Full Spectrum Parent: Christian Autism Support | Special Needs Parenting | Faith & Autism Resources

Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast!Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids. Here is a sneak peek into week one:This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world around him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probably looked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walk confidently with Him even when it means standing apart.If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses todayFollow Pardon the Mess on Apple or SpotifyFull Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Feeling like you've lost your sense of purpose in the daily grind of motherhood? You're not alone. In this transformative episode of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast, host Jessica Hurlbut sits down with bestselling author Abbie Halberstat to explore how mothers can rediscover meaning and intentionality in their parenting journey.Featured Guest: Abbie HalberstatAbbie is the bestselling author of "M Is for Mama," "Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad," and her latest release "You Bet Your Stretch Marks." As a homeschooling mother of ten children (including two sets of twins), Abbie brings real-world wisdom to over 219,000 followers on her @Misformama Instagram account.What You'll Discover:  •  How to recognize when you've "lost the plot" in motherhood and practical steps to find your way back  •  Navigating cultural pressures around motherhood, parenting regret, and societal expectations  •  What it means to mother with a "legacy mindset" and how to apply it to everyday chaos  •  Practical strategies for finding purpose in mundane moments - from fussy toddlers to endless to-do lists  •  Scripture-based hope for the hardest seasons of parentingPerfect for:  •  Special needs parents seeking encouragement and perspective  •  Moms feeling overwhelmed by daily parenting challenges  •  Christian mothers looking for faith-based parenting wisdom  •  Parents struggling with feelings of lost identity in motherhood  •  Anyone needing a dose of hope, humor, and practical help in their parenting journeyKeywords:Christian parenting, motherhood purpose, special needs parenting, parenting encouragement, mom identity, legacy parenting, faith-based parenting, homeschool mom, parenting wisdom, motherhood struggles, Christian mom podcastFull Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Are you struggling to advocate for your special needs child because you hate confrontation? You're not alone.In this episode of Full Spectrum Parent, host Jessica Hurlbut tackles one of the biggest challenges facing special needs parents: how to effectively advocate for your child when you're naturally a people pleaser.What You'll Learn:  •  Why people-pleasing hurts your child's advocacy efforts   •  The 4 root causes of people-pleasing behavior   •  Biblical strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies  •  How to shift from seeking human approval to God's approval when advocating for your special needs childPerfect For Parents Who:  •  Feel anxious about IEP meetings and school conferences  •  Struggle to speak up when their child isn't getting proper support  •  Want to be better advocates but fear being seen as "difficult parents"  •  Need encouragement to prioritize their child's needs over people-pleasing  •  Are looking for faith-based guidance on special needs parentingFull Spectrum Parent is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more resources and support for special needs families, visit cpgive.org.Tags: #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #Peoplepleasing #ChildAdvocacy #IEPMeetings #SpecialEducation #ParentingPodcast #ChristianMom #SpecialNeedsAdvocate #ParentingStruggles

As Christian parents, we desire for our kids to listen and obey the rules we set out for their safety and good, but what do we do when they refuse? Whether you have a child on the spectrum, an obstinate toddler, or just a typical strong-willed kid—we’ve all been there. We find ourselves raising our voices, demanding compliance, and feeling defeated when our kids spiral into a full-fledged meltdown. Greg and Jess are getting real about the difference between tantrums (where kids are totally in control) and meltdowns (where they're absolutely not). Trust us, understanding this will be a game-changer for your autism parenting journey and your faith-based approach to discipline.Here's what we're diving into:  •  Why your typical parenting tricks aren't working with neurodivergent children (and it's not your fault!)  •  The one question that changes how you respond to autism meltdowns and challenging behavior  •  3 simple Christian parenting principles that actually work with kids on the autism spectrumOur go-to strategies:  1.  Relationship Over Compliance - Sometimes you gotta choose your battles  2.  Choice Over Demand - Two options, both ones you're cool with  3.  Love Over Fear - Because scared kids don't learn, they just surviveWhether you're dealing with a toddler who won't cooperate, a child with autism in a meltdown mode, or a typical teen who wants to push every button you have—this one's for Christian parents seeking God's wisdom in power struggles.Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Raising a child with autism solo? You're not alone! Join us for Episode 95 of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast as host Jessica Hurlbut chats with Katie Blackburn - writer, teacher, and single mom to six kids, including her 10-year-old with severe autism.Katie gets real about the everyday challenges of autism parenting without a partner, sharing practical tips for managing therapies, school struggles, and finding moments of joy along the way. She also discusses her children’s book, "The Very Best Baseball Game" which offers both comfort and inspiration.Whether you're flying solo or just need some autism parenting encouragement, this episode delivers our signature mix of HELP, HUMOR, and HOPE that will leave you feeling seen and supported on your special needs journey.Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.orgTo grab the CP Gift Guide visit https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/To learn more about Katie Blackburn and her newest book, visit www.katiemblackburn.com#AutismParenting #SingleParenting #SpecialNeedsSupport #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

