Ruby Cakes Cookies- Brittney

Parenting neurodivergent teens comes with its own beautiful complexity. In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we sit down with Jessica Shaw, journalist and host of “Everyone Gets a Juice Box,” to talk honestly about the challenges, growth, advocacy, and unexpected joy that can come with raising kids who experience the world differently. From navigating adolescence to finding connection and community, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and reminders that none of us are doing this alone. 💪🫶 @momstalkautism @thejessicashaw @justjean_wm @rubycakesofca @realtalkwithtash @heyitsshannonk #MomsTalkAutism #NeurodivergentTeens #AutismParenting #ActuallyAutistic #SpecialNeedsParenting

500 therapies. Zero clear answers. We brought back researcher Jonathan Alderson to help us cut through the noise and get honest about what actually matters when it comes to supporting our kids. Because this isn’t about chasing every intervention on the internet. It’s about understanding your child, your family, and what truly fits. In this episode, we talk about: • The pressure that comes after diagnosis • Why “more therapy” isn’t always better • How family dynamics shape outcomes more than people admit • Choosing supports that align with your values, not just trends • Frameworks like the readiness model and PACT that actually help make sense of it all And as always, we keep it real—the wins, the overwhelm, and everything in between. If you’ve ever felt like you’re throwing darts in the dark… this one’s for you. @thriveguide.co @momstalkautism @justjean_wm @heyitsshannonk @realtalkwithtash @rubycakesofca #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingJourney #DisabilityAdvocacy #MomsTalkAutism

Some days are messy, some days are magic—and most are both. 🤍 Today we’re talking about the real side of family life: navigating divorce, shifting dynamics, and the constant balance of support, patience, and flexibility. We’re also sharing ways to create celebrations that actually work for our kids—because inclusion isn’t one-size-fits-all (yes, even birthday parties 🎬). @momstalkautism @rubycakesofca @justjean_wm @heyitsshannonk @realtalkwithtash #MomsTalkAutism #AutismParenting #RealLifeMoments #InclusiveParenting #SpecialNeedsFamilies

Hot take for today: acceptance isn’t the end goal—it’s the starting point. Before strategy, before intervention, before change… there has to be attitudinal fitness around truly accepting who your child is. Not conditionally. Not “once we fix this.” First. Then—and only then—does meaningful change even have a chance. Mic drop. We’re diving into this with our favorite expert guest and researcher, Jonathan Alderson. You don’t want to miss this one. 🎤 💣 @momstalkautism @thriveguide.co @justjean_wm @heyitsshannonk @realtalkwithtash @rubycakesofca #MomsTalkAutism #AutismParenting #AcceptanceFirst #DisabilityCommunity #Neurodiversity

Real questions. Real answers. Real life. In this episode, we’re diving into the moments every autism parent knows—when communication comes, when it doesn’t, and how we navigate sickness in homes where “simple” doesn’t exist. We’re sharing what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the constant adjustments that shape how we care for our kids. We also talk about diagnosis grief—the quiet, complicated kind—and what it’s looked like to move through it in our own ways. And because sometimes you have to laugh to make it through, we end with the one thing we will never do again. If you’ve ever wondered “is it just me?”… it’s not. 🫶 @momstalkautism @rubycakesofca @heyitsshannonk @realtalkwithtash @justjean_wm #MomsTalkAutism #AutismParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismJourney #ParentingRealTalk

Real support isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell from the Brave Together Podcast to talk about what it really means to be supported as a caregiving mom. From connection circles to in-person retreats, we explore how community can shift everything—how being seen, understood, and held by people who get it can change the way we carry this journey. If you’ve ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or like no one quite understands your day-to-day, this conversation is for you. You’re not meant to do this alone. 🫶🏼 @momstalkautism @wearebravetogether @rubycakesofca @heyitsshannonk @realtalkwithtash @justjean_wm #MomsTalkAutism #CaregiverSupport #AutismMomLife #SpecialNeedsParenting #FindYourVillage

Today’s episode is a little bit of everything—real life in motion. From emergency snack stashes and chaotic car rides to college prep, home projects, and the pure excitement of the Scholastic Book Fair, we’re sharing the everyday moments that keep things interesting. We also open up about health updates, the ongoing rhythm of IEP meetings, and insights inspired by Temple Grandin, leading into a deeper conversation around puberty, anxiety, and learning styles in autistic individuals. As always, we come back to what matters most—leaning into strengths, keeping our sense of humor, and finding understanding through it all. 🫶🏼 @momstalkautism @realtalkwithtash @heyitsshannonk @rubycakesofca @justjean_wm #MomsTalkAutism #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingJourney #iep

