Title:

Parenting Autism with Alyssa Roberts

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with his wife, Alyssa Roberts, a licensed professional counselor, to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Drawing from their own family’s journey with their daughter Ella, they open up about the emotional process surrounding diagnosis, the lifelong role of caregiving, and the spiritual perspective that sustains them along the way. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend of a family affected by disability, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What parents often experience during the pre-diagnosis and diagnosis stages of autism
• How feelings of grief and relief can coexist when receiving a diagnosis
• Why shame and stigma can affect parents of children with disabilities—and how to overcome them
• How puberty, social development, and jobs present unique challenges for children on the spectrum
• Ways churches and communities can better support families affected by disability
• The importance of viewing disability through a gospel-centered lens of dignity and eternal hope
• Practical encouragement for parents to find community and remember that they’re not alone

Key Quotes:

“Parenting autism really came out of my passion for parents and caregivers not to feel alone because a diagnosis can be really heavy.” — Alyssa Roberts

“It’s not grieving your child—it’s grieving the dreams you had and laying them aside for something that’s going to look different.” — Alyssa Roberts

“People want to believe that bad things can’t happen to them, so they try to find a cause. But that’s not always helpful to parents walking through disability.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“All of our children one day will stand before God—fully healed, fully able. That truth gives us hope in every season.” — Alyssa Roberts

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• Parenting Autism: Parenting Autism is an educational discussion group for parents and/or caregivers raising children on the spectrum, providing education, advocacy, and support. Join other families who are sharing the same experiences and challenges that you face every day. This group meets Wednesday evenings from 8:00 –9:00 p.m.
• CHOP Autism Research: Learn more about ongoing research and family participation opportunities at chop.edu.
• Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge: Supporting autism awareness and inclusion through community events — eaglesautismfoundation.org.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Find support groups, counseling resources, and community events at gccws.net.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.