Happiness is circumstantial. But joy comes from Jesus—it’s not based upon our circumstances. Yet one of the hardest hurdles to conquer in our parenting is finding joy when life doesn’t change. Episode 94 is part 2 of our 3-Part Series, Finding God in our Pain. Christian Author Will Acuff joins the Full Spectrum Parent to share his journey of parenting a child with autism. After hitting a wall of emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, Will shares how the Holy Spirit met him in his pain. Now, he offers hope and direction for others on how to stay rooted in Christ when the storms rage around you. Learn more about Will’s newest book: No Elevator to Everest at www.noelevatortoeverest.comFull Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

Parenting is a gift from God and a beautiful journey. But if we’re honest, it’s also incredibly hard and sometimes heartbreaking. In Episode 93 of the Full Spectrum Parent, we chat with Jenn Soehnlin about embracing the special needs life God has given us.Join us as we sit down with Jenn as she unpacks how to pray Scripture over your children and how this one act has become a game changer for her. You don’t want to miss this episode! Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

In this powerful episode of Full Spectrum Parent, we explore the extraordinary journey of Austin LeRette, a remarkable young man living with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and autism. Join us as we sit down with Scott LeRette, Austin's father and author of "The Unbreakable Boy," to discuss their family's inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unconditional love.Episode Highlights:  •  Scott LeRette shares his family's emotional journey raising a child with multiple diagnoses  •  Behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming Lionsgate film adaptation  •  How Austin's joyful perspective on life has transformed their family and community  •  Practical wisdom for parents navigating similar challenges  •  The role of faith in facing seemingly insurmountable obstaclesConnect With UsFull Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.orgKeywordsSpecial needs parenting, osteogenesis imperfecta, brittle bone disease, autism, faith and family, Christian parenting, special needs movie, inspirational stories, parenting podcast, disability advocacy, rare disease awareness, family support, religious faith, parent testimonial, medical challengesEpisode Tags#UnbreakableBoy #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #ParentingPodcast #OsteogenesisImperfecta #AutismAwareness #FaithAndFamily #ParentingJourney #RareDisease #Inspiration

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But when it comes to special needs parenting, often friends and family struggle knowing how to help. In Episode 91, Dr. Kelly Cagle joins us as she shares the unique lessons she has learned as an aunt to her 17-year-old non-verbal nephew Isaac. Rather than offering parenting advice or sympathy, Kelly shares some of the special ways she has connected to and supported her sister and her family on their special needs journey. You don’t want to miss this heartwarming episode. To learn more about Dr. Kelly Cagle and her coaching for ADHD families or schedule a free consultation, go to www.drkellycagle.comFull Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.christianparenting.org

This episode is dedicated to everyone’s favorite topic: food. Whether you have a child who is a picky eater and only consumes chicken nuggets or you have an overeater with no off switch—this episode covers it all. We also talk about the gut-brain connection and our experience with special diets in regard to autism. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

