Moms Talk Autism Podcast - podcast cover

Moms Talk Autism Podcast

Shannon Korza, Brittney Crabtree, Tash Dillmon, and Jean Mayerbleav.com
The Moms Talk Autism Podcast is for parents raising children with special needs. 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
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Episodes

Ending the Chase for "Normal"

Today Brit, Shannon and Tash discuss ending the chase for "normal" and share pivotal moments that shaped their understanding of their children's needs. We revisit grief and acceptance, as well as the emotional complexities of parenting in a diverse family dynamic.

Aug 11, 202540 minEp. 207

Navigating the Autism Journey: Insights from a Fellow Mom w/ Nicole Studt

Today Jean and Tash welcome Nicole Studt, a fellow autism mom, who shares her unique journey of parenting a neurodivergent child. Nicole discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced from diagnosis to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community and support.

Aug 04, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 206

Autism, ADHD & Diagnosis Down Under w/ Allison Bolson

In this episode, Shannon and Tash sit down with the incredible Allison Bolson—a mom of four (yes, four!) neurodiverse boys. Allison shares what it’s been like raising her crew in Australia, from the ups and downs of getting diagnoses to figuring out education plans that actually work for her kids. They dive into the messy, beautiful reality of IEPs, how hard it can be to find the right support, and why open conversations about neurodiversity at home matter so much. Allison’s honesty, humor, and ...

Jul 28, 202557 minEp. 205

Almost-Teens, Fully Exhausted

In this episode, Tash, Shannon, and Brittney are diving into life with almost-teens—because puberty waits for no one. From navigating school systems and prepping for big educational changes, to decoding the daily dose of sass and side-eye, we're covering it all. Let’s be real: parenting at this stage feels like trying to translate a foreign language… while blindfolded… on a rollercoaster. We don’t always get it right (understatement of the year), but we’re learning to give ourselves—and our kids...

Jul 21, 202547 minEp. 204

Guiding Bright Minds with Tiffany Feingold

In this heartful and honest conversation, Tiffany Feingold opens up about her journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child—and the power of finding your voice through advocacy. From the grief that often shadows a diagnosis to the empowerment that comes from building community, Tiffany walks us through the real, raw, and inspiring moments that have shaped her mission to support families just like hers. This episode dives into the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in schools and workplac...

Jul 14, 202544 minEp. 203

SocialWiseVR with Nicole Lockerman and Jenifer Shahin

Today we chat with Jennifer and Nicole, the founders of SocialWise VR, a virtual application designed to teach social skills to neurodivergent youth. We discuss the immersive experience it offers to help young adults navigate social situations! You can find them here: https://www.socialwisevr.com https://www.instagram.com/socialwisevr

Jul 08, 202550 minEp. 202

Moms Talk Moms: Gone Wild

This one is a little unhinged, mostly in a good way. We needed to break up the heavy and hard with a silly episode where we talk about anything and everything that is NOT autism. Buckle up and enjoy or skip this one if you’re not in the same space. Either way, thanks for being here. Discussion Questions: What movie star would portray you in the MTA Movie? If you had another podcast, what would the subject and title be? We are on a deserted island, who has what job and how do we survive? If you w...

Jun 30, 202543 minEp. 201

Different Thinkers: Autism with Drs. Fredrikson and Rothman

They’re back to chat and with a new book! Dr Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredrikson are once again here with us to discuss our neurodivergent kids, finding the appropriate therapies and care for them, and how to talk to our kids about autism. What is autism? How do I explain such complex concepts to my child? Where do I even start? Ultimately, we want to think long-term for our kids' overall success, give them the tools to understand the world around them, and, most importantly, empower themselve...

Jun 23, 202553 minEp. 200

Coaching for the Caregiver w/ Eloise Zareian

In this episode of Moms Talk Autism , Jean and Shannon chat with communication and processing specialist & parent coach, Eloise Zareian, about what it takes to support kids with special needs, especially around communication and caregiver burnout. Eloise shares how her journey led to founding Livewyre Learning and why helping parents is just as important as helping kids. They dig into language development, the difference between receptive and expressive language, and how to meet autistic kid...

