The Refrigerator Moms podcast relaunches with this first episode. Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen dive deep into the pervasive issue of mom guilt that plagues autism parents. Drawing from their 20+ year friendship and experience raising autistic children, they debunk the harmful "Refrigerator Mother Theory" while offering practical strategies for managing guilt and prioritizing self-care. The duo shares personal stories, actionable advice, and evidence-based approaches to help parents move from self-blame to self-compassion. They emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, and making decisions based on your family's unique needs rather than outside pressure.

Key Takeaways

• Mom guilt is universal but particularly intense for autism parents - you're not alone
• The "Refrigerator Mother Theory" was debunked decades ago - autism is not caused by parenting
• Self-care isn't selfish - it's necessary for sustainable caregiving
• Don't make yourself indispensable - teach independence gradually
• Focus on your family's needs, not social media comparisons
• Early intervention and diagnosis provide long-term benefits for both child and family
• Seek reliable childcare and support systems - keep trying even when it's difficult
• Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd show a friend
• Avoid negative self-talk and punishment-based approaches

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/