Dr. Christina Wilson decided to launch her business and podcast, Thriving Moms of Autistics, because she knows that moms of young autistic children are overwhelmed, under supported and deserve more allies. Now, well into her own journey with her autistic son, Christina has a real sense of what you’re going through. In this podcast, she helps moms like you tap into your strengths, create a supportive community and set firm boundaries. Experts and parents of autistics will also be interviewed ...
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Welcome moms! How are you? No, how are you really? When was the last time someone asked you that? I am not talking about meaningless pleasantries. I mean asking you because they really want to know and hear the answer. Moms get super enmeshed in caring for their child and often neglect themselves in the process. It’s very common! In this episode, w…
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Welcome moms! I'm passionate about supporting fellow moms in becoming their best selves. As I wrap up the final lesson for the upcoming Thrive course—focused on using our strengths to navigate the unique challenges of raising an autistic child—I'm reminded of the power inherent in our strengths. I truly believe that our strengths hold the key to pr…
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3 Strategies Moms of Autistics Can Use to Manage Big Emotions Related to Changes in Their Support System
11:44
Hi Moms! Life is ever changing. We go through seasons as we raise our children. Some seasons are better than others. The same goes with our community. People come and go, which causes anxiety for autism moms. However, so many moms are completely isolated. I recall being isolated before I built my supportive community. I had convinced myself I could…
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3 Tips That Will Transform a Mom’s Journey When Dealing with the Heaviness of Negative People Who Don’t Get Autism
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Hi Moms! Raising an autistic child can feel like a roller coaster at times. Typical challenges occur when you try to help your child adjust to transitions or unexpected situations that come up. But they also occur when you encounter others who are clueless about autism. That is never easy, especially when they are resistant to understanding your da…
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Season 2 Spotlight Meltdowns and Milestones: Changing the Outcome with Your Strengths as an Autism Mom
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Hi Moms! Raise your hand if you have ever experienced your child having a meltdown? Don’t be shy! It happens to all of us whether we are in the car, at home, at the store… It happens! It’s just a part of it. Have there been times when you thought, “I could have handled that better!” Of course! You are not alone. No worries because there will be man…
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Calming the Waves of Autism with 3 Quick Tips for Mastering Boundaries for Stress-Free Living
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Hi Moms! There will always be others who either do not understand autism because they lack experience or are not willing to learn. Human nature supports that this will always be an issue. It can push our buttons and cause our children distress. In this episode, I will share some practical self-care tips for you, as well as effective strategies for …
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Hi Moms! We live in a problem oriented society where people tend to focus on the negative. It makes it hard for us to grow as individuals. One of the things I love about positive psychology is that we don’t focus on what is wrong with us but use what is right to get through challenges. What autism mom doesn’t want to know a potential game changer w…
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Hi Moms! I’m developing my new course right now that will be coming out this Fall 2024. So, that’s just around the corner. The past couple of weeks, I have been working on the self-care and setting boundaries modules. Wouldn’t you know that many incidents have popped up related to setting firm boundaries. I wondered if this is more common than I th…
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4 Steps for Breaking the Chains of Negative Thinking and Restoring Your Well-Being as an Autism Mom
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Hi Moms! I was in bed trying to fall asleep one night last week and was having a really hard time. I felt so unsettled. In this episode, we dive into just how common this is for moms raising autistics, why it happens, what triggers it, and tips to shut it down and take back your control. Find the full transcript for this episode at https://thriving…
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Hi Moms! Raising a child on the spectrum keeps us busy while adding bumps in our autism journey along the way. It is natural to experience shifts in your mindset that leaves you feeling discouraged. Our children don’t just check off the milestone boxes. They keep us on our toes and sometimes revisit old behaviors and challenges. Other times, they k…
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An Autism Moms Journey is Ever Changing Hi there, it's Christina. I hope you are having a wonderful week. We're going to do things a little differently this week. So I thought that we would just spend some really organic time together where I'm just going to be vulnerable and just share some things with you, because I think it's good for everyone t…
