Moms Talk Autism Podcast

In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between inclusion and true belonging — and why they’re not always the same. We talk about the pressure to include at all costs, the reality of navigating social situations with our kids, and why sometimes thoughtful exclusion is actually protective, not harmful.

We also get honest about autonomy, regulation, and the constant trial-and-error of finding what actually works as our kids grow. This conversation is about making intentional choices, building real community, and giving yourself permission to reevaluate along the way — because belonging should feel safe, not forced.

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In this episode, we sit down with school principal and autism grandma, Jennifer Kaufman, to talk about what it’s really like when your grandchild is diagnosed — and how that shifts expectations, roles, and relationships overnight.

We talk about:

The emotional pivot from “traditional grandparent” to active support system

How to give (and receive) advice without blowing up family dynamics

The awkward-but-necessary financial conversations

Why empathy matters so much in schools — and what educators need to understand

Water safety and why it cannot be an afterthought

The pressure grandparents sometimes feel to “fix” things

And the reminder that parenting (and grandparenting) is not a competition

This conversation is honest about the tension that can show up in families — especially when everyone loves the child but doesn’t always agree on how to help.
Whether you’re a grandparent trying to support your family, or a parent trying to figure out how to include extended family in your child’s autism journey, this episode gives practical insight and a whole lot of grace.

Because it truly takes a village — but villages need communication.

Want to watch our recordings? Join us on Patreon:

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Today we’re talking about the overwhelm cycle — how it starts, why it keeps looping, and what it actually looks like when you’re parenting neurodivergent kids, juggling puberty, appointments, social stuff, marriage, work, hormones, and your own identity.

We also talk about what disrupting the overwhelm cycle actually means. Not eliminating stress. Not becoming a zen monk. But noticing the pattern and interrupting it before it takes you out.

Because overwhelm isn’t just about too much on your plate.
It’s about carrying too much alone.

If you’re tired, stretched thin, and wondering how to stop living in reaction mode — you’re not crazy. You’re probably just stuck in the cycle.

Let’s disrupt it.

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Greer grew up in the US but moved across the pond to build her family and life abroad. Two kids and a lot of doctor and therapy appointments later, Greer has become a leading voice for autism advocacy and glimpses into neurodivergent life while living in England. We talk about the diagnosis process, what schools and therapies are and are not providing for her family, and what she is doing to change things for the better. Greer has her own podcast with a similar vibe and feel to ours. Check out the links below and listen to The Unfinished Idea.

The Unfinished Idea Podcast

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Want to get a hold of us? Email Moms Talk Autism: [email protected]

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Updates from the hosts, our thoughts on how 2026 is going (not great, thanks so much), and our first MTA Book Club selection. Come read with us and let us know what you think. Also, we talk about our latch key childhoods, L.A. Gear light up shoes, and how Tetris made us who we are today. Good times.

 

Wintering by Katherine May

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

MTA Book Club: The Healing Power of Resilience by Tara Narula

Want to watch our recordings? Join us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/MomsTalkAutism

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