Podcasts · Kids & Family · Health & Fitness

Moms Talk Autism Podcast

Shannon Korza, Brittney Crabtree, Tash Dillmon, and Jean Mayer

285 episodes

The Moms Talk Autism Podcast is for parents raising children with special needs.

More about the show

We are four moms, all with autistic children and other neurodivergence.

Teaching a special needs child to navigate the world around them comes with challenges and struggles. We want to talk about those challenges openly with you and others. We discuss grief, school, family balance, siblings, therapies, social conversations, behaviors, delays, diagnosis advocation, and marriage.

We do not hold degrees in medicine or neuroscience, nor are we special education teachers, but we are experts in raising our kids and figuring out everything as we go.

Think of this podcast as a coffee shop chat with your closest girlfriends. We want to talk, raise awareness, and help each other thrive with our neurodivergent families in a neurotypical world.

Follow us on Instagram @momstalkautism

Website:

www.momstalkautism.com

Come say hello!

hello@momstalkautism.com

Shannon Korza, Tash Dillmon, Jean Mayer & Brittney Crabtree

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. What Happens When We're Gone?

    · 47 min · Episode 270

    What happens to our kids when we’re not here anymore? It’s one of those questions most of us would rather shove into a drawer and deal with… never. But eventually, we have to talk about it. This week, Tash and…

  2. Re-Launch: Nobody Prepared Us for Periods

    · 59 min

    Nobody prepared us for periods. Not the hygiene. Not the sensory challenges. Not the school logistics. Not the mood changes. Definitely not the trial-and-error involved in figuring out what actually works for your…

  3. Six Kids. Six Diagnoses. One Mom.

    · 1 h 11 min · Episode 269

    Six kids. All six on the autism spectrum. Yeah… we had questions too. This week, Brittney and Tash sit down with Laura Wampler to talk about what it has really looked like raising a house full of neurodivergent…

  4. Re-Launch: What If the Behavior Is the Clue?

    · 1 h 16 min

    What if some of the behaviors we’re constantly trying to manage are actually clues? This week, Brittney and Shannon sit down with Dr. Brandon Crawford to talk about functional neurology, neuroplasticity, sensory…

  5. Just When You Thought Things Couldn’t Get Harder

    · 51 min · Episode 268

    This week, Brittney shares a family update: one son is finding his independence, while another’s cancer diagnosis has brought a whole new set of decisions and emotions. We talk about what it’s like to get hard news,…

  6. Re-Launch: The Marathon Doesn’t End at 18

    · 57 min

    Twenty-five years ago, Daniella Mini moved to the United States with her young family searching for answers and support for her son, Diego. Now Diego is an adult, and Daniella joins us to talk about what life looks…

  7. Invasive Questions: No Guests, No Boundaries

    · 49 min · Episode 267

    This week, there’s no guest and apparently no boundaries either. We’re asking each other the invasive questions—from bad habits we’d absolutely do again and things we have no business being good at, to questionable…

  8. Mildly Crushing It with Sadie & Morgan

    · 51 min · Episode 266

    This week, we’re joined by Morgan and Sadie from the Mildly Crushing It podcast! We talk about the kids behind the diagnoses, finding your people, and the mix of joy and grief that can come with raising children with…

  9. Autism vs. FASD: Two Dads on Overlap, Differences, and Dual Diagnosis

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 265

    This week, we’re hearing from the dads! Shannon and Tash sit down with Joel Sheagren and Carl Young for an honest conversation about fatherhood, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and its overlap with autism.…

  10. Navigating Adoption and Autism: Andrea Moriarty's Journey

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 264

    In this episode, Andrea Moriarty shares her inspiring journey as a mother of twins, one of whom has autism, and how she navigated the challenges of early diagnosis, therapy, and supported living. Her story highlights…

  11. Moms Talk: Growth Is Beautiful and Also Rude

    · 42 min · Episode 263

    Back-to-school season is here, and apparently none of us are allowed to ease gently into a new chapter. In this episode, we’re catching up on all the transitions happening in our families—from Gracie and Ruby heading…

  12. Before You Call It Behavior: Whole-Body Apraxia w/ Erin Clarelli

    · 58 min · Episode 262

    Erin Clarelli is back for round two! Erin is an occupational therapist specializing in whole-body apraxia, and this conversation had us looking at behavior—and ourselves—a little differently. We talk about learning to…

  13. Moms Talk : State of the Summer Address

    · 39 min · Episode 261

    This week, we’re all over the place—in the best way. Shannon is trying to figure out where behavior ends and anxiety begins, Tash is getting ready for her big England adventure, Jean is talking women’s heart health,…

  14. Mastering Vacation Planning for Neurodivergent Families w/ Bonnie Nofsinger

    · 56 min · Episode 260

    In this episode, Bonnie Nofsinger shares expert insights on planning and executing vacations for families with neurodivergent members. We discuss challenges, strategies, and tips to create enjoyable, inclusive travel…

