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

Discover how to navigate public meltdowns, reduce anxiety, and heal from the trauma of feeling constantly judged.

In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, we unpack the PTSD of being “on display” as the parent of a child with autism.

Public meltdowns can trigger deep emotional distress for both the child and the parent. Prolonged exposure to judgmental stares, unsolicited advice, and sudden confrontations often leads to anxiety, hypervigilance, and feelings of fear or helplessness. Drawing from real-life events, this episode shines a light on why these experiences stay with us, how our brains respond to perceived threats, and practical ways to build resilience for you and your child.

If you’ve ever felt criticized, misunderstood, or singled out in public while managing your child’s meltdown, this episode is for you. Gain trauma-informed insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you cope and heal. By addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of public meltdown stress, you’ll walk away feeling more equipped, supported, and empowered in your parenting journey.

• Listen now to Episode 163 of The Autism Mom Coach on your favorite podcast platform.
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with actionable advice for parenting children with autism.
• Connect on social media for more autism-friendly strategies, PTSD awareness, and mental health resources.

It’s April—Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month—and today, we’re talking about what autism acceptance really looks like in real life.

Have you ever felt like all eyes are on you when you're in public with your child? Whether it’s the school drop-off line, the grocery store, or waiting in line at Chipotle, those moments when your child’s behavior stands out can feel like you’re center stage in a performance you never auditioned for.

In this episode, I share my own experience of what it means to be on display as the parent of a child with autism—and how my mindset has shifted from shame and over-apologizing to pride and advocacy.

You’ll hear:

• Why being "on display" used to feel like failure to me
• What changed over time as I redefined what autism acceptance looks like
• The story of a school drop-off panic that left me feeling exposed and mortified
• Why I stopped apologizing for my child’s autism
• A powerful moment on an Amtrak train that reminded me what true inclusion looks like
• Three practical tips to feel more grounded when you’re “that family”

Whether your child is melting down at the playground or wearing a Paw Patrol shirt at 15, these moments are opportunities—not for hiding—but for showing up and modeling what support, advocacy, and love look like in action.

Remember: Autism acceptance starts with us.

🎧 Want support navigating these moments in real time?

Schedule your complimentary consultation here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

Have you ever had teachers insist your child is thriving at school, yet at home, they fall apart?

This episode explores autism masking—when autistic children hide their natural behaviors to appear neurotypical. Learn why masking happens, the heavy emotional and sensory toll it takes, and practical steps you can take to support your child.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What autism masking is and the reasons children engage in it, including avoiding bullying, negative consequences, and internalized shame.
• How masking can mislead educators into thinking your child doesn't need support.
• Why People Think My Child ISN’T Autistic - The Coke Bottle Effect Explained by autistic advocate Orion Kelly.
• Key signs your child might be masking, such as drastic behavioral differences between school and home, frequent bathroom breaks, increased stimming, and physical complaints.

Work with Me: If you're feeling caught between pushing your child forward and holding back to prevent overwhelm, schedule your complimentary consultation today and let's create a plan to support both you and your child effectively.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation HERE.

My blood boils every time I see it—the IEP trap. It usually shows up as a proud post from an autism parent:

“My child is doing so well that the school reduced their IEP support!”

Sounds like progress, right? Wrong.

The harsh reality is this: a child’s progress is not a reason to remove supports—it’s proof that those supports are working. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

• What the IEP trap really is.
• The real reasons it happens.
• What you can do to protect your child’s services and mental health.

If you’ve ever been told your child’s progress means they don’t need as much help, this episode is for you. Tune in and get the clarity you need to keep advocating for your child’s true needs.

Want more support? Book your complimentary consultation call here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/

Your child screams, ignores you, or lashes out—and it feels personal. But here’s the truth: it’s not about you. Their behavior is a reflection of what’s happening in their nervous system, not a measure of their respect or love for you.

In this episode , I’ll teach you how to:

• Understand why we take our child’s behavior personally (and why it’s a natural response).
• Recognize what happens in your brain when you get triggered—and how to stop reacting.
• Break the cycle of co-escalation and become a calming presence for your child.
• Develop a new response strategy so you can stay in control, regulate your own emotions, and actually help your child.

When you shift your mindset, everything changes. You will stop feeling like your child’s behavior is an attack and start responding in ways that help them feel safe and supported.

Want more support? Book your complimentary consultation call here: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/