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Hi Moms! Who are you surrounded by in your journey? Are you alone when it comes to support? Or do you have a small number of people around you who understand autism and support you? You might have a mix of people who get autism with those who don’t. Regardless of where you are in your journey, you won’t want to miss this. In this episode, we dive i…
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Hi Moms! As moms, we are all different. We have different beliefs, different personalities, and different situations. Our kids are the same way. They experience unique challenges that each face differently based on their sensory experiences. With that said, moms share a multitude of things and the impact it has on their well-being. My son went thro…
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Hi Moms! Facing the unique challenges of raising an autistic can feel very heavy. If I said that there are ways to lighten your load, would you jump on it? You might not believe it is even possible. But I know it is because I have experienced it myself. There is also years of research that supports it. In this episode, I share our common experience…
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Hi Moms! Welcome to a space created for moms like you with children on the spectrum. It’s a place to feel understood and know you are not alone. In this episode, I explore a topic that all moms know all too well at least on some level. It is a hard, yet very important topic. I am talking about lacking a supportive environment or community. Find the…
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Unlock Your Potential as a Mom of an Autistic: The #1 Solution for Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
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Hi Moms! Are you feeling held back as a mom and drowning in your own stress? What if I told you that you have the power within you to elicit change. Yes, you! Even with all your stressors and challenges as a mom of an autistic, you can make things happen. In this episode, I explore what holds you back and keeps you stuck in the continual cycle of s…
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Building Innate Strengths Can Bridge the Gap and Help Autism Moms Build Their Supportive Community and Thrive
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Hi Moms! Did you know that there is something special within you? Yes! There is! It is hard to see it sometimes because raising an autistic child keeps you busy. You might miss the very thing I am talking about! When I meet other moms raising autistic children, it’s like the angels are singing above. I have found another human being, who gets it. I…
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Hi Moms! I am willing to bet that every mom will resonate with today’s topic. No one leads a stress-free life. This is especially true for moms of autistics. That is why this topic is essential for your well-being and longevity. Moms want to be around for their kids long term. Constant stress creates wear and tear on your body and mind. In this epi…
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Hi Moms! I am what you might call a late bloomer. I went to college and grad school then dove head first into my practice. I was married to my work for years. I have many life-long friends. Some chose to get married and have children right away. By the time I slowed down, married, and had my child, their kids were graduating from high school. I rem…
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Hi Moms! Setting boundaries can be really complicated, but they are necessary. Your mind might be flooded with past experiences of getting unsolicited advice from a well-meaning person, the stares and judgment during a meltdown in the public place, or the family member, who says, “Oh, let them” because they aren’t aware of the consequences it might…
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Keeping Calm When Things Get Crazy: How Autism Moms Can Recognize and Manage High Stress Situations
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Hi Moms! The topic today is stress. You may have heard about it. It’s a doozy! In this episode, we explore the big stress that moms of autistics experience, the importance of recognizing it, and tips for managing it. Find the full transcript for this episode at https://thrivingmomsofautistics.com/82 Please share the podcast with other moms to help …
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Hi Moms! You pour your heart and soul into raising your child, but this often leaves you running on fumes. So, it’s important to reduce your stress the best you can. Having a village to support you is one of the best ways to de-stress. Unfortunately, so many moms don’t have that. It can be overwhelming to even think about it. As moms it feels like …
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Hi Moms! I don’t think you can summarize autism parenting in just one word. It’s such a blend of amazing, challenging, and isolating. There is so much uncertainty. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. There are so many demands. It can feel overwhelming! In this episode, we explore the beauty of community and finding others who get it! …
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Unleashing Your Inner Super Power! Tips for Moms to Conquer Challenges and Grow in their Autism Journey