Jun 16, 202558 minEp. 199

Moms Talk Puberty Prep

Welcome back with the moms! Today, we sit down and chat about ALL the puberty stuff currently happening in our homes. We are NOT experts. Trust us. We are just trying to make it through! Chat with us.. We would love to hear your puberty stories too! You can email us at hello@momstalkautism.com Don't forget to join us on Patreon ! We have video and bonus episodes there!

Jun 09, 202550 minEp. 198

Special Needs Life Coach and Mom, Kara Ryska

One of the worst pieces of news a mother can receive: your child has cancer. Our friend, Kara Ryska, knows how that feels, her family has lived and continues to live with that life changing diagnosis. We discuss the shift from one expectation for your family to a completely different frame of mind. We can change and grow and alter our perspectives AND we can thrive in our new life! Kara’s journey has shaped the work she does today: a life coach and community leader for other special needs moms. ...

Jun 02, 202555 minEp. 197

Stem Cell Therapy with Dr. Eric Weiss

Today, Tash and Shannon sit down with Dr. Eric Weiss—a father, a physician, and a passionate advocate for innovation in autism care. Dr. Weiss shares his deeply personal journey raising a child with autism and how it led him to shift from a career in plastic surgery to exploring emerging autism research. In this episode, we discuss the potential of stem cell therapy to address brain inflammation, success stories from his practice, and the challenges faced in gaining broader acceptance within the...

May 26, 202555 minEp. 196

Moms Talk Imposter Syndrome

Real and honest chat about imposter syndrome in autism parenting with Shannon, Jean & Tash! Come and chat.. let us know what you think!

May 19, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 195

Fitness and Autism with Eric Chessen

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness. Eric explains the crucial role of fitness for individuals on the autism spectrum. We talk about common fitness misconceptions why fitness should be a fundamental aspect of health and well-being for autistic individuals. IG: @TheAutismFitness

May 12, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 194

Brittney's Existential Crisis

Shannon broke Brittney last week. She called to check on Brit, to see how she was doing with all of the stuff in the media. And she broke her (in the best way possible...). So, today is a full on friend therapy session. Gets a bit deep, friends. But it's good. Let's chat with Brit about all the things.

May 05, 202544 minEp. 193

Autism and Travel w/ Becky Large of Champion Autism Network

Today, we enjoyed speaking with Becky Large from Champion Autism Network (CAN)! We often discuss how difficult it can be for our families to travel. Becky fills us in on how CAN and Autism Travel Club help families like ours go on vacations that we may not normally be able to enjoy! You can find Becky on her site at: https://beckylarge.com

Apr 28, 202557 minEp. 192

Functional Neurology Pt 2 w/ Dr. Brandon Crawford

So many of you loved the last episode with Dr. Brandon Crawford, so we brought him back! This time around, we discussed the difference between standard neurology and functional neurology. We also discussed not just stopping at the symptom but digging deeper. Also touched on were reflexes and bedwetting, the importance of co-activation, and what to look for if you are looking for a functional neurologist in your area! You can find Dr Brandon on his site: https://www.drbrandoncrawford.com/ Also, h...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 191

Rapid Fire Q&A w/ Ashley Lewis

Rapid Fire Q&A with our friend, Ashley Lewis, today! Questions we tackled in this bonus episode are: Building Confidence with your kids Daily Routines Childhood memories Stimming triggers

Apr 16, 202521 min

Autism & Sibling Relationships w/ Ashley Lewis

Today we sat down with our friend, Ashley Lewis, to discuss the sibling dynamic in our homes. How do we foster positive relationships with our kids? How can we help our families function as a team? Come chat with us! Questions Answered: Creating a family team Explaining autism to siblings Responsibility vs. being a kid Later Care for autistic sibling Presley’s friends

Apr 14, 202559 minEp. 190

Mental Health w/ Dr. Arielle Rubin

Today Tash and Shannon chatted with Dr. Ariel Rubin. She's a child psychiatrist who has a personal connection to autism through her brother. Dr. Rubin shares her journey into psychiatry and explores the dynamics of growing up with a sibling with autism. Today we focus on autism and ADHD, how these conditions intersect with mental health, the importance of late diagnoses, and the emotional challenges faced by children and their families. We also talk about the need for self-awareness and understa...