  15. Moms Talk Moms: Summer Q's

    · 33 min · Episode 259

    In this lighthearted episode, we’re talking all things summer—favorite foods, travel plans, bucket-list adventures, beach days, concerts, festivals, and the vacations we still can’t stop thinking about. We share some…

  16. Building Connections: The Heart of Disability Advocacy w/ Kendra Davenport of Easter Seals

    · 50 min · Episode 258

    In this episode, Jean and Tash sit down with Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, to talk about the work the organization is doing to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Kendra…

  17. Answering Your Qs : Jealousy

    · 34 min · Episode 257

    In this episode, Shannon and Brittney talk about one of those feelings no one really wants to admit out loud: jealousy. After reading a listener email about feeling jealous of families with neurotypical kids, they…

  18. When Behavior Is Communication: Understanding Apraxia, Motor Planning, and Connection w/ Erin Clarelli

    · 58 min · Episode 256

    In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Clarelli, a neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapist, to rethink the way we understand behavior, communication, and motor challenges in autistic and disabled children. Erin…

  19. Answering Your Questions About Friendship & Therapy

    · 57 min · Episode 255

    In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we’re talking about the kind of friendship that can make a hard day feel a little less impossible. After receiving a listener email from someone who wants to better support her…

  20. The Power of Self-Regulation in Parenting w/ Sara Intonato

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 254

    Today Brittney and Tash welcome Sara Intonato, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and a mother of two. Sara shares her unique parenting journey, focusing on her experiences with her non-speaking son, Rocco, and…

  21. Moms Talk: Autism Parenting - Picky Eaters, Sensory Quirks & Pure Chaos

    · 56 min · Episode 253

    No interviews. No heavy topics. Just moms sharing the funny, chaotic, and surprisingly relatable moments that come with raising autistic kids. From food battles to sensory adventures and everything in between, this…

  22. Navigating the Autism Journey: A Community Perspective with Julie Hillyard

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 252

    This week, Tash is joined by special needs mom and advocate Julie Hillyard for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, perspective, and finding joy in the hard. Julie shares her family's journey raising a son with…

  23. Moms Talk: Identifying the Victim Mentality

    · 55 min · Episode 251

    Have you ever felt stuck asking "Why us?" In this episode, we're having an honest conversation about victim mentality, acceptance, and the mindset shifts that have helped us navigate autism parenting. We share personal…

  24. Navigating Autism: Insights from a Neuropsychologist

    · 50 min · Episode 250

    Understanding autism isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. While many are exploring the spectrum, it's crucial to recognize that every child is unique. Rebecca Fontanetta, a neuropsychologist and a mom navigating the…

  25. Setting Boundaries as an Autism Mom (Without the Guilt)

    · 48 min · Episode 249

    In this episode, we’re getting real about boundaries (the kind we know we need but don’t always set ). We talk through our own experiences with grief, support, and how community has shifted—from in-person friendships…

  26. The Refrigerator Moms: Real Talk on Autism Parenting

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 248

    In this episode, Jean and Tash sit down with Juliana and Kelly from the Refrigerator Moms to talk about the messy, funny, emotional reality of parenting neurodivergent kids. From waiting room friendships and…

  27. Moms Talk: Autism Levels

    · 45 min · Episode 247

    In this episode, we’re talking about autism “levels” — what they mean, what they miss, and why autism is anything but one-size-fits-all. We share our own experiences with diagnoses, support needs, and how every…

  28. Trust Your Gut: Parenting Neurodivergent Teens w/ Jessica Shaw

    · 53 min · Episode 246

    Parenting can be a rewarding journey, but when it involves neurodivergent teens, it brings a unique set of challenges and triumphs. In this post, we dive into the insights shared by Jessica Shaw, a seasoned journalist…

  29. Navigating Autism Treatment: A Parent's Guide w/ Jonathan Alderson

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 245

    In this episode, we’re diving into the very overwhelming world of autism therapies and treatments—because why are there 500 options and zero clear answers? We talk about how we figure out what actually makes sense for…

  30. Moms Talk: Spring Break Updates, Divorce & Inclusive Birthday Ideas

    · 52 min · Episode 244

    Today we share the highs and lows of family time, including navigating divorce, shifting family dynamics, and the constant juggle of support, patience, and flexibility. We also swap ideas for creating inclusive,…

  31. Navigating Autism: Acceptance vs. Treatment w/ Jonathan Alderson

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 243

    Today we are joined once again by Jonathan Alderson for a thoughtful and honest conversation about one of the biggest topics in the autism world: acceptance vs. treatment. We talk about why those ideas don’t have to be…

  32. Grab Bag: First Words, Sick Days & Diagnosis Grief

    · 49 min · Episode 242

    In this episode, we’re answering some of your real-life parenting questions—from “When did your child start talking?” to how we actually handle sickness in our homes (because it’s never simple over here). We share…

  33. Instant Sisterhood: Why Community Matters for Autism Moms | We are Brave Together

    · 58 min · Episode 241

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell from the Brave Together Podcast to talk about something we all need—real support. We dive into the power of community for caregiving moms, from…

