Best Lisa Candera Podcasts (2025)

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198 | the role of parents as co-regulators for autistic children with Lisa Candera 54:01

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15d ago54:01

54:01

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of supporting parents in the autistic journey. Joined by Lisa Candera, a single mom and coach for parents of autistic children, they discuss the role of parents as primary co-regulators for their children as well as strategies for staying regulated, bui…

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186: Savoring the Good for Autism Parents 16:37

2h ago16:37

16:37

Every November, we hear the same message: be grateful, make a list, count your blessings. But for many autism parents, gratitude lists fall flat. You already know what matters—your child, progress, small moments of peace. The problem isn’t awareness; it’s that your nervous system is still stuck in survival mod In this episode, Lisa Candera, autism …

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185: Co-Regulation 16:36

1d ago16:36

16:36

Before your autistic child can self-regulate, they co-regulate — through you. Your nervous system becomes their roadmap. Your breath, tone, and posture tell their body whether it’s safe or in danger. This is why your steadiness matters more than any script or strategy. In this episode, autism mom coach Lisa Candera breaks down the science and skill…

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199 | should my autistic child do a social skills group? 27:13

11d ago27:13

27:13

this week’s episode was inspired directly by a diagnostic feedback session inside dr. tay’s clinical practice. one parent asked a question that so many others wonder: “should i be teaching social skills to my autistic child… and if so, how?” in this episode, dr. tay breaks down why traditional social skills approaches often miss the mark, how they …

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Ep 184: Why Regulation Starts with You 17:08

22h ago17:08

17:08

You’ve heard me say it before: regulation starts with you. But what does that really mean when your child is melting down in front of you, your body tightens, your pulse spikes, and your mind goes straight to “make it stop”? This is not a mindset issue. It’s biology. Your nervous system is wired to mirror your child’s. When they escalate, your body…

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Ep 183 Mental Health and Autism: Teens and Young Adults 25:55

21d ago25:55

25:55

Lisa continues her conversation with therapist and autism mom Janeen Herskovitz about the mental-health landscape for teens and young adults with autism. They talk about anxiety, burnout, alexithymia, and how parents can balance support, boundaries, and rest—for their kids and themselves. Key Takeaways Mental-health shifts often begin earlier than …

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197 | developing impulse control in autistic children 18:22

17d ago18:22

18:22

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses impulse control for autistic children and offers proactive strategies to develop this skill without inducing shame. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of a regulated state for teaching impulse control and using fun, engaging games like Red Light, Green Light and Si…

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196 | understanding interoception and supporting body awareness in autistic kids with Kelly Mahler 48:49

16d ago48:49

48:49

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the often overlooked yet crucial concept of interoception and its importance in supporting autistic children. Joined by guest Kelly Mahler, an experienced occupational therapist specializing in this area, they dive into what interoception is, how it impacts autistic ch…

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182: Mental Health & Autism Moms 23:24

1M ago23:24

23:24

In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera sits down with therapist and Autism Blueprint host Janine Hershkowitz, LMHC for an honest conversation about the intersection of autism and maternal mental health. Janine—mom of two autistic young adults and a psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience—shares how constant stress, h…

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195 | perfectionism, over-accommodation, and finding the middle ground 40:33

1M ago40:33

40:33

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 dr. tay dives deep into perfectionism — how it shows up in autism parenting, in clinical work, and even in content creation. she shares personal reflections, a powerful story from her group therapy model, and a reminder that perfectionism can hide behind our best intentions to help. this episode explore…

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Ep 181. ABA is Not One-Size-Fits All with Alisha Watt-Simpson, LCSW, BCBA, LBA 17:46

1M ago17:46

17:46

ABA Is Not One Size Fits All Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be one of the most effective tools for helping children with autism—but it’s often misunderstood. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, host Lisa Candera talks with Alisha Simpson-Watt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analy…

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194 | embracing humanity + connection in autism with jessie caraway of the if you know one project 39:45

2M ago39:45

39:45

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay sits down with Jessie Caraway, creator of the If You Know One Project, to talk about her family’s journey, her daughter’s autism diagnosis, and how the project grew out of a desire to build community and awareness. They reflect on the long road to an autism diagnosis, reframing “high support nee…

