Parenting Severe Autism
Parenting Severe Autism is a raw, unfiltered podcast for parents and caregivers raising children with Severe Autism. Hosted by Shannon Chamberlin - a parent, not a professional - this show is your emotional lifeline, real-talk resource, and reminder that you're not alone.
From early childhood to adulthood and beyond, Shannon shares honest stories, painful truths, small victories, and survival strategies for the families the world forgets.
Whether you're in crisis mode or just need someone who gets it, this is your space.
No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just truth, hope, and community.
Severe Autism and special needs considerations. This type of autism parenting is lifelong... it becomes adult autism parenting.
Seek caregiver support when possible.
Episodes
56 episodes
Our Son Lost Everything When He Turned 15, and No One Warned Us
Imagine waking up one morning to discover your child has lost every skill they've ever learned. This devastating experience is the reality for many parents of teens with severe autism, yet it's rarely discussed in autism resources or by medical...
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Episode 56
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34:54
Living With My Decision to Accept Help From Family
Parenting a child with severe autism often means facing challenges that remain hidden from the outside world. In this deeply personal episode, I take listeners into the harrowing reality of what happened when my nonverbal teenage son began dire...
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Episode 55
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38:30
EP.54 - The Caregiver's Dilemma: Fighting for Your Child While Fighting for Yourself
Shannon Chamberlin shares a devastating family betrayal that threatened her son's financial future and pushed her to physical and emotional breaking points, while also celebrating rare moments of communication breakthrough from her severely aut...
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Episode 54
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28:53
Navigating Teenage Severe Autism: When Everything Changes and Nothing Makes Sense
We never expect our lives to require staying in high alert mode indefinitely, but parenting a severely autistic child often demands exactly that level of vigilance and adaptability.• Experiencing the heartbreak when your child begins ha...
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28:29
The Unseen Struggles of Parenting a Child with Severe Autism
Understanding the daily battles of parenting a child with severe autism takes center stage, emphasizing emotional toll, struggles, and small triumphs. Shannon shares her journey, revealing insights and experiences that resonate deeply with list...
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Episode 52
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16:38
Adventures in Parenting a Child with Unique Communication - Severe Autism
This week's episode dives into the humorous and heartfelt moments of parenting severe autism while highlighting communication challenges within the family. We discuss the impact of outside influences, share lively anecdotes, and celebrate the s...
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Episode 51
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27:20
Navigating Parental Identity and Community Misunderstandings in Severe Autism Caregiving
This episode explores the complexities of parenting a child with severe autism, focusing on behavioral observations, shifts in household control, and the impact of communication. Throughout the conversation, the host reflects on personal experi...
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Episode 50
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31:22
Toileting and Dietary Challenges Amidst Family Clashes In Parenting Severe Autism
Our latest podcast episode takes a raw look at the joys and challenges of parenting a child with severe autism, examining the delicate balance of striving for independence while facing recurrent setbacks. We delve into personal stories that hig...
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Episode 49
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42:33
Embracing Unique Identities in Severe Autism Parenting
Heads Up! This one gets a little emotional! What if you could transform your understanding of autism and turn challenging moments into opportunities of growth? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, as I share our family's journey navigati...
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Episode 48
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24:13
Our Son's Severe Autism Test Results, Cherished Progress and Family Hurdles
This episode recounts our personal experience navigating Jacob's autism evaluation at 16 years old, detailing the process, insights, and outcomes that emerged from it. We explore key findings, discuss challenges within family dynamics, and shar...
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Episode 47
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32:06
Behaviors, Coping Strategies, Empathy, Growth and Legislation in Severe Autism Living
The episode highlights the complexities of parenting a child with severe autism, touching on legislation like the Autism Cares Act, personal experiences, and behavioral challenges faced at home. We share humorous anecdotes alongside heartrendin...
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Episode 46
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42:45
EP.45. Learning Differently: A Story of Severe Autism, Resilience, and Compassion
Our latest episode explores the transformative journey of non-schooling for kids with severe autism, emphasizing the value of nature, creativity, and family engagement in a child's learning experience. We reflect on the challenges posed by trad...
