Hi my friends, I'm Shannon.
I am 55 and MOM to two incredible young adults. I am a Special Education Advocate, and Master Certified Life and Parent Coach, exclusively supporting moms of autistic children.
My son Jordan, diagnosed with autism at five and now 28, is my inspiration and the reason I do what I do.
My daughter, Maddie, 25, graduated college in 2021 with a Major in Communications and a double Minor in Sports & Business, and now serves as an Assistant Director of Athletics at her alma mater.
Being their MOM is my greatest blessing.
Dave - The Final Piece of Our Family Puzzle
Dave is my forever person. You will hear many stories about our adventures in the Membership and on our NYAAM Podcast.
When Dave came into our lives, he knew nothing about autism. He learned along the way and faced every challenge without hesitation. His unwavering commitment means everything to me.
He chose us, and together we are a family.
At 3, Jordan was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, and by 5, he received an autism diagnosis.
He never met his developmental milestones.
I vividly remember the shock of hearing "kids like him" and learning he couldn't be in a mainstream kindergarten class or ride the same bus as other kids in our neighborhood. The call about him not staying in his seat, taking his clothes off, and needing a harness on the "special bus" was heart-wrenching.
During those moments, I felt incredibly sad, alone and scared. It was all so overwhelming, especially since no one I knew had a child with autism.
I had no idea where to turn.
I never focused on why Jordan had autism but instead on making his life the best it could be. We don't engage in the how or why of autism here.
After Jordan's diagnosis, his father and I divorced—a common outcome for parents of children on the spectrum. Despite the tough years that followed, I dedicated myself to being the best single mother. We co-parented, but the kids always lived with me.
I became an Educational Advocate and a Certified Life and Parent Coach and spent ten years building an Advocacy company and working with the most amazing families and Advocates.
Jordan faced significant social and behavioral challenges, yet he had an excellent team and teachers and graduated with a special Diploma in 2015.
In 2016, we moved from Florida to North Georgia when Maddie went to college. Jordan now attends a Day Program for Adults with Different Abilities, where he continues to make remarkable progress with the support of an amazing staff.
Support for Your Journey
There are many therapies and services available for your child, and you will find those.
But this, this is for YOU!
I am a Coach and Mentor, not a therapist. As a coach, I help you see what you can't and break through perceived obstacles. As a mentor, I "walk the walk."
I've been where you are, raising an AMAZING autistic son. Now, I coach a community of INCREDIBLE women on the same journey.
Becoming Not Your Average Autism Mom is the support you need for your mental well-being to avoid becoming a caregiver in crisis. I don't ever want you to find yourself in that place and it happens.
- Community and Support: Imagine knowing you aren't alone, gaining strength and wisdom from other moms, and building lasting relationships and lifelong friendships.
- Shared Experiences: Whether you're new to autism or have been navigating it for years, you are not alone. You've found us and we are here for you!
You won't just feel welcome here; you will feel wanted. We show up on good days and not-so-good days, but we are all in, and we are "better together".