  34. Life Updates, IEPs & Temple Grandin Insights

    · 46 min · Episode 240

    Today we share a fun, real-life update filled with everything from emergency snack stashes and trip planning to home projects, car ride chaos, college prep, and the excitement of the Scholastic Book Fair. They also…

  35. Creating Jobs for Autism: The Rising Tide Car Wash Story

    · 53 min · Episode 239

    Today Tash sits down with Tom D'Eri to talk about growing up with his autistic brother and how that experience led him to create Rising Tide Car Wash. What started as a personal journey turned into a powerful mission…

  36. Moms Talk: Dreams, Zoo Stories, and & Parenting Realities

    · 40 min · Episode 238

    A little Moms Talk Moms today! Come to find out… • What do you think of before you fall asleep and what do you dream about? • Favorite animal at the zoo? • Are people ultimately kind or selfish? • The best trait you…

  37. From Silence to Expression: A Mother’s Autism Journey

    · 56 min · Episode 237

    In this episode of Mom’s Talk Autism, hosts Brittney and Tash welcome Lori Rogers, who shares her journey raising her son Craig, who is on the autism spectrum. Lori reflects on the early days after diagnosis,…

  38. Autism Parenting and Inclusion: Why Inclusion Isn’t Always Belonging

    · 59 min · Episode 236

    In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between inclusion and true belonging — and why they’re not always the same. We talk about the pressure to include at all costs, the reality of navigating social…

  39. Grandparenting Looks Different When Autism is Part of the Story

    · 55 min · Episode 235

    In this episode, we sit down with school principal and autism grandma, Jennifer Kaufman, to talk about what it’s really like when your grandchild is diagnosed — and how that shifts expectations, roles, and…

  40. Disrupting the Overwhelm Cycle (When You’re Parenting Neurodivergent Kids)

    · 56 min · Episode 234

    Today we’re talking about the overwhelm cycle — how it starts, why it keeps looping, and what it actually looks like when you’re parenting neurodivergent kids, juggling puberty, appointments, social stuff, marriage,…

  41. Diagnosis and Advocacy in the UK w/ Greer Jones

    · 58 min · Episode 233

    Greer grew up in the US but moved across the pond to build her family and life abroad. Two kids and a lot of doctor and therapy appointments later, Greer has become a leading voice for autism advocacy and glimpses into…

  42. Book Club, Burnout, and L.A. Gear Shoes: A 2026 Check-In

    · 57 min · Episode 232

    Updates from the hosts, our thoughts on how 2026 is going (not great, thanks so much), and our first MTA Book Club selection. Come read with us and let us know what you think. Also, we talk about our latch key…

  43. Beyond the Birds & Bees: Sex Ed for Neurodivergent Children w/ Amy Lang

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 231 · Explicit

    Explicit Content Warning: This episode is not for young ears. In this conversation, we sit down with sex educator Amy Lang, M.A. to tackle a topic many parents avoid: sex education for neurodivergent kids. Amy shares…

  44. Motherhood and Autism: Real Talk on Parenting, Burnout, and Balance

    · 52 min · Episode 230

    In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we sit down with Sarah Kernion, a mom of three—including two autistic kids—to talk about the beautifully messy reality of motherhood. Sarah shares her honest experience navigating…

  45. Creating Real Work Opportunities for Neurodiverse Adults

    · 1 h 15 min · Episode 229

    In this episode, Jean and Brittney sit down with Jacob Blaeser from Ventures ATL to talk about employment opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse adults—and why the traditional workforce often gets it wrong. We…

  46. What We’re Bringing Into 2026 (and What We’re Leaving Behind)

    · 37 min · Episode 228

    In this episode, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and talking honestly about what we want more of (health, growth, adventures) and what we’re actively working on letting go of (burnout, guilt, and doing everything the hard…

  47. BONUS: Building Real Community for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids w/ Mothers Together

    · 1 h 03 min · Bonus

    Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a special bonus episode because this is the year to stop doing motherhood alone. This one’s all about building your support system, finding your people, and creating real…

  48. Moms Talk Autism 2025 Recap: What We Learned, Loved, and Survived

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 227

    Our 2025 Year-End Episode is here! We’re looking back on the wins, the hard moments, the lessons our kids taught us, and all the laugh-out-loud chaos that came with being autism moms this year. We answer questions…

  49. Moms Talk Moms: Zombie Plans, Sandwich Fights & Mom Humor

    · 44 min · Episode 226

    In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we let go of the heavy stuff and dive straight into the hilarious, totally unhinged conversations only close friends have. From “Who would go missing first?” to “Which one of us is…

  50. Raising an Autistic Child in the Afghan-American Community - Medina’s Story

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 225

    In this episode, we sit down with Medina Faizy-Hashemi, an Afghan-American mom raising an autistic son. Medina opens up about navigating diagnosis, cultural expectations, and the unique challenges families in the…

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