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Episode 45
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47:07
EP.44. Embracing Severe Autism's Challenges with Humor and Heart
Exploring the complexities of autism and family dynamics, this episode delves into vaccine concerns, genetic traits, communication challenges, and the necessity of parental advocacy. Listeners gain insight into the ongoing journey of understand...
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Episode 44
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49:05
EP.43. Transformative Moments in Autism Education
This episode features a heartfelt conversation with my spouse Jason as he describes being a single father of a child newly diagnosed with autism, sharing insights about the journey through diagnosis, therapy, and the advocacy needed within educ...
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Episode 43
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39:16
EP.42. Empowering Choices and Building Support: An Unconventional Journey Through Severe Autism Parenting
Imagine navigating a world where words are scarce, but choices abound. Join me on a profound journey with my son Jacob, who has severe autism, as I unravel the intricacies of parenting beyond the conventional. Discover how we respect Jacob's au...
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Episode 42
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16:57
EP.41. Navigating the Complex Terrain of Parenting: Severe Autism, Homeschooling, and Healing Journeys
Misunderstandings with family, self-harming incidents, and heartbreaking decisions mark the emotional terrain of parenting a child with severe autism. Picture a moment where miscommunication with my son’s grandmother unravels, highlighting the ...
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Episode 41
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29:42
EP.40: Balancing Challenges and Triumphs: The Journey to Advocate for Our Son
Navigating the world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both a heartwarming and harrowing journey. Join us as we recount the triumphs and trials of teaching our son, Jacob, to communicate and expand his vocabulary. While there are m...
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Episode 40
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38:05
EP.39: Navigating Holiday Joys and Challenges with Severe Autism
Is the holiday season a joyful experience for families navigating severe autism? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, in this heartfelt episode of the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast as I share our journey through seasonal traditions with our son. Thro...
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Episode 39
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35:30
EP.38: Exploring Resilience and Gratitude in Severe Autism Parenting
Navigating the intricate world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I've experienced firsthand the profound impact external factors like supermoons can have on his behavior, and the importa...
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Episode 38
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42:37
EP.37: Creative Parenting and Severe Autism Insights
After years of navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with severe autism, I've amassed a treasure trove of stories and insights that I’m excited to share with you. This episode takes you on a deeply personal journey through my life...
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Episode 37
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30:02
EP.36: A New Home and Fresh Hope
Imagine finding a hidden gem—a 50-acre sanctuary that promises tranquility and safety for a child with severe autism. That's exactly the unexpected joy we stumbled upon as we embarked on a journey to create a sensory-friendly haven for my son, ...
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Episode 36
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33:42
EP.35: New School Nightmare After Relocation, Adult Stuff is Autism Stuff
Ever wondered how a simple water balloon fight could turn into an unforgettable lesson on resilience and understanding? Join me in this heartwarming episode of the Parenting Severe Autism podcast where I share some of our family's most cherishe...
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Episode 35
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24:08
EP.34: Recounting When Autism Started To Show As Severe For Our Family
What happens when a phone conversation turns into an emotional storm? Join us as we navigate the unpredictable waters of raising a child with severe autism, sharing stories of heartache and hope, laughter and lessons. You'll hear about the time...
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Episode 34
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20:22
EP. 33: Unexpected Proposals and Parenting Challenges in Severe Autism
After an unplanned hiatus, I'm back with the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast to share insights and gratitude with you all. I've got exciting news to kick things off: our podcast has caught the attention of some key players who could really make...
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Episode 33
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36:31
EP.32: Family Dynamics and Severe Autism A Tale of Love and Patience
As the sun sets on another April, we welcome a time of acceptance that extends far beyond a single month. Imagine shifting this conversation to the heart of summer, when the world is in full bloom, or perhaps as we turn the page to a new school...
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Episode 32
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31:30