Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Suzanne Jabour Episode About Grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-normal-to-grieve-after-your-childs-autism-or/id1697406719?i=1000750957793

Samantha and Lauren discuss the number one thing they would do after getting an autism diagnosis for your child: learn about your child, not just autism. Samantha emphasizes that a diagnosis is a tool for understanding, not fixing, and that parents may feel relief and grief, all of which are valid.

They stress that autism presents differently in each person, caution against overreliance on online checklists, and encourage neurodiversity-affirming thinking over deficit-based views by asking what behaviors communicate and what needs they meet. Examples include sensory accommodations for loud toilets, avoiding uncomfortable clothing, and allowing harmless stimming, while still intervening for safety concerns like self-injury or eloping.

They suggest tracking strengths, triggers, and ABC patterns, seeking professional or community support, and preview next week’s focus on applying for resources early due to long waitlists.

00:00 Welcome and Summer Catchup
00:11 Autism Moments and Themed Weddings
02:29 Why This Episode Matters
03:34 Processing the Diagnosis
05:50 Learn Your Child First
07:19 Observe Not Checklists
09:01 Neurodiversity Affirming Shift
10:26 Assessments and Getting Resources
14:08 Deficit vs Affirming Examples
24:04 Behavior as Communication
26:33 Action Steps and ABC Notes
30:12 Wrap Up and Next Week Preview

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent