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Moms Talk Autism Podcast
Moms Talk Autism Podcast
Author: Shannon Korza, Brittney Crabtree, Tash Dillmon, and Jean Mayer
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© 2021
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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
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
234 Episodes
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In this episode, we’re sharing our go-to gift ideas—practical, cozy, creative, and a little unexpected. From the comfort items we swear by to the surprisingly life-saving stuff (yes, even blue tape), we talk about why the best gifts don’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s the simple, everyday things that bring the most joy, especially in our world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, we share the practical, annoying, random, and downright hilarious things we never expected to be grateful for as autism parents. From the little lifesavers that get us through the day to the weird wins only our community understands, we read your submissions and add a few of our own. It’s light, relatable, and a reminder that sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, Tash and Shannon chat with Brenda Kennedy and Amanda Harpell-Franz from Canine Companions about the incredible impact of service dogs on families. Brenda shares how these dogs are trained and matched with their handlers, while Amanda opens up about her son Evan’s life-changing bond with his dog, Calvin. Together, they explore how service dogs reduce anxiety, build confidence, and strengthen family connections—along with the harder moments, like saying goodbye when it’s time to retire a beloved companion. It’s a heartfelt look at love, healing, and the unbreakable bond between kids and their dogs.
Learn more at canine.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Rita Miceli shares her powerful journey as a mom raising her autistic son, Giaci. From early diagnosis to navigating therapies and fostering independence, Rita opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. She talks about the importance of family support, resilience, and celebrating small victories, offering encouragement and real advice for parents at every stage of the autism journey.
Follow Giaci and Rita’s story on TikTok and Instagram.
Email us at: hello@momstalkautism.com
Want to watch us on video with extra content and no ads? Join us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/MomsTalkAutism Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dad and author, Daryl Potter, joins us today as we talk about the ups and downs of caregiving for adult children with disabilities and complex medical conditions. As you can imagine, grief is a recurring theme, and finding joy in everyday life amidst the stress and strain of extreme caregiving is always the goal. No one signs up for this, so now what do we do about it? Real, honest, raw, heartfelt moments with our guest today, we are so honored to chat with him and bring a small part of Daryl’s story to you.
Daryl’s website and books: https://www.darylpotter.com/
Email: hello@momstalkautism.com
Want to watch us on video with extra content and no ads? Join us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/MomsTalkAutism
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Holidays with neurodivergent kids can feel like a game of “expectation whack-a-mole” — plans change, sensory overload hits, and suddenly we’re rethinking everything from costumes to candy routes. In this episode, we talk about how our priorities as parents shift, why simple traditions often mean the most, and how to give ourselves some freaking grace.
Whether you’re dealing with surprise weather, overstimulation, or That Relative with big opinions — we’ve got you. Let’s find joy in the chaos and celebrate in ways that actually work for our families. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
MTA is honored to have Dr. Daniela Owen and Jake Loupe on to talk about parenting neurodiversity and the importance of community support. Dr. Owen is a clinical psychologist and author aimed at helping kids understand their emotions. Jake shares his journey as a father to his neurodiverse son. Together, they host a podcast all about parenting and caregiving for all kids, regardless of diagnosis. In this episode, we cover the importance of inclusive environments, coping skills, empowering parents, and navigating mental health for both parents and children.
Dr. Owen and Jake have a wonderful podcast. Check out The Parenting Puzzle with Dr. Daniela Owen to hear more from them and our guest appearance on their show!
The Parenting Puzzle
Dr. Owen’s Website
Want to reach the MTA team? Email us at hello@momstalkautism.com
Want to see ad-free videos of our recordings and BONUS content? Subscribe to our Patreon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Back home from Galveston... Today, we are talking about the re-entry process, sixth-grade science camp, and periods... oh my! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This one’s full of feel-good vibes! Tash and Shannon sit down with Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, a nonprofit that partners with professional artists and organizations to give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the spotlight they deserve—literally! From leading roles in integrated performances to the magic that happens when inclusion meets creativity, this conversation will leave you inspired and smiling.
PS - she also wrote an amazing book for kids in her spare time!
You can find Melissa/Backlight Productions here:
https://www.instagram.com/backlightproductions/
https://backlightproductions.org/about-us/
https://www.instagram.com/fofcbooks/
https://www.friendsoffranklincounty.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, JJ McLeod shares her journey as a special education teacher and mom to her son Milo, who was diagnosed with autism. She opens up about the shock of diagnosis, the challenges of navigating both autism and other health needs, and the stigma families often face. Through her story, JJ reminds us of the resilience it takes to parent neurodivergent kids—and the power of community and compassion along the way.
autismembrace.com
Instagram: autismembrace Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today Emily Zavala returns to share her journey of navigating autism care for her son, Justin. From the struggle of finding the right group home, to the heartbreak of rejection, to the relief of finally discovering Hope House—Emily opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy and caregiving.
She reflects on the resilience it takes, the community that makes it possible, and the positive changes Justin has experienced since his move. This is a story of hope, connection, and the power of not giving up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We’re talking about the “Autism Tax”—not a bill from the IRS, but the hidden costs families like ours face every day. From therapies and medical expenses to careers put on hold and time stretched thin, this invisible weight is heavy.
In this episode, we share our own stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to carry it all. Because while the “tax” is real, so is the strength of our community.
Want to share your Autism or Disability Tax story? Email us at hello@momstalkautism.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, Shannon and Jean sit down with Dr. David Amaral and Carolyn Komich from Autism BrainNet to talk about a topic that’s not always easy, but so important—brain donation for autism research.
Dr. Amaral shares the emotional side of this conversation, why understanding autism at a deeper level matters, and how families can play a role in shaping the future of research. Carolyn walks us through what Autism BrainNet is doing to increase awareness and support families who want to learn more.
It’s a tender but powerful conversation that shines a light on the importance of research and the people behind it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Explicit Episode Alert
Fellow caregiver and mom, Inga Krevatas, shares the story of her twin girls’ diagnoses, over twenty years ago. Since then, Inga has built a community around her and her family and is now able to use her experiences to work with and advocate for others in her community. Look around, do the research, use what’s available right now. If that doesn’t fit or you outgrow the services offered, it’s time to start building! You want a well-rounded life for you and your children? Go get it!
Contact Inga- inga@osaspecialneedsconsulting.com
Contact Moms Talk Autism- hello@momstalkautism.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hey friend… let’s be real for a sec. When someone asks, “How are you?” as a special needs parent or caregiver… do you ever just freeze?
It’s not that we don’t know how we feel—it’s that the answer is complicated. Some days it’s pride and joy, other days it’s exhaustion and overwhelm. And layered in there is the constant tug-of-war: do I open up and be honest, or keep it short to protect my family (and maybe myself)? Do I share because I need support, or hold back because I don’t want pity?
In this episode, we unpack that tricky little question and all the emotions behind it. And we want to hear from YOU. How do you navigate those moments? Send us your stories at hello@momstalkautism.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today we sit down with Lia McCabe, host of the Embracing Autism Podcast. Lia shares her personal journey as an autistic parent raising neurodivergent children, her advocacy work through Autism Wish, and the importance of education and empathy in understanding autism.
Lia McCabe: Host of the Embracing Autism Podcast and founder of Autism Wish.
Website: www.AutismWish.org
Patreon: patreon.com/AutismWish Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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 hard-earned wisdom will leave you feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a little less alone in your own parenting journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been walking this path for a while, this is one of those episodes that reminds you—we’re all in this together.
You can find Allison here:
www.instagram.com/theincrementalshift
www.theincrementalshift.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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—plenty of grace. Tune in as we laugh, vent, and figure it out together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.








