son Deserves Joy Too: Fighting for Inclusion in a World That Says No To Severe AutismSend a textShannon shares a pivotal moment when she realized her son's autism was considered "severe" after he was excluded from a Disney on Ice event that his autism therapy group organized without inviting him.• Communication strategies using Disney movie references help her son understand complex concepts like family members leaving• Learning that her son requires multiple staff members for support at his therapy program• The heartbreak of discovering her son wasn't invited to a Disney event because his "needs were too great"• Fighting for inclusion and eventually attending the Disney on Ice s...
2025-06-1132 minParenting Severe AutismHealing From Within: How Self-Care Transforms CaregivingSend a textEDIT: I NO LONGER SUPPORT, ENDORSE, OR RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM DUE TO FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY INVOLVING MY MEMBERSHIP.This one's about us. The caregivers. Not the children.After watching my health deteriorate despite years of consistent workouts and healthy eating attempts, I found myself drawn to a program focused on nervous system recalibration. What happened next shocked me. Through specialized therapy techniques and somatic healing, I experienced physical transformations as my body released stored trauma. Mysterious swelling disappeared, facial tension loosened, and for the first time in years, I...
2025-05-2849 minParenting Severe AutismEP. 58 The Exorcist in Room Two: Our Journey Through Severe Autism's Nighttime ChallengesSend a textShannon shares her experience stepping back from caregiving duties to focus on her mental health after 18 years of continuous care for her son with severe autism.• Taking a temporary break in a camper near home to restore mental health after reaching burnout• Applying for fiscal sponsorship to pursue the dream of creating supportive communities for families affected by severe autism• Jacob demonstrating remembered turn-taking skills despite lack of formal therapy• Discovering disturbing nighttime behaviors through a video monitor that explained Jacob's severe insomnia• Using the monitor's intercom as an interve...
2025-05-1415 minParenting Severe AutismBuilding S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles: A Vision for Severe Autism FamiliesSend a textI'm developing a social equity project called S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles, designed to create communities for families dealing with severe autism. My vision addresses how most of us lack support, with villages abandoning us when we need them most.Contact us at contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more or support the S.A.F.E.R. Lifestyles movement.Rhodiola AdaptogenicNervousSystemsupportThese are some of my favorite products - Organic with no fillers, no flow agents, and no synthetics.
2025-04-3016 minParenting Severe AutismOur Son Lost Everything When He Turned 15, and No One Warned UsSend a textImagine waking up one morning to discover your child has lost every skill they've ever learned. This devastating experience is the reality for many parents of teens with severe autism, yet it's rarely discussed in autism resources or by medical professionals.In this deeply personal episode, I share the heartbreaking story of my son losing all his functional abilities and speech within days of turning 15. What began with concerning behaviors—strange vocalizations, withdrawing to his room, repetitive actions—culminated in a complete regression that left him unable to perform even the simplest task...
2025-04-2334 minParenting Severe AutismLiving With My Decision to Accept Help From FamilySend a textParenting a child with severe autism often means facing challenges that remain hidden from the outside world. In this deeply personal episode, I take listeners into the harrowing reality of what happened when my nonverbal teenage son began directing aggressive behaviors specifically toward me.The painful irony of being verbally abused by someone who professionals deemed "nonverbal" created a surreal existence where I developed physical pain responses to his targeting. My body would react with sharp pains in my side the moment I heard his aggressive vocalizations approaching—a visceral reminder of ho...
2025-04-0938 minParenting Severe AutismEP.54 - The Caregiver's Dilemma: Fighting for Your Child While Fighting for YourselfSend a textShannon Chamberlin shares a devastating family betrayal that threatened her son's financial future and pushed her to physical and emotional breaking points, while also celebrating rare moments of communication breakthrough from her severely autistic son.• The purpose of the podcast is to warn parents about unexpected challenges in severe autism parenting• Shannon discusses her 19-year struggle with Hashimoto's autoimmune condition while caregiving• The family is taking legal precautions to protect their current living situation• Shannon's perspective on residential care evolved from heartbreak to desperately seeking options• Rare communication breakthrou...
