BEST OF SUMMER Series - They're Not Ignoring You: It's A Skill Gap
Jul 30, 2026☀️ BEST of Summer Series
This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast.
Originally released as Episode 227, They're Not Ignoring You: It's a Skill Gap is one of those episodes that changes how parents see one of autism's most misunderstood challenges.
Whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a refresher, I hope this episode gives you exactly what you need today.
Summer gives us something we don't always have during the school year...
Time.
Time to slow down, connect, and intentionally build the skills our children need most.
If you've ever felt like your child ignores you, doesn't respond when you call their name, or seems completely focused on objects, screens, or their own interests, this episode is for you.
Because here's the truth:
They're not ignoring you.
They're missing a skill.
Attention to people is a foundational skill that many autistic children need to be intentionally taught. And the wonderful news is... skills can be built.
In this episode, Shannon explains why attention to people is so challenging for many autistic children and shares practical, age-specific strategies you can begin using today.
You'll learn:
• Why attention to people is a learned skill—not a behavior problem
• Why many autistic children naturally attend to objects before people
• How autism and ADHD together can make attention even more challenging
• Practical strategies for toddlers, school-age children, teens, and young adults
• Everyday ways to build connection without pressure or power struggles
• Why meeting your child where they are is always the best place to begin
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is this:
Connection comes before correction.
When we understand the "why" behind our child's behavior, we stop taking it personally and start teaching the skills they need to succeed.
🌟 Leave a Review: If this episode resonates with you, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other autism parents discover the podcast and reminds them they aren't alone.
💙 And if you feel like you're constantly holding everything together, but inside you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode… I created something specifically for you.
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."
If you're ready to move out of survival mode and start feeling more like yourself again, take a few minutes to learn more here:
👉 https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingreset
💚 Looking for coaching, practical strategies, and a community of moms who truly understand this journey?
Visit www.notyouraverageautismmom.com to learn more about our private membership.
🎧 With more than 270 podcast episodes available, summer is the perfect time to explore the podcast library and discover conversations that meet you exactly where you are today.
BEST of Summer Series Note:
This episode was originally recorded before the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast moved to video format, so it is available on audio podcast platforms only.
You can listen to this episode—and explore our library of more than 270 episodes—on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio, and wherever you enjoy podcasts.
