On this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona sits down with Dr. Theresa Lyons—a Yale-educated scientist and founder of Navigating AWEtism—to talk candidly about raising a child with autism while navigating the complex medical system. From decoding the autism diagnosis process to building the right healthcare team, Dr. Lyons shares practical guidance, research-backed insights, and a message of real hope for families doing it all. A must-listen for parents balancing special-needs parenting and elder care.

00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide
00:45 Meet Dr. Theresa Lyons: A Yale-Trained Scientist and Autism Advocate
01:40 Dr. Lyons' Personal Journey with Autism
02:41 Navigating the Emotional and Scientific Challenges of Autism
06:43 Building the Right Healthcare Team
09:29 Conventional vs. Functional Medicine
14:25 Scientific Insights and Hopeful Research
23:05 Balancing Care for Children with Autism and Aging Parents
25:01 The Importance of Self-Care and Delegation
28:12 Celebrating Small Victories and Building Support Systems
29:39 Conclusion and Resources

For more information on Navigating AWEtism, visit their website at https://awetism.net/
Subscribe to Navigating AWEtism’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingawetism
Follow Navigating AWEtism on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigating_awetism/

Follow Dr. Lyons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphd/
Purchase The Lyons Report 2020: https://www.amazon.com/Lyons-Report-2020-Functional-Medicine/dp/1734358203