272. Summer is Coming... And I Know You're Already Tired
May 28, 2026If you're already feeling overwhelmed thinking about summer break, you're not alone.
For many families raising autistic children, summer doesn't feel like a break at all. The routines disappear, therapies change, schedules get turned upside down, and suddenly you're trying to balance ESY, sibling dynamics, boredom, regulation, and the fear of regression—all while keeping everyone fed and functioning.
In this episode, Shannon shares practical advice, encouragement, and realistic strategies to help you navigate the summer months with a little less pressure and a lot more grace.
Whether you're worried about losing progress, creating structure, or simply surviving the next few months, this episode is your reminder that you do not have to do summer perfectly.
In This Episode:
✔️ Why summer can feel harder than the school year
✔️ The fear of regression and what parents need to know
✔️ Understanding the reality of ESY (Extended School Year)
✔️ Everyday life skills that support growth and independence
✔️ Simple ways to create predictable summer routines
✔️ How to reduce overwhelm and unrealistic expectations
✔️ Why learning doesn't stop just because school does
✔️ Finding joy in the small moments that matter most
One of the most important reminders in this episode:
"Life skills ARE learning. Communication during real life IS learning. Flexibility IS learning."
Sometimes the biggest growth happens in the everyday moments we almost overlook.
🎙️ This episode is also our final NEW episode before we begin our annual BEST OF Summer Series!
Throughout the summer, we'll be revisiting some of the most-loved and most-downloaded episodes from the past several years so you can catch up on conversations you may have missed—or hear them through a completely different lens than when they first aired.
With more than 270 episodes available, there's never been a better time to explore the podcast library.
🎧 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
🎧 Listen to the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeart Radio, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform.
📚 And a little personal update...
This summer, Shannon will be spending extra time working on her upcoming book:
Loving Through the Unexpected: Finding Strength, Surrender, and Acceptance Parenting Autistic Children
A project straight from her heart and inspired by nearly three decades of raising her son Jordan and supporting thousands of moms around the world.