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193 | instagram live q&a replay: autism headlines, affirming supports, + the just one thing challenge 1:16:17

2M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 this episode is a replay of my instagram live q+a, where we processed the recent press conference linking autism and tylenol. i shared reflections on research, stigma, and neurodiversity-affirming care, and answered parent questions in real time. we covered the nuance of research, medication conversatio…

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Episide 180: IEP Slay with Melissa Gagne, Esquire 16:50

2M ago16:50

16:50

Welcome to Episode 180 of The Autism Mom Coach! This week I am thrilled to bring you my conversation with Melissa Gagne — special education attorney, autism mom, former educator, and the creator of a powerful new program called IEP Slay. When I first saw Melissa sharing about IEP Slay on Instagram, I knew I had to learn more. As special needs paren…

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192 | processing the press on autism and Tylenol 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this mini, spontaneous episode, Dr. Tay addresses the recent press conference where the administration linked autism to Tylenol, causing guilt and anxiety among parents. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to process emotions, the prevalence of misinformation, and the need for compassion. Dr…

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179: Tylenol & Toughing it Out for Autism Moms 7:58

2M ago7:58

7:58

This week on The Autism Mom Coach, I’m talking about the recent announcement linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism—and the harmful recommendation for moms to “tough it out.” If you’ve ever blamed yourself for your child’s autism… If you’ve felt judged for your parenting choices… If you’re tired of hearing that moms are at fault… This episo…

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191 | navigating demands + boundaries with the 3 bucket approach 19:06

2M ago19:06

19:06

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this mini episode, Dr. Tay shares a sneak peek into a training within EVOLVE the memberhsip. Sh dives into the concept of low demand parenting, particularly for families with children who resonate with the PDA profile. Dr. Tay introduces and explains the "3 Bucket Approach" to help parents manage dem…

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Ep. 178 Sharing Your Child's Autism Diagnosis 9:00

2M ago9:00

9:00

How much of your child’s autism diagnosis do you share with other people? Some autism moms share openly on social media, while others share only when it feels necessary. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, I give you a simple 3-part framework to help you decide what feels right for you. This is a question autism parents face often: Do …

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190 | jealousy in autism parenting: why it’s normal (and what to do with it) 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist and parental coach specializing in neurodiversity affirming care, explores the concept of jealousy and why it is a valid and normal emotion. Dr. Tay discusses the importance of experiencing and processing jealousy, rather than suppressing it, and h…

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Ep. 177 Clocking the Tea 7:29

3M ago7:29

7:29

You’ve probably heard the phrase “spilling the tea” when it comes to gossip. But here’s the thing: we all have our own kind of “tea” — the stories we tell ourselves in our heads. And most of the time, those stories are stressful, judgmental, and downright exhausting. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, is a light-hearted take on what it means …

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189 | building a neuro-inclusive family through couples therapy with Dr. Ali 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay delves into the underexplored topic of couples therapy within the autism community, emphasizing its proactive rather than reactive use. Joined by Dr. Ali Perkinson, a neurodiverse couples therapist and licensed psychologist, the discussion covers how couples therapy can support …

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188 | the chaos of the new school year 26:34

3M ago26:34

26:34

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the chaos surrounding the start of a new school year, especially for families of autistic kids. Sharing insights and practical advice from her extensive experience, she addresses anticipatory anxiety, the challenges of advocating within educational systems, and the imp…

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Ep 176: Fear of What's Next 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

Episode 176: The Fear of What’s Next In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a personal update as my son turns 18 and we navigate the realities of conservatorship, independence, and what the future holds. It’s bittersweet, and it has me reflecting on the very real fears autism parents carry about what comes next for our children. To support you in this…

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187 | a membership sneak peek: neuroaffirming ways to share a diagnosis Q+A 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 this week, i’m giving you a behind-the-scenes listen into a question from inside EVOLVE the membership — my neurodiversity-affirming space for parents of autistic children. in our private weekly q&a, a parent asked how to explain their child’s autism diagnosis to other adults in a way that’s both clear …

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186 | do you really need the ADOS-2 to diagnose autism? 24:09

4M ago24:09

24:09

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay addresses a commonly asked question: Is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) necessary for an autism diagnosis? Dr. Tay explains what the ADOS-2 is, its role in autism evaluations, and clarifies that while it is a widely respected tool, it is not r…

