This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy.
What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family.
This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined.
Highlights Include
- 00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal
- 02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic
- 04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones
- 06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations
- 07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy
- 09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system
- 11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs
- 12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent
- 14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying
- 16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing
- 19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis
- 21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system
- 23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything
- 27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey
- 29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms
- 30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective
- 31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop
- 33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness Month
Links Mentioned in This Episode
• Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17)
Watch & Listen
Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro
Announcements
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Social Media
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