2025-03-2628 minParenting Severe AutismNavigating Teenage Severe Autism: When Everything Changes and Nothing Makes SenseSend a textWe never expect our lives to require staying in high alert mode indefinitely, but parenting a severely autistic child often demands exactly that level of vigilance and adaptability.• Experiencing the heartbreak when your child begins hating everything they once loved• Dealing with family members who don't understand your child's needs or your parenting approach• Navigating the additional challenges of puberty with a nonverbal teenager• Learning to recognize when your child is being mistreated, even when they can't tell you directly• Finding creative solutions when traditional therapy approaches don't work•...
2025-03-1928 minParenting Severe AutismThe Unseen Struggles of Parenting a Child with Severe AutismSend a textUnderstanding the daily battles of parenting a child with severe autism takes center stage, emphasizing emotional toll, struggles, and small triumphs. Shannon shares her journey, revealing insights and experiences that resonate deeply with listeners.• Importance of online therapy solutions for caregivers • The critical impact of mismanaged medications • Strategies for finding joy amid daily struggles If you're interested in learning more about online therapy options and discounts, reach out to Shannon at contactparentingsevereautism@gmail.com or visit her Buzzsprout page for more information. AngelSense DeviceAngelSe...
2025-02-2616 minParenting Severe AutismAdventures in Parenting a Child with Unique Communication - Severe AutismSend a textThis week's episode dives into the humorous and heartfelt moments of parenting severe autism while highlighting communication challenges within the family. We discuss the impact of outside influences, share lively anecdotes, and celebrate the small victories and breakthroughs that define our experiences. • Contemplating media influence on son’s behavior • Reflecting on alarming moments with "The Tweedles"• Gaining valuable insights from an autism therapy group • Observing the impact of stimming on the body• Celebrating communication breakthroughs through mealtime interactions • Highlighting humorous, everyday moments that shape understanding Support the show
2025-02-1927 minParenting Severe AutismNavigating Parental Identity and Community Misunderstandings in Severe Autism CaregivingSend a textThis episode explores the complexities of parenting a child with severe autism, focusing on behavioral observations, shifts in household control, and the impact of communication. Throughout the conversation, the host reflects on personal experiences, shares strategies, and offers insights that encourage connection and understanding among listeners. • Observing and interpreting muscle twitching behaviors • Discussing the role and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals • The positive impacts of structured control in household dynamics • Celebrating Jacob's new communicative expressions • Addressing the obsession with dad and respect for boundaries • Misunderstandings surrounding non-sexual behaviors in therapy • Reflecting on...
2025-02-1231 minParenting Severe AutismToileting and Dietary Challenges Amidst Family Clashes In Parenting Severe AutismSend a textOur latest podcast episode takes a raw look at the joys and challenges of parenting a child with severe autism, examining the delicate balance of striving for independence while facing recurrent setbacks. We delve into personal stories that highlight toileting challenges, dietary decisions, and the impact of family dynamics as we navigate the complexities of autism parenting.• The emotional toll of societal misjudgment • Toileting challenges and steps to fostering independence • Dietary implications on behavior and well-being• The clash of family expectations and respect for dietary needs • The necessity of collaborat...
2025-02-0542 minParenting Severe AutismEmbracing Unique Identities in Severe Autism ParentingSend a textHeads Up! This one gets a little emotional! What if you could transform your understanding of autism and turn challenging moments into opportunities of growth? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, as I share our family's journey navigating early puberty with our son, who has severe autism. From managing the long transition periods between activities that disrupt his school therapies to ingeniously fostering his independence with themed alarm clocks, we uncover the unique patterns and preferences that shaped this complex phase of his life.Discover the power of communication in...
2025-01-2924 minParenting Severe AutismOur Son's Severe Autism Test Results, Cherished Progress and Family HurdlesSend a textThis episode recounts our personal experience navigating Jacob's autism evaluation at 16 years old, detailing the process, insights, and outcomes that emerged from it. We explore key findings, discuss challenges within family dynamics, and share humorous anecdotes that highlight the unique aspects of parenting in the context of severe autism. • Discussion of the journey to find an appropriate evaluation center • Personal reflections on Jacob's evaluations and challenges faced • Overview of the Vineland and CARS assessment results • Insight into therapy recommendations and family dynamics • Touching stories about Jacob's understanding of family roles
2025-01-2232 min