270. When There is No Pause Button: Riding Out the Storm
May 14, 2026Parenting an autistic child often feels like navigating a storm without a pause button. You may find yourself overwhelmed, trying to manage behaviors that seem chaotic and unpredictable. This episode is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about the reality of severe dysregulation in autism parenting.
What happens when your child is completely overwhelmed, sensory-seeking, impulsive, and seemingly thriving in the chaos… while you’re standing there exhausted, overstimulated, and barely holding it together?
In this episode, Shannon opens up about those intense moments so many autism moms experience but rarely talk about out loud:
• the constant movement
• the climbing, crashing, dumping, smearing, and sensory-seeking
• the unpredictability
• the hypervigilance
• and the emotional exhaustion of always feeling “on”
Inspired by a powerful post from a friend and fellow autism mom, Ashley at Raising Brantley, Shannon dives deep into the complicated reality of loving your child deeply while also struggling through moments that feel relentless and overwhelming.
Shannon also shares personal stories about raising her son Jordan through these exact kinds of seasons—and how unexpectedly, getting a new puppy named Juno recently brought some of those memories rushing right back. 😅
Inside this episode, we discuss:
✔️ Why dysregulation can actually feel GOOD to some autistic children
✔️ The difference between happiness and regulation
✔️ Why parents and children can experience the same moment in completely different ways
✔️ What sensory overload and nervous system dysregulation can look like in real life
✔️ Practical ways to support yourself during chaotic moments without guilt or unrealistic expectations
✔️ Why autism moms often stay stuck in survival mode for years
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are NOT failing in these moments.
You are parenting through something incredibly hard in real time. And you are not alone.
🎧 Please 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 and please share it with another autism mom who needs to hear it.
Additional Resources: 💙 Looking for deeper support, coaching, and connection with moms who truly understand this life? Visit Not Your Average Autism Mom to check out all the ways we can help you.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like your mind won’t shut off — this workshop was created with you in mind. The Stepping Out of Survival Mode RESET Workshop is a coaching experience designed for moms raising autistic children who feel like their nervous system is always "on."
No pressure, just something to explore if you need it.
Join The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement FB group.
If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at info@notyouraverageautismmom.com
