BEST OF Summer Series βWhen Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights Into Autism Aggression
Jul 16, 2026βοΈ BEST of Summer Series
This episode is part of our BEST of Summer Series, where we're revisiting some of the most impactful, most downloaded, and most shared episodes from the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast.
Originally released as Episode 221, When Behavior Speaks: Medical Insights into Autism Aggression continues to be one of the conversations that has helped parents look beyond behavior and ask a different question:
"What if my child's behavior is trying to tell me something?"
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 often brings changes in routine, sleep schedules, travel, heat, different foods, and increased sensory demands. For many autistic children, those changes can lead to an increase in challenging behaviors—including aggression.
But what if aggression isn't simply "bad behavior"?
What if it's communication?
In this episode, Shannon explores the often-overlooked medical factors that can contribute to aggressive behavior and why it's so important to look for the why before assuming it's purely behavioral.
You'll learn:
• Why aggression is often a form of communication
• Medical issues that may contribute to challenging behaviors, including gastrointestinal concerns, hidden pain, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, and more
• Why "it's just autism" isn't always the complete answer
• How to advocate for further medical evaluation when something doesn't feel right
• Practical strategies for working with healthcare providers to uncover potential root causes
• Why understanding the "why" behind behavior changes everything
This episode is a reminder that behavior always has meaning. Sometimes the answer is behavioral. Sometimes it's medical. And sometimes it's both.
When we stay curious instead of making assumptions, we become better advocates for our children.
π 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.
π 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, learn more here:
π β https://www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/coachingresetβ
π Looking for additional support on this parenting journey none of us planned?
Visit β www.notyouraverageautismmom.comβ to find resources designed specifically for moms raising autistic children.
π§ With more than 270 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.