For many, the holidays are filled with anticipation and awe. But for some of us, the holidays hurt. Whether you just received a diagnosis, you lost a loved one, or you’re walking through a wilderness season—sometimes the Christmas season has a way of magnifying our pain. In Episode 89, I share 3 unconventional Christmas traditions that have kept me grounded when my world felt like it was falling apart. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Teenage years are  a challenging time for any  parent, but when you throw autism into the mix, it’s a whole different ball game. In Episode 88, Jessica reveals her fears and concerns around puberty while raising her daughter who struggles with severe autism. She then offers special needs parents  7 tips to mentally and practically prepare their child on the spectrum for the big “P” word. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Fifteen years into our autism journey, my husband and I finally took the plunge and started our daughter Mara on medication. Pursuing medication for your child is not a decision parents should take lightly, but sometimes it’s a necessary step. In Episode 87, we share our personal pros and cons after starting our daughter on Risperidone. If you have a child on the spectrum and you have gone back and forth in your mind on this topic, you don’t want to miss this episode. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance and it’s a proposed disorder on the spectrum that involves an extreme resistance to everyday demands.I had never heard the term before until my friend Karen Dorsey mentioned some struggles with her grandson. As she shared her story, my eyes were opened and I began to understand my youngest daughter’s behaviors in a way I never considered before. If you have a child that continually resists demand and you may have chalked it up as defiance, you don’t want to miss this episode. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

I’m not a huge movie buff—but when I catch a film that moves me—especially when it centers around autism, I can’t help but recommend it. There is something about a story that causes you to drop your defenses and sneaks into the backdoor of your heart. In Episode 85, we share two autism films that everyone should watch and why, whether you’re parenting a child on the spectrum or not. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

As parents, it’s so easy to sacrifice our own mental health in order to care for the high needs of our kids on the spectrum.Our guest, Craig Holbrook, coined this life motto: “Boys live. Men sacrifice” as he cared for his 15-year-old daughter with Level 3 Autism. But that very motto drove him to burnout as he attempted to be everything to everyone. Listen in as Craig opens up his heart and shares transparently about the seasons of life autism has dragged him through and how he has learned to care for himself while continuing to be the best dad he can be to his two children.If you find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted as a parent, you don’t want to miss this episode!Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

As a special needs parent, when I think of the future it scares me. Parents of kids on the spectrum often wonder what will happen to their children and fear what transition into adulthood will look like. In Episode 83, we interview Carrie Cariello. Carrie is a mother of five and her son Jack is on the autism spectrum. He recently graduated and is now thriving as an adult. Being a few steps ahead of many of us on this autism journey, Carrie shares her wisdom on how to navigate this difficult transition. You won’t want to miss this episode! Carrie is the author of 3 books on parenting. Her latest is, “Half My Sky: Autism, Marriage, and the Messiness That is Building a Family.” Learn more at www.carriecariello.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

In 2012, our daughter received a diagnosis of “classic” autism. We had no idea what that meant. But a year later, the DSM 5—which is the “rulebook” used for diagnosing mental conditions—was published, creating what we know as the autism spectrum and different levels of need. If your child is diagnosed with autism, they will now be categorized as a Level 1, 2, or 3 based upon the amount of support they will need. In Episode 82, I invite my friend and fellow autism mom, Kelly Werwie, to join me as we discuss the different levels on the autism spectrum and the unique parenting challenges each level presents.Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Vacations are supposed to be a time to unplug, a time to laugh, and a time to enjoy just being with family. But as special needs parents, traveling and vacations can be extremely stressful—to the point you need a vacation AFTER your vacation. In Episode 81, we talk about our family’s cross-country RV roadtrip, sharing different tips and tricks we’re implementing as we attempt to travel with our kids on the spectrum for 31 days!Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Life with autism can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride. The ups and down, twists and turns can often make our heads spin and our hearts sick.In Episode 80, Jessica shares openly about this past week and our struggles with our daughter Mara. Reflecting on a week full of highs and lows, we are reminded how quickly a good day can transition into a bad one. Jessica encourage listeners to remember that life is a paradox: it’s beautiful and terrible all at the same time, but God promises to walk with us through our valleys. Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org