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Hi Moms! Let’s talk about unleashing what's good within you. Everyone has something good within them. Many aren’t always aware of it, especially when things have gone so wrong and are so hard. Sometimes we just feel so defeated that we can’t fathom having such power within ourselves. Our mindset is a big part of that, but that is another episode. I…
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Episode Transcript Hi Moms! Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of moms that they have felt so unsettled lately. They’ve expressed ongoing anxiety or a sense of doom. I get it. I’ve had these same feelings. As moms of autistics, we work extra hard to protect our children from the unique challenges they face on top of typical child-related challeng…
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Hi Moms! One of the many things we have in common are meltdowns. Even the mention of meltdowns likely elicits some physical or emotional response. I get it! In this episode, we come together in solidarity to explore ways to navigate meltdowns to achieve success in our autism journey. Find the full transcript for this episode at https://thrivingmoms…
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Hi Moms! Are you tired? Feeling like you are drowning? I get it! Are there things you can do to tackle this problem? Of course, there are! But it’s not that easy, right? In this episode, we break down some of those barriers to getting your needs met and still take care of the needs of your child. That’s right! You can do both! Find the full transcr…
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Hi Moms! Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs there is. All moms have similar challenges along the way, but raising an autistic involves another level of need that others don’t always understand. When this happens, moms don’t feel supported and understood. In this episode, I explore the common pressures moms experience that impact their own …
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Hi Moms! Are you feeling run down? Like you don’t have much more to give? We’ve all been there. The good news is that you don’t have to stay there. In this episode, I explore how to recognize when you are nearing that place where you get bogged down in that dark hole of chaos and exhaustion, and tips to move out of that very place. Find the full tr…
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Hi Moms! Imagine your favorite ride at an amusement park. It’s exciting but at times a little overwhelming and unpredictable. Raising an autistic child has a variety of experiences…much like an amusement park ride. Sometimes you are riding high on the joys of motherhood and milestones you weren’t sure would happen. And other times you want to duck …
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Hi Moms! I have yet to meet an autism mom that hasn’t struggled with feeling isolated. In this episode, we will dive deeper into the common challenges of finding others who get autism or those who are willing to learn and offer support. Our well-being takes a hit because we weren’t meant to tackle life’s challenges alone. Find the full transcript f…
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Hi Moms! I’m channeling the Golden Girls today. Picture it! Indiana 2024… Your son has a meltdown after finding out his favorite McDonalds is shut down for remodeling and he can’t get their chicken nuggets and fries. Yes, we all have the stories of meltdowns and disarray. In this episode, I share how to deal with the fallout of unexpected meltdowns…
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Hi Moms! Welcome to a space created for moms like you with children on the spectrum. It’s a place to feel understood and know you are not alone. In this episode, I explore a topic that all moms know all too well at least on some level. It is a hard, yet very important topic. I am talking about lacking a supportive environment or community. Find the…
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continue reading
Hi Moms! Raise your hand if you have ever experienced your child having a meltdown? Don’t be shy! It happens to all of us whether we are in the car, at home, at the store… It happens! It’s just a part of it. Have there been times when you thought, “I could have handled that better!” Of course! You are not alone. No worries because there will be man…
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continue reading
Hi Moms! As moms of autistics, we pour so much into our child and sometimes forget about our own well-being. It’s important to prioritize ourselves too. Especially because our child is a sponge. Well-being is not a luxury. It is a necessity! In this episode, we explore why setting boundaries effectively can give you a wellness boost. Find the full …
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Hi Moms! Moms of autistics are no stranger to challenges. We face a variety of situations that range from difficult hills to overwhelming mountains. In this episode, I explore how perception impacts an autism mom’s ability to move mountains. So, buckle up moms as we break down barriers to keeping us from thriving in our autism journeys. Find the fu…
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Hi Moms! Today’s topic might feel a little uncomfortable because it is something we often feel is unobtainable. Yet, it is something we cannot be without for too long. It’s also something that moms of autistics might feel selfish about engaging in. In this episode, I explore self-care for moms of autistics. It’s not selfish. It’s essential for well…