What starts as personal… can become something powerful. 💪 Today on Moms Talk Autism, Tash sits down with Tom D’Eri to talk about growing up alongside his autistic brother—and how that experience led to the creation of Rising Tide Car Wash. This isn’t just a business story. It’s about rethinking what’s possible when we get the environment right. We talk about: ✨ Why structure isn’t empowering—it’s essential ✨ The impact of a first job done right ✨ What true workplace inclusion actually looks like ✨ Building something with purpose—not just profit It’s honest, practical, and deeply inspiring. Thank you for listening, for being here, and for continuing to be part of this community with us. ♾ @momstalkautism @risingtidecarwash @realtalkwithtash @rubycakesofca @justjean_wm @heyitsshannonk #MomsTalkAutism #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEmployment #InclusionMatters

A little Moms Talk Moms today. We asked each other some simple questions… and the answers turned into something deeper than we expected. So now we’re curious about you 👇 Tell us in the comments: • What do you think about before you fall asleep? What do you dream about? • What’s your favorite animal at the zoo? • Do you think people are ultimately kind… or selfish? • What’s the best trait you got from your mom or dad? • When was the last time you cried, and why? • Have you ever had a moment where you thought, “This is it. It’s never better than this.” Answer one… or all of them. We’re listening. 👂 🫶🏼 @momstalkautism @realtalkwithtash @heyitsshannonk @rubycakesofca @justjean_wm #MomsTalkAutism #MomsTalkMoms #AutismMoms #ParentingConversations #realtalkparenting

In today’s episode of Mom’s Talk Autism, Brittney and Tash sit down with Lori Rogers to talk about her journey raising her son Craig, who is on the autism spectrum. From the early days after diagnosis to navigating the education system and watching Craig’s communication grow over time, Lori shares the realities, the learning curves, and the hope that comes with parenting through complexity. This conversation touches on presuming competence, building supportive environments, working collaboratively with care teams, and supporting siblings along the way. Parenting autistic children is rarely a straight path—but community, advocacy, and resilience make all the difference. 💙 🫶 @loriarogerspositiveactivity @momstalkautism @realtalkwithtash @heyitsshannonk @rubycakesofca #MomsTalkAutism #AutismParenting #AutismAdvocacy #PresumeCompetence #AutismAcceptance

Inclusion and belonging are not the same thing. In this episode, we unpack the pressure to include at all costs …and why that mindset can sometimes miss the mark for our kids. We talk about the social tightrope of parenting autistic children. The reality of navigating birthday parties, classrooms, sports, and community spaces. The hard truth that sometimes what looks like “inclusion” on the outside doesn’t actually feel safe or regulating on the inside. And yes — we say the quiet part out loud: Sometimes thoughtful exclusion is protective. Not harmful. We get honest about autonomy. About regulation. About the constant trial-and-error of figuring out what actually works as our kids grow and change. This conversation is about intentional choices. About building real community. About giving yourself permission to reevaluate. Because belonging should feel safe …not forced. @momstalkautism @justjean_wm @rubycakesofca @realtalkwithtash @heyitsshannonk #MomsTalkAutism #AutismParenting #AutismMom #BelongingMatters InclusionVsBelonging

When your grandchild is diagnosed with autism, everything shifts — expectations, roles, even family dynamics. In this episode of Moms Talk Autism, we sit down with school principal and autism grandma, Jennifer Kaufman, to talk about what that pivot really looks like. We unpack: ✨ The emotional shift from “traditional grandparent” to active support system ✨ How to give (and receive) advice without blowing up family relationships ✨ The awkward-but-necessary money conversations ✨ Why empathy in schools matters — and what educators need to understand ✨ Water safety and why it cannot be an afterthought ✨ The quiet pressure grandparents sometimes feel to “fix” things ✨ And the reminder that parenting (and grandparenting) is not a competition This conversation is honest about the tension that can show up in families — especially when everyone loves the child deeply but doesn’t always agree on how to help. Whether you’re a grandparent trying to show up well, or a parent navigating how to include extended family in your child’s autism journey, this episode offers practical insight and a whole lot of grace. Because it truly takes a village — but villages need communication. 🤍 @momstalkautism @grandparentingonthespectrum @justjean_wm @heyitsshannonk @rubycakesofca @realtalkwithtash #MomsTalkAutism #AutismGrandparents #AutismSupport #ItTakesAVillage #AutismAwareness