253. Medication Merry-Go-Round: Autism, Meds and The Hardest Decisions We Make
Jan 15, 2026Medication decisions are some of the hardest choices autism parents ever face — and they’re rarely simple. In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola takes a deep, honest dive into medication and autism, sharing both professional insight and decades of lived experience.
This episode covers:
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Why medication does not treat autism — but may help treat co-existing challenges like anxiety, impulsivity, sleep issues, and emotional dysregulation
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The emotional weight of deciding whether to medicate (and why there is no one “right” answer)
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Common medications used, what they’re often prescribed for, and why responses vary so widely
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Real-life experiences with side effects, dosage changes, tics, weight gain, and setbacks
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Why data matters — and how tracking behaviors can prevent all-or-nothing thinking
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Personal stories from Shannon’s journey with Jordan, including what helped, what didn’t, and what changed over time
This episode is compassionate, real, and judgment-free — because medication decisions are family decisions, and shame has no place here.If this episode resonated with you and you’re feeling emotionally worn down, stuck in survival mode, or unsure how to move forward with confidence, I want to personally invite you to my RESET Workshop on January 31st.
This live workshop is designed to help you pause, reset your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and learn how to navigate hard decisions without guilt or overwhelm. It’s intentionally priced at $14.95 to make support accessible — and it’s included at no charge for Not Your Average Autism Mom members.
👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/change-the-way-you-show-up-in-2026
🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a review. Your feedback supports the podcast and creates a space for other parents to find inspiration and connection.
P.S. Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our private membership. Access exclusive support, training, and resources to save you a ton of time, and a community that truly understands. Join us and discover how amazing this journey can be. https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/
Additional Resources:
Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement group on FB
If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at [email protected]
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