Ever feel like your social life disappeared the moment you became an autism parent? You’re not alone — and you’re not a bad friend. In this episode, we get real about the hidden struggles no one talks about: canceled plans, isolation, misunderstood boundaries, and the guilt that tags along. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to “just hang out” anymore, this one’s for you. Listen now to feel seen — and maybe even a little less alone.

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Ever feel like your brain is in a constant tug-of-war between hyper-focus and forgetfulness, social burnout and impulsivity? You’re not alone! As a family with three AuDHD-ers ourselves, this conversation with renowned AuDHD author Sarah Hendrickx hits close to home. We define 'AuDHD' and dive into the daily challenges, unexpected strengths, and the unique ways we navigate a world that wasn’t built for our neurotype. From executive dysfunction to sensory chaos, we’re getting real about what it means to live with both autism and ADHD. If you’ve ever felt you or child have been misunderstood, this one’s for you!

Website: www.asperger-training.com

It’s Autism Acceptance Month! While we’re celebrating our kids’ progress, we’re also facing new uncertainties—our newest member of the family is showing some early signs of autism, but is it too soon to tell? In this episode, we share our journey of balancing optimism with caution, the emotional side of watching for signs, and what autism acceptance means beyond critical awareness.

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Struggling to co-parent an autistic child? Family law expert Sara Donohue shares powerful tips on managing custody schedules, handling sensory needs, and improving communication – even in high-conflict situations. Learn how to create a stable, low-stress co-parenting dynamic that works for your child. Don’t miss these expert-backed strategies!

Find Sara at Stein Sperling:

Facebook @steinsperling

Instagram @stein_sperling

Website: www.steinsperling.com

Teaching self-advocacy to autistic kids can feel impossible—but it doesn’t have to be! We’re breaking down why it’s so hard and sharing practical tips to help your child express their needs, no matter how they communicate. You don’t want to miss this!

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What if you had a secret weapon to protect your autistic child—both online and in the real world? This cutting-edge device is helping families stop wandering, detect online threats, and provide real-time safety like never before.

In this exclusive early-access episode of Embracing Autism IRL, I sit down with Katey McPherson from Bark Technologies to uncover how this breakthrough technology is changing the game for autism families.

🎧 Watch it FIRST before anyone else, only on Patreon!

💙 Get your Bark Watch & support AutismWish: https://bit.ly/bark4autism

📢 Sponsored by Bark Technologies, LLC

In today’s episode, we’re exploring a game-changing topic—Artificial Intelligence. Could AI be the next big breakthrough for the autism community, or does it come with hidden risks? We’re diving into how AI could revolutionize communication, learning, and daily living, while also uncovering potential concerns about privacy, bias, and dependency. You won’t want to miss this balanced look at the promise and pitfalls of AI!

Unlock members only perks while supporting our mission, Become a Member today: patreon.com/autismwish

What if virtual reality (VR) could help neurodivergent individuals build real-world social skills? In this episode of Embracing Autism IRL, I sit down with Jenifer Shahin, a behavioral therapist and former film producer who has spent over 20 years helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. Having overcome her own learning differences, Jenifer has discovered the power of creativity and technology in transforming social learning. Now, through SocialWise VR, she’s using cutting-edge virtual reality to create a safe, immersive space where individuals can practice and master essential social interactions. Could this be the future of social skills training? Tune in to find out!

Website: www.socialwisevr.com

Facebook & Instagram: @socialwisevr

This episode is sponsored by SocialWise VR.