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Ep. 175: Back to School Pep Talk 11:50

4M ago11:50

11:50

After a summer break, I’m back with a fresh perspective — and a pep talk to help you head into the new school year with more calm and confidence. Whether your summer was packed with activities or you let the schedule breathe a little, there’s value in what you did — and what you didn’t do. Resting is work, and sometimes it’s the most productive thi…

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185 | it’s ok to three-putt: golf metaphors for autism parenting 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this solo episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of perfectionism in autism parenting, sharing insights from her own journey and the experiences of parents she works with. Dr. Tay discusses the challenges of striving for perfection, the importance of being present, and the benefits of responding to …

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184 | respecting autonomy and honoring differences in autism parenting with @sprinkledspectrum 40:25

4M ago40:25

40:25

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Leila from @sprinkledspectrum to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting autistic children. Leila shares her journey of discovering her children's neurodivergence, the importance of building community, and the value of learning from autistic adults. Together, they …

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183 | holistic approaches to co-occurring health conditions in autistic individuals with Dr. Melissa Houser 44:31

4M ago44:31

44:31

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Melissa Houser, founder and executive director of All Brains Belong, to discuss co-occurring medical conditions in autistic individuals. The conversation covers Dr. Houser's personal and professional journey, the interconnected nature of conditions like hypermob…

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182 | structure seeker, autonomy craver, or shape shifter? a sneak peek into EVOLVE the membership 24:32

4M ago24:32

24:32

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay introduces the vision to provide deeper insights and support for families navigating the autism journey. Highlighting the benefits of her new membership offering, she explains how it differs from her free podcast and clinical services. Through personal reflections and practical examples, listene…

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Ep. 174: When You Are Rigid - MVP 10:08

4M ago10:08

10:08

All-or-nothing thinking, or being rigid, is generally defined by pairs of opposites. So, maybe you’re thinking of someone or something as simply good or bad, working or not working. But it can also show up as thinking there are only two choices available in a situation. And this comes up in so many areas of our lives. While cognitive rigidity is a …

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181 | seeking support and decreasing stigma around your own medication use 35:01

5M ago35:01

35:01

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay discusses the importance of parents of autistic children seeking support for themselves. She highlights the role of therapy and medication, addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding them. Dr. Tay also shares her journey in creating resources for parents. She encourages self-care, ther…

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180 | complex emotions in autism parenting: the path from grief to acceptance 52:50

5M ago52:50

52:50

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of grief that parents may experience upon learning about their child's autism diagnosis. Dr. Tay discusses the various stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and how these emotions impact the parenting journey. She emphasizes…

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MVP: Tantrums v Meltdowns 17:18

5M ago17:18

17:18

To the untrained or inexperienced eye, tantrums and meltdowns usually look very much the same. If something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, you are going to conclude it’s a duck. But when it comes to tantrums and meltdowns, this isn’t the case. Although tantrums and meltdowns may look similar, they are actually very dif…

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179 | navigating autism misdiagnosis with Dr. Marie Hooper 43:51

5M ago43:51

43:51

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Marie Hooper, a clinical psychologist (supervised practice) from Toronto, Canada. They dive into the nuances of autism diagnosis, discussing why autism is often misdiagnosed and the importance of differential diagnosis. Dr. Marie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed as…

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178 | peeling back the layers: identity and self-discovery 30:21

5M ago30:21

30:21

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this candid and vulnerable episode, Dr. Tay dives deep into the theme of identity, sharing personal insights and challenges from her own journey. She discusses the importance of showing up as one's true, authentic self, especially for parents navigating life with autism. Dr. Tay touches on the strugg…

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How to Avoid Summer Regression 13:24

5M ago13:24

13:24

You’ve heard the phrase “make the most of summer.” But for autism moms, this often translates into do more work with less support and zero downtime. In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey of how I used to treat summer like a catch-up bootcamp for my son—drills, flashcards, workbooks, and more. I explain how this approach, fueled by fear of reg…

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177 | navigating medication conversations with your autistic child: insights from Dr. Stacy Greeter 43:39

