258. The Loneliest Seat in the Room: When You're the Only One Who Sees the Struggle

Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or even a family gathering and thought… You’re not seeing what I’m seeing?

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola talks about what it feels like to be the only one who sees your child’s struggle — the masking, the shutdowns, the after-school crashes, the 2 a.m. anxiety spirals — while everyone else says, “They seem fine to me.”

You’ll learn:

• Why “fine” doesn’t always mean regulated

• What silent dysregulation can look like

• How subtle dismissal can start to make you question yourself

• How to trust your intuition without becoming defensive

• Practical strategies for advocating calmly and effectively

• Why does regulating yourself first change everything

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, minimized, or alone in your advocacy, this episode will remind you that you are not overreacting — you are paying attention.

If you’re exhausted from sitting in that “loneliest seat,” check out Shannon’s RESET Workshop — designed to help you calm your nervous system, clear the mental noise, and advocate with clarity instead of frustration.
👉Click HERE for Details

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P.S.- Feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change? When you're ready to take control and see different results, check out our Not Your Average Autism Mom private membership.

Additional Resources:

Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement⁠⁠⁠⁠ group on FB

If there is a specific topic that you would like us totalk about on the podcast, email us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episodes referenced in this episode:  

256. ⁠The Long Game of Advocacy and How to Keep Going

153. ⁠Calm Kids, Happy Homes: Mastering After School Transitions

Have you listened to these episodes yet?  

222. ⁠Locked Pantries and Naked Kids; Autism Parenting Chronicles⁠

223. ⁠What to do When They Say No (Special Education Edition)⁠