271. Planning Exit Routes Since 2001: When "Easy" Isn't Easy
May 21, 2026Why do autism moms feel exhausted before we even leave the house?
In this deeply relatable episode, Shannon talks about the invisible mental load so many autism moms carry every single day — constantly preparing for things that haven’t even happened yet.
From summer vacations and graduations to hotel stays, school transitions, family gatherings, airports, and everyday outings, autism moms often live in a state of emotional anticipation and hypervigilance that most people never see.
Because when you’ve lived through enough unpredictability, your brain starts trying to prevent every future hard moment before it even arrives.
In this episode, Shannon shares:
• Why “easy” things often don’t feel easy in autism motherhood
• The emotional exhaustion of constantly mentally preparing
• Summer stress, loss of routine, and end-of-school overwhelm
• How survival mode quietly becomes normal
• Why autism moms struggle to fully relax and stay present
• The nervous system impact of chronic anticipation
• Mindset shifts to help stop emotionally living inside tomorrow
If you’ve ever come home exhausted from an outing that technically “went fine,” this episode will make you feel deeply seen.
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.
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If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at info@notyouraverageautismmom.com
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