In this episode of On the Verge, Misty shares a real-life parenting standoff complete with nonverbal shutdowns, power struggles, and a refusal to shower that ends in victory for “Princess I Don’t Have to Bathe Today.” Joined by her friend Mona, they dive into what it’s like raising strong-willed kids with developmental disabilities, and how inconsistency, exhaustion, and meltdown management all collide in daily life.

This is the unfiltered side of parenting kids with autism, Down syndrome, apraxia, and complex communication needs. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to reason with a human Silly Putty or live in fear of forgetting the purple iPad, this one’s for you.

🎧 Highlights:

• Full Lockdown Mode explained

• When walking away feels safer than follow-through

• Why our kids outlast us—and what that teaches them

• That impossible balance between grace and consistency

Don’t miss Part 2, where we talk behavior plans, parenting guilt, and the sneaky psychology behind why our kids always seem to “win.”

Learn more at vergetalks.com or support the show at workandplaycenter.org.

In this episode, we welcome Mona Kasham to the mic for her official On the Verge intro and trust us, you’re going to love her. Mona is a mom to DeDe, a hilarious and strong-willed daughter with Down syndrome, autism, and apraxia. She shares how DeDe’s surprise diagnosis, combined with her own health challenges, led her into the disability world headfirst (with a whole lot of learning and laughter along the way).

From decoding nonverbal side-eyes to calling out ableism at a local play center, Mona keeps it real about parenting, advocacy, and the moments that make you want to cry, laugh, or throat-punch someone...sometimes all at once.

We talk about how behavior is communication, what people still don’t understand about our kids, and why this podcast isn’t about being polished—it’s about being honest.

If you’ve ever felt like you were on the verge of burnout, breakthrough, or just trying to make it to bedtime, this one’s for you.