6M ago43:39

43:39

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Greeter to discuss the complexities of explaining medication to autistic children. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a neurodiversity-affirming approach, focusing on informed consent, and fostering a healthy relationship with medication. Dr. Greeter sha…

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Parenting Teens and Young Adults with Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad 40:53

6M ago40:53

40:53

In this week’s pre-Father’s Day episode, I am bringing you my conversation with Rob Gorski, otherwise known as The Autism Dad. Rob discusses his experience of navigating solo parenting three boys on the Autism spectrum. In this episode, you will learn: The biggest problems that dads of children with Autism face. Rob’s philosophy of doing your best …

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176 | understanding your inner authority: insights from human design with Rosy Crescitelli 1:04:00

6M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of inner authority from human design and its significance in enhancing parental advocacy and personal growth. Joined by Rosy Crescitelli, a human design specialist and multisensory reading expert, they explore various types of inner authorities such as sac…

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Summer Plans for an Autistic Child -- When it's Time to Pivot 9:51

6M ago9:51

9:51

In this episode, we dive into the realities of creating summer plans for an autistic child. I share a personal story about navigating summer camp schedules, extended school year (ESY) services, and the curveballs that come with being an autism mom. This story reminds us that autism parenting requires constant adjustment. And that even when things g…

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175 | how questions propel progress (and an exciting announcement!) 16:33

6M ago16:33

16:33

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of asking questions as a tool for progress, especially for parents navigating the challenges of raising an autistic child. She discusses her own journey to launch a membership for parents seeking support, inspired by a serendipitous experience with a community she belon…

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Ep. 169: Who is an Autism Expert? 8:51

6M ago8:51

8:51

In Episode 169 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and autism mom—explores the concept of expertise in autism parenting and why you are the expert on your child. Using the example of the Karen Read retrial, Lisa explains that expertise isn’t just about degrees and certifications. It’s about lived experience and pract…

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174 | masking, delayed diagnosis, and autism identification in females with Amanda Moses 1:02:51

6M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by guest Amanda Moses, a neurodivergent psychologist from Australia, who specializes in autism identification in those with complex and highly masked presentations. They discuss the differences in how autism presents in females versus males, the concept of masking, and the unique social challenges that often lead …

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Ep. 168 The Autism Meltdown Action Plan 8:02

6M ago8:02

8:02

The Meltdown Action Plan -- Download it Here: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach.com/map Autism meltdowns are intense, overwhelming, and often misunderstood—not just for the child, but for the parent as well. In Episode 168 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera shares a groundbreaking, trauma-informed tool designed specifically for autism…

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173 | overthinking, fire ants, and big decisions 30:04

7M ago30:04

30:04

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay shares personal experiences and insights about making significant life changes. She discusses the challenges and importance of trusting one's instincts, especially when overthinking sets in. Dr. Tay recounts a personal story involving a car accident and fire ants, which led her to a profound rea…

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167: When Should I Push My Child with Autism? 7:44

7M ago7:44

7:44

In Episode 167 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and solo mom to a teenager with autism—tackles one of the most emotionally loaded questions for autism parents: Should I push my child out of their comfort zone or give them more support? Using a real-life story from a coaching client, Lisa explains: ✅ Why there's no…

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172 | shining light on high support needs with Jessie Mewshaw, MS, CCC-SLP 54:00

7M ago54:00

54:00

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay chats with Jessie Mewshaw, a speech language pathologist, to discuss the often overlooked topic of medium and high support needs in autism. They dive into why this conversation is vital, sharing personal experiences and professional insights. Jessie discusses her unique journey …

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Ep. 166 Am I asking too much, or too little, from my child with autism? 8:33

7M ago8:33

8:33

In this episode, autism coach and solo parent Lisa Candera—also known as The Autism Mom Coach—breaks down a question nearly every autism parent wrestles with: Am I expecting too much or not enough from my child with autism? Through a real-life story from one of her private coaching clients, Lisa illustrates the emotional push-pull autism moms face …

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171 | embracing uncertainty in this season: personal reflections and parenting applications 48:56

7M ago48:56

48:56

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay addresses the current uncertainties of the autism space and how it applies to clinical practice, her personal business, and your parenting journey. She provides an honest reflection on the challenges of navigating unknowns, both personally and within the context of autism care. …