In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon dives into the fascinating and often puzzling world of sensory processing, exploring the touch avoidance/seeking paradox many autistic children experience. Why does your child cringe at the light touch of water from the shower but crave the firm pressure of a tight hug? How can they both avoid touch and seek it out?

Shannon breaks down the science behind these seemingly contradictory behaviors and shares real-life examples to help you understand your child’s unique sensory needs.

From morning dressing struggles to navigating touch sensitivities in public, Shannon provides practical strategies to help you build trust, respect boundaries, and support your child’s sensory processing in a way that works for your family. Whether your child is clingy, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you better connect with them.

Every episode will give you encouragement, insights, and actionable advice to help you keep going, stay strong, and never give up. You’ve got this!

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We can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

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Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠79. Uncharted Territory in Special Education⁠

⁠133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom, Shannon dives into the world of vocal stimming, a common yet often misunderstood behavior in autism. Vocal stimming—whether it’s humming, repeating words, or making rhythmic sounds—can serve many purposes, from regulating sensory input to expressing emotions or simply exploring the joy of sound.

Shannon unpacks why vocal stimming happens, what it means for our kids, and how we can manage those moments when it feels overwhelming. She shares practical strategies for creating boundaries, modeling verbal thinking, and finding alternatives, all while respecting the vital role vocal stimming plays in our children’s lives.

Whether your child hums, scripts, or just loves making sounds, this episode will help you understand their world a little better and provide you with tools to navigate those noisy but meaningful moments.

Tune in and remember, you're not alone on this journey—Shannon is here to support you every step of the way.

🌟 Leave a Review:

If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

Finding Strength & Resilience; A Mom's Guide to Autism Parenting

Click the link below for the details

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership at Not Your Average Autism Mom.com

Access exclusive support, training and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands.

Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be ⁠⁠⁠https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠ FREE Group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

⁠Episode 146. The Myth of “One Day”; Spectrum of Strengths⁠

⁠Episode 149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone

In this episode, Shannon explores all-or-nothing thinking in children with autism—a mindset often labeled as rigid or inflexible but one that also comes with unique strengths. This way of seeing the world can be challenging, leading to meltdowns when things don’t go as planned, but it can also be a source of focus and determination in areas of passion. Shannon shares real-life examples of how black-and-white thinking can impact daily life and provides practical strategies to help parents guide their children through moments of rigidity.

You'll learn tools for preparing for transitions, calming techniques, and ways to encourage flexibility over time gently.

Remember, not everything will go right every time—and that’s okay. This episode is all about embracing the journey, finding strength in the challenges, and continuing to believe in your child and yourself, no matter what.

Tune in and find encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this path.

Listen now and learn how to embrace your child's emotional world!

🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.

Are you registered for our FREE Webinar?

Finding Strength & Resilience; A Mom's Guide to Autism Parenting

Click the link below for the details

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/webinar ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for our families.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership at Not Your Average Autism Mom

Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be! ⁠⁠

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠

Have you listened to these episodes yet?

157. Reframing Defeat; Your Child’s Progress is Closer Than You Think

83. Assessing Your Child’s IEP