In this episode, autism coach and solo parent Lisa Candera—also known as The Autism Mom Coach—breaks down a question nearly every autism parent wrestles with:

Am I expecting too much or not enough from my child with autism?

Through a real-life story from one of her private coaching clients, Lisa illustrates the emotional push-pull autism moms face when deciding whether to stretch their child or simply let them enjoy the moment. She explores the hidden fear that often drives the urge to do more, and how that fear can overshadow meaningful progress.

Whether you’re feeling pressure to push your child, second-guessing your parenting, or simply wondering what the right amount of expectation looks like—this episode will help you slow down, reflect, and lead with confidence.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why “Am I doing too much or not enough?” is the wrong question
• How fear of falling behind drives panic parenting
• Why your child’s success doesn’t mean it’s time to push harder
• The power of parenting from curiosity instead of fear
• Why every win doesn’t need to become a stepping stone

✨ About Lisa Candera:

Lisa Candera is a solo mom, attorney, and certified life coach for autism moms. Through 1:1 coaching, she helps parents regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and support their children with clarity and confidence—even during meltdowns.

🔗 Learn More & Connect:

📅 Book a free consultation with Lisa:

https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

🌐 Website:

https://theautismmomcoach.com

🎙 Listen to the podcast:

https://theautismmomcoach.com/podcast

📸 Follow Lisa on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theautismmomcoach

In Episode 165, Lisa Canera examines "the space between" - the developmental gap parents observe between their autistic children and neurotypical peers. Drawing from her experience with her teenage son Ben and insights from her coaching practice, Lisa offers practical guidance on responding effectively when this gap becomes more apparent. She provides a balanced perspective on processing emotions rather than defaulting to additional interventions or self-blame.

• How the developmental gap can trigger stress responses in parents
• Why middle school often represents a turning point where social differences become more pronounced
• The counterproductive nature of constantly trying to "catch up" through additional therapies
• Practical strategies for pausing before making reactive decisions
• How acknowledging reality creates space for more intentional parenting choices

• Lisa discusses her son Ben's experience with social skills development as peer interactions became more complex in middle school
• A client's realization when her son's differences became apparent during a track practice that had previously been successful
• Common patterns of parental response when confronted with developmental differences

Lisa currently has two openings in her one-on-one coaching program. This opportunity includes:

• Personalized coaching tailored to your specific challenges
• Access to the group program (only available to current clients and alumni)
• Support for becoming a calm, confident parent your autistic child needs

Lisa Canera is a lawyer, certified life coach, and full-time single mother of a teenager with autism. Her evidence-based approach helps parents navigate the complexities of raising children with autism while maintaining their emotional wellbeing.

Visit theautismmomcoach.com to schedule your consultation call.

In this quick episode, I share a few thoughts on the recent autism headlines—from the latest prevalence data to RFK Jr.’s controversial comments about autism—and how these moments shine a light on the deeply different experiences within our own community.

This is not a political take. It’s a reminder that autism parenting doesn’t look the same for every family—and that true acceptance starts with making space for each other’s stories, even when they differ from our own.

🎧 Listen now.

Are you ready to get the support you need and deserve as an autism mom? Get started now, by scheduling your complimentary consultation call here:

https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me