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Hi Moms! Ready for your weekly dose of strength, support, and sunshine as you navigate your autism journey? In this episode, I explore a huge game changer in all areas of life, especially your autism journey. It’s the superpower of growth mindset. Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/65 Please share the podca…
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Hi Moms! Everyday is a good day to celebrate and empower moms of autistics. The best way to achieve this is through community. In this episode, I dive into the heart of community, why it’s important, and why moms tend to shy away from it. Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/64 Please share the podcast with o…
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Hi Moms! Every mom has a superpower! Actually, they have more than one. Do you know yours? Once you identify your superpower strengths and grow them, you are unstoppable. In this episode, I dive deeper into the strength of perseverance and how it can be used to thrive in your autism journey. Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thriving…
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Unwavering Strength: The Resilience and Empowerment of Autism Moms Using Their Innate Strengths
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Hi Moms! Moms of autistics deal with challenges more consistently given their child’s needs. There are ups and downs in the journey requiring moms to shift focus quickly when needed. The holidays are especially stressful. What stressors have you been confronted with in the last week or two? Stop and imagine what it might look like to experience a l…
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Hi Moms! Happy New Year! There were many joys and challenges in 2023. There will always be ups and downs raising an autistic. There will always be ups and downs for any human being. We celebrate things that most people take for granted. We have experiences and challenges that others do not always understand. My new year’s resolution is the same eve…
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Hi Moms! The holidays have come and gone, but the dust has yet to settle. Autistic children often take a little more time to get back into the swing of things. There are the challenges of sensory overload, schedule changes, and family gatherings. You might feel like your cup is empty and you have no more to give right about now. It’s time to fill t…
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Hi Moms! Moms of autistics deal with challenges more consistently given their child’s needs. There are ups and downs in the journey. The holidays are especially stressful. What stressors have you been confronted with in the last week or two? Stop and imagine what it might look like to experience a less bumpy journey. What would it look like to feel…
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EP 58 –From Pushover to Powerhouse: How Setting Boundaries Transformed My Life as an Autism Mom
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Hi Moms! One of the biggest challenges moms of autistics encounter is the perceptions of others. When I was trained 30 years ago, autism was understood and treated quite differently. There's no denying that research has made significant strides in understanding and diagnosing autism. We know more about its prevalence and have developed better tools…
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Hi Moms! Raising a child with autism can be an incredibly challenging yet rewarding experience. For many moms, the journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. That's why having a strong support system is crucial. A supportive community can provide the emotional support, practical advice, and resources needed to thrive as a mom of an autistic child…
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Hi Moms! Our unique strengths are the driving force for our successes. These strengths are our mom superpowers that get us through the ups and downs of raising an autistic. Are you aware of your superpowers or strengths? If you are aware, you can continue to grow your strengths. In this episode, I dive into ways to nurture your strengths to thrive …
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Hi Moms! As a mom of an autistic child, you play a crucial role in shaping your child's growth and development. Your own mindset, beliefs, and attitudes can have a profound impact on your child's perception of themselves and their abilities. Embracing a growth mindset for yourself can empower you to effectively support your child's journey and fost…
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Hey, it’s Christina! Now that we started the second year of Thriving Moms of Autistics, I wanted to offer one more popular Power Up Episode from early on in Season 1. It was a popular episode that listeners connected with that really set a foundation for supporting moms. Thank you for allowing me on your journey. Enjoy this Power Up Episode and get…
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Hi Moms! I am excited you are here as we celebrate season 2 of the Thriving Moms of Autistics Podcast. In Episode 17, I introduced the role of resiliency when tackling challenges. When I think of resiliency, I think of flexibility in hard times. This includes mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. It is tied to how we adapt to life’s challe…
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