What happens after an autism diagnosis?

In this deeply moving episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann Thomas speaks with Divya Singh, mother, educator and autism advocate, about raising her son Ayushman, whose journey began with rare infantile spasms before he was later diagnosed with autism.

Divya shares how her family moved beyond searching for answers and instead focused on understanding Ayushman's strengths, building routines, embracing communication in different forms, and creating an environment where he could thrive.

Together, they discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Early autism signs parents should notice

•⁠ ⁠Infantile spasms and developmental regression

•⁠ ⁠Why autism isn't something to "fix"

•⁠ ⁠Sensory needs, stimming and meltdowns

•⁠ ⁠Communication beyond spoken language

•⁠ ⁠Supporting older autistic children and teenagers

•⁠ ⁠The importance of family support

•⁠ ⁠Dealing with judgment, guilt and burnout

•⁠ ⁠Building independence instead of chasing perfection

•⁠ ⁠Why society needs empathy, not sympathy

This conversation is filled with practical insights, honest reflections and hope for parents, caregivers, educators and anyone who wants to better understand autism.

Timestamps

00:00 Meet Divya Singh

02:06 Early Signs Appear

03:13 Infantile Spasms Diagnosis

05:14 Autism After Seizures

06:34 Therapies And Hope

07:16 Sibling Perspective

09:16 Stop Chasing Causes

11:54 Neurodivergence Mindset Shift

13:30 Daily Life And Sensory Tools

15:32 Milestones And Family Support

18:11 Autism Markers To Watch

21:35 Sensory Seeking And Pain

22:54 Navigating Advice And Diet

24:42 Beyond Temple Fixes

25:18 Take Them Out Often

26:44 Assume Competence

27:24 Understanding The Spectrum

29:45 Acceptance Without Stares

32:48 Stimming Explained

36:21 Diet And Protocol Training

40:37 Family Support System

46:21 Building Trust In Care

48:39 Family Acceptance Matters

49:48 Preparing Society With Awareness

50:58 Lift Story And Empathy

52:39 Let Others Step In

56:08 Movement And Home Gym

56:40 Celebrate Small Wins

57:48 Work As Self Care

01:00:48 Parenting Older Kids

01:02:25 Aggression, Puberty & Routine

01:08:55 Rapid Fire

01:12:40 Inclusion, Not Cure

01:14:23 Closing Thoughts

If this conversation resonates with you, consider subscribing to Just Your Normal Missfit for honest conversations around neurodivergence, parenting and inclusion.