Apr 07, 202548 minEp. 189

Kicking CASK with Rachel Alves

Shannon and Brittney get to chat with their IRL friend today! Rachel shares her journey with her daughter, Audrey, who has a rare genetic disorder known as CASK. We discuss the challenges of navigating the diagnosis process, the impact of early intervention therapies, and the importance of finding the right educational fit for Audrey. Rachel is a member and regional leader of “We Are Brave Together”, the non-profit group that connects moms worldwide. Rachel’s work and passion highlight the signi...

Mar 31, 202558 minEp. 188

Grab Bag #12

It’s a GRAB BAGGGGG! Questions we discuss today are: What is your Patronus? Please geek out with us. Our thoughts on ABA vs School in early diagnosis. How do I help support a friend who is also going through a diagnosis with her child? How do you balance staying informed vs protecting your mental health? We discuss laundry and how much we loathe it and how to get through it. If you could hire someone to do one thing at your house, what would it be? Have we listened to the Telepathy Tapes? Also, ...

Mar 24, 202552 minEp. 187

Talking with Jeffe Boats, Autistic Author and Father

Today Tash & Shannon had the pleasure of speaking with Jeffe Boats, an autistic father and professor, who shares his journey of self-discovery and parenting an autistic son. We explore Jeffe's early life, the challenges of understanding autism, and the importance of representation in literature. Jeff discusses his debut novel, which features an autistic protagonist and emphasizes the need for diverse voices in storytelling. Jeffe also shares his perspective on parenting neurodiverse children...

Mar 17, 202554 minEp. 186

Mental Health w/ Nicholas & Stephen Pt 2

Part 2 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation al...

Mar 10, 202545 minEp. 185

Mental Health w/ Nicholas & Stephen Pt 1

Part 1 of 2! Today Tash and Shannon welcome back Stephen and Nick from the On the Spectrum podcast. We deep into personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and other co-occurring diagnoses. Steve & Nick share their journeys of diagnosis, parenting neurodiverse children, and the complexities of mental health diagnoses. We also explore the unique experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, emphasizing the need for understanding and self-reflection in the parenting journey. The conversation al...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 184

Moving Day w/ Jean & Shannon

Today Jean & Shannon discuss Jean’s recent move and the chaos that can ensue with families like ours during such a big transition. We also share some tips that helped with our moves!

Feb 24, 202545 minEp. 183

Megan Champion with Mothers Together

Megan Champion, mother of three, and creator of Mothers Together is sharing her story and the ins and outs of what Mothers Together can do to help change your life. Megan opens up about her family and their neurodivergence, her isolation and disconnection she felt from her friends, family and community. She bravely set out to find validation and connection with other moms and families like hers. Megan found what she was looking for and invites you all to find it for yourself. Mothers Together is...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 182

Jean's Winter Break Catch Up

Jean missed our Winter Break episode, so Tash and Britt got to interview her about the move to a new house, holiday celebrations and transitions back to school. We don’t know how she did it, but she’s here to tell the tale! Fun, upcoming weekend plans for all…which means chauffeuring kids from one activity to the next. We know you can relate!

Feb 10, 202548 minEp. 181

On the Spectrum with Nicholas & Stephen

This week, we welcome Nicholas and Stephen from On The Spectrum podcast. We had such a great time learning more about their backgrounds, origins of their podcast, and the dynamics of their improv comedy and other performing arts. Steve and Nick share their personal experiences growing up undiagnosed with autism, discuss the challenges they faced in the education system and the misunderstandings that arose from their behaviors. They reflect on their journeys towards diagnosis, the impact it had o...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 180

Moms Talk Winter Break

Holiday reflections, winter break highs and lows, and everyone’s favorite: back-to-school transitions, hooray! (insert sarcasm here) There are some good things happening, we promise. We’ve got some updates on trying new foods, small victories with holiday gatherings, and some routine breakthroughs. 2025, here we come! We are so happy to offer video for ALL of our 2025 episodes! Join us on Patreon HERE . Sign up and enjoy all of our episodes: Exclusive early access to episodes 24 hours in advance...

Jan 27, 202552 minEp. 179
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