Your child is autistic, now what? Parenting a child is often rewarding, but for parents of autistic children, it can be a struggle when communication, finances, or behavior is a barrier. Join hosts Lia & Matt McCabe, an Autistic & ADHD couple raising two autistic daughters and the founders of the charity project AutismWish, in weekly discussions to provide parents with guidance, tips, resources, and a newfound perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Each week we will share our experience raising special needs children and tackle difficult or taboo subjects in the Autism world with encouragement and guidance on how to broaden your perspective while learning to understand and empathize with your autistic child, from weathering the storm to Embracing Autism. Learn more at www.autismwish.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @AutismWish.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors or therapists, so please always consult with your child's physician before taking any of our advice. We try our absolute best to get everything right but we are only human, so please make sure to consult with an expert. If you feel anything has been misrepresented or inaccurate, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at podcast@autismwish.org.
All content for Embracing Autism is the property of Lia & Matt McCabe and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Your child is autistic, now what? Parenting a child is often rewarding, but for parents of autistic children, it can be a struggle when communication, finances, or behavior is a barrier. Join hosts Lia & Matt McCabe, an Autistic & ADHD couple raising two autistic daughters and the founders of the charity project AutismWish, in weekly discussions to provide parents with guidance, tips, resources, and a newfound perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Each week we will share our experience raising special needs children and tackle difficult or taboo subjects in the Autism world with encouragement and guidance on how to broaden your perspective while learning to understand and empathize with your autistic child, from weathering the storm to Embracing Autism. Learn more at www.autismwish.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @AutismWish.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors or therapists, so please always consult with your child's physician before taking any of our advice. We try our absolute best to get everything right but we are only human, so please make sure to consult with an expert. If you feel anything has been misrepresented or inaccurate, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at podcast@autismwish.org.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is hit pause. In this heartfelt mini-episode, we open up about our family’s recent challenges, a new autism diagnosis, and why Embracing Autism is taking a short break. We share what’s still happening behind the scenes — from ongoing grants to the upcoming Sensory Santa event — and leave listeners with one powerful reminder: rest is not giving up; it’s refocusing.
Support our Mission, become a member, unlock bonus entries: patreon.com/autismwish
We say we believe in inclusion — but are we really walking the talk? Lia and leadership expert Angela Calzone dive into the uncomfortable truths about why disability inclusion in the workplace still lags behind. Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or professional, this raw conversation will challenge what you think you know and inspire you to be part of the change.
Unlock bonus grant entries and support our mission, Become a Member today: patreon.com/autismwish
What if the real expert on your child… is you? In this NeuroNugget, we talk about trusting your instincts, cutting through the noise, and advocating with confidence during your child's evaluation — because no one knows your child better than you do. 💙
Join our community at patreon.com/autismwish
to submit your letter and earn bonus entries into the Embracing Autism Grant!
Sensitive kids can feel overwhelmed—but they can also flourish with the right support. Author Dr. Judith Orloff shares insights from her upcoming children's book, "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit", on how to nurture autistic children’s emotional strengths.
“The Highly Sensitive Rabbit” is now available at all bookstores and through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Independent Bookstores.
Purchase "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit" at https://drjudithorloff.com/the-highly-sensitive-rabbit/
Connect with Dr. Orloff:
Website: www.drjudithorloff.com
Instagram: @judith.orloff.md
X: @JudithOrloffMD
Facebook: @DrJudithOrloff
Worried about your child’s autism evaluation? Don’t panic — we’ve got you covered. In this Neuronugget, we share 7 essential tips to prep for “D-Day” and turn a stressful waitlist into a smooth, confident, and empowering experience. From snagging early appointments to fast-tracking evaluations through research studies, these strategies will help you walk in ready, calm, and in control.
Support our mission and unlock bonus entries: patreon.com/autismwish
Submit your Listener Letter: letters@autismwish.org
What happens when an autistic child goes missing? In this episode, retired police captain and founder of Project Lifesaver International, Gene Saunders, shares expert insights, real-life rescue stories, and practical steps every parent should know. From how law enforcement searches for children who may not respond to their name, to technology that speeds up recoveries, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent or caregiver.
Learn more:
Website - www.projectlifesaver.org
Facebook @ProjectLifesaverInternational
Disagreement is natural, but attacks and violence are escalating — both in society and within the autism community. Today, we reflect on recent headlines and heated debates in the autism world, offering parents and advocates how to handle conflict with grace, protect their mental health, and model respect for their kids.
Support our mission and unlock bonus entries: patreon.com/autismwish
Hesitant about AAC for your child? Wondering if a communication device will help—or hold them back from speaking? Marisa Garcia, SLP and mom to an autistic child, breaks down the myths, shares what really works, and gives practical tips parents can use at home.
Connect with Marisa -
Website: www.theartsyslp.com
Pinterest: @theartsyslp
What if the smallest shifts in perspective could create the biggest changes at home? In this NeuroNugget, we share why seeing your child’s potential while respecting their challenges can help build a stronger framework for growth. Plus, we dive into our very first Listener Letter on navigating self-harm behaviors with compassion and practical strategies.
💌 Want your letter featured? Become a member at patreon.com/autismwish to submit yours (and get bonus entries into the monthly Embracing Autism Grant) or email us at letters@autismwish.org.
What happens if the protections our children depend on suddenly change? In this episode, we sit down with Jean Mayer, co-creator of the Moms Talk Autism podcast, to unpack the Texas v. Becerra lawsuit and the growing pressures on Section 504 — the law that ensures vital supports for students with disabilities. We tackle the tough questions parents are asking: Could this lawsuit weaken our kids’ rights in schools? Why is it still so hard to talk openly about disability? And what can we do right now to protect our children’s access to accommodations? If you’re worried about your child’s future in the education system, you won’t want to miss this powerful conversation.
Update: Since recording, the constitutional challenge to Section 504 has been dropped and the case is on hold, but parts of the lawsuit remain active and disability protections are still at risk.
Follow Jean:
Website: momstalkautism.com
Instagram: @momstalkautism
Ever feel like you’re failing your child by not “getting it right”? What if the most powerful thing you could do is stop trying to fix everything—and start truly seeing your autistic child for who they are? In this first-ever NeuroNuggets microcast, we break down the core of Embracing Autism, sharing practical insights and mindset shifts that can transform your parenting journey. Quick, actionable, and full of hope—this 10-minute episode will change the way you think about neurodiversity forever.
Support the Embracing Autism Grant and get perks! Just $5/month unlocks early episodes, bonus grant entries, exclusive content, and the chance to have your questions answered on air through our Listener Letters segment: patreon.com/embracingautism
When motherhood takes a different path and the journey feels endless… Julie Hornok and Dr. Regina Crone, co-founders of Labeled & Loved, share honest stories about the challenges and joys of being a “forever-nester.” They reveal how finding true community and healing through retreats and sisterhood circles has brought strength and hope to moms like you. If you’re looking for encouragement, connection, and a place to belong—this episode is for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to find support and renewal.
👉 Get $50 off the 2025 Weekend of Hope retreat with code EMBRACE50 at labeledandloved.org!
Follow them:
L&L Website: www.labeledandloved.org
Personal Website: juliehornok.com, drreginacrone.com
IG & FB: @LabeledandLoved
This episode is sponsored by Labeled & Loved.
We’ve hit 200 episodes—and today we’re giving you a glimpse into what’s next for the Embracing Autism Podcast. Things are changing, and we’re excited to bring you along for this new season of support, growth, and connection—in a whole new way.
Connect with us + unlock bonus grant entries at patreon.com/autismwish
Ask your questions, we'll answer them on air at letters@autismwish.org
Leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/embracingautism and we may share it in a future episode
Could autism be detected before behavioral signs even appear? In this episode, Dr. John Jay Gargus and Michelle Majewski introduce a revolutionary test that identifies autism risk at the cellular level—even at birth. We explore how this breakthrough could transform early diagnosis and intervention, giving families hope and a head start. Tune in to hear the science, the challenges, and what this means for the autism community. This episode is sponsored by NeuroQure.
Learn more at www.neuroqure.com
Follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/neuroqure
After four years and nearly 200 episodes, we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown—together. Today, we’re taking time to reflect on the biggest lessons we’ve learned on this journey—about autism, parenting, advocacy, and ourselves. It’s a moment to honor the path we’ve walked and get ready for what’s ahead.
Unlock 5 bonus entries to our monthly Embracing Autism Grant, Become a Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Can stem cells really help autistic individuals—or is it all just hype? 🧬 In this episode, physician and autism dad Dr. Eric Weiss dives into the science of neuroinflammation, the promise and risks of stem cell therapy, and his personal journey raising an autistic son. 🎧 A must-listen for parents exploring every option.
Follow Dr. Weiss here:
Website: www.northfloridastemcells.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-weiss-md-b146a831/
Tired of worrying that your autistic child doesn’t have a “friend group”? What if we’ve been measuring friendship all wrong? In this episode, we unpack why fewer friends isn’t always a red flag—and how autistic people often crave connection in different, meaningful ways that break the neurotypical mold.
Unlock 5 Bonus Grant entries, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Potty training an autistic child can feel impossible—meltdowns, refusals, fear of flushing. Sound familiar? Autism consultant Molly Johnson shares the real reasons it’s so hard—and exactly how to overcome them. From sensory struggles to nonverbal communication and regression, get the step-by-step plan that’s helped thousands of families finally ditch the diapers. Tried everything and still stuck? This is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Website: www.theautismconsultant.us
Instagram: @theautismconsultant
What if your child isn’t struggling to learn—just learning in the wrong environment? Today, we’re exploring a big question: Should we homeschool our autistic twice-exceptional (2e) children? Between 24% and 38% of homeschooled children have special needs, compared to only 14% in public schools. Many families are turning to homeschooling not just for education, but as a way to help their children thrive. In this episode, we’ll cover the pros, cons, and key questions to consider if homeschooling might be the right fit for your family.
Support our mission and unlock perks, Become A Member today: patreon.com/autismwish
What happens when a mother’s journey to support her autistic son uncovers her own hidden diagnosis? Sarah Kovit Hanna shares her powerful story of late discovery, raising an AuDHD child, and how one moment changed everything. From corporate boardrooms to grassroots activism, she’s redefining what it means to embrace autism—and sparking a movement in the process.
Website: www.thepositivityspectrum.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560781809379
Fun Fact: This episode features sneaky guest appearances by Sarah's furry friend, see if you can catch it!
Your child is autistic, now what? Parenting a child is often rewarding, but for parents of autistic children, it can be a struggle when communication, finances, or behavior is a barrier. Join hosts Lia & Matt McCabe, an Autistic & ADHD couple raising two autistic daughters and the founders of the charity project AutismWish, in weekly discussions to provide parents with guidance, tips, resources, and a newfound perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Each week we will share our experience raising special needs children and tackle difficult or taboo subjects in the Autism world with encouragement and guidance on how to broaden your perspective while learning to understand and empathize with your autistic child, from weathering the storm to Embracing Autism. Learn more at www.autismwish.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @AutismWish.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors or therapists, so please always consult with your child's physician before taking any of our advice. We try our absolute best to get everything right but we are only human, so please make sure to consult with an expert. If you feel anything has been misrepresented or inaccurate, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at podcast@autismwish.org.
