Lisa Candera public
[search 0]
Download the App!
show episodes
 
Do you sometimes feel like your life has been hijacked by Autism? If so, this is the podcast for you. The Autism Mom Coach is a podcast for moms who feel overwhelmed, afraid, and sometimes powerless as they raise their child with Autism. Join your host, Lisa Candera, Certified Life Coach, lawyer, and (more importantly) full-time single mom to a teenage boy with Autism as she shares cognitive-based tools and trauma-informed strategies you can use to feel better now and transform your relation ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
In this week’s pre-Father’s Day episode, I am bringing you my conversation with Rob Gorski, otherwise known as The Autism Dad. Rob discusses his experience of navigating solo parenting three boys on the Autism spectrum. In this episode, you will learn: The biggest problems that dads of children with Autism face. Rob’s philosophy of doing your best …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we dive into the realities of creating summer plans for an autistic child. I share a personal story about navigating summer camp schedules, extended school year (ESY) services, and the curveballs that come with being an autism mom. This story reminds us that autism parenting requires constant adjustment. And that even when things g…
  continue reading
 
In Episode 169 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and autism mom—explores the concept of expertise in autism parenting and why you are the expert on your child. Using the example of the Karen Read retrial, Lisa explains that expertise isn’t just about degrees and certifications. It’s about lived experience and pract…
  continue reading
 
The Meltdown Action Plan -- Download it Here: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach.com/map Autism meltdowns are intense, overwhelming, and often misunderstood—not just for the child, but for the parent as well. In Episode 168 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera shares a groundbreaking, trauma-informed tool designed specifically for autism…
  continue reading
 
In Episode 167 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and solo mom to a teenager with autism—tackles one of the most emotionally loaded questions for autism parents: Should I push my child out of their comfort zone or give them more support? Using a real-life story from a coaching client, Lisa explains: ✅ Why there's no…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, autism coach and solo parent Lisa Candera—also known as The Autism Mom Coach—breaks down a question nearly every autism parent wrestles with: Am I expecting too much or not enough from my child with autism? Through a real-life story from one of her private coaching clients, Lisa illustrates the emotional push-pull autism moms face …
  continue reading
 
In Episode 165, Lisa Canera examines "the space between" - the developmental gap parents observe between their autistic children and neurotypical peers. Drawing from her experience with her teenage son Ben and insights from her coaching practice, Lisa offers practical guidance on responding effectively when this gap becomes more apparent. She provi…
  continue reading
 
In this quick episode, I share a few thoughts on the recent autism headlines—from the latest prevalence data to RFK Jr.’s controversial comments about autism—and how these moments shine a light on the deeply different experiences within our own community. This is not a political take. It’s a reminder that autism parenting doesn’t look the same for …
  continue reading
 
Discover how to navigate public meltdowns, reduce anxiety, and heal from the trauma of feeling constantly judged. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, we unpack the PTSD of being “on display” as the parent of a child with autism. Episode Summary Public meltdowns can trigger deep emotional distress for both the child and the parent. Prolonged ex…
  continue reading
 
It’s April—Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month—and today, we’re talking about what autism acceptance really looks like in real life. Have you ever felt like all eyes are on you when you're in public with your child? Whether it’s the school drop-off line, the grocery store, or waiting in line at Chipotle, those moments when your child’s behavior s…
  continue reading
 
Have you ever had teachers insist your child is thriving at school, yet at home, they fall apart? This episode explores autism masking—when autistic children hide their natural behaviors to appear neurotypical. Learn why masking happens, the heavy emotional and sensory toll it takes, and practical steps you can take to support your child. In this e…
  continue reading
 
My blood boils every time I see it—the IEP trap. It usually shows up as a proud post from an autism parent: “My child is doing so well that the school reduced their IEP support!” Sounds like progress, right? Wrong. The harsh reality is this: a child’s progress is not a reason to remove supports—it’s proof that those supports are working. Unfortunat…
  continue reading
 
Your child screams, ignores you, or lashes out—and it feels personal. But here’s the truth: it’s not about you. Their behavior is a reflection of what’s happening in their nervous system, not a measure of their respect or love for you. In this episode , I’ll teach you how to: Understand why we take our child’s behavior personally (and why it’s a na…
  continue reading
 
Are school struggles leaving you feeling defeated and overwhelmed as an Autism parent? You’re not alone. In this episode, I talk with Rachael, an Autism mom and my coaching client, who transformed her own experience of her child’s school challenges in just a few weeks. By changing how she thought and felt about behavior struggles, bus issues, and m…
  continue reading
 
We all wanted our kids to talk. We persisted, we prayed, and we paid for them to learn this skill. And now… they have it. But sometimes, that means hearing words that **sting**. “I hate you!” “That was terrible.” “You’re annoying.” After all that effort to help them communicate, **this** is what we get? It can feel like a punch to the gut. But here…
  continue reading
 
Many of my clients have had this moment: “Wait… I think my husband is autistic.”Maybe it’s how literal he is. Maybe he hates socializing, disappears at family gatherings, or doesn’t pick up on emotional cues. And then there’s this—when you say *“I’m fine”*… *he actually believes you. At first, it’s a relief—finally, an explanation! But then comes t…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, I am sharing with you one of my favorite poems. It is called “The Gift” by Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist and author who teaches that children **aren’t here for us to "fix"—they are here to teach us**. And who knows this more than Autism parents? Tune in now to hear The Gift and how you can apply it to your Aut…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question: How can I teach my child patience—and how can I become a more patient parent? Patience isn’t something we’re born with—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned and improved with intention. But here’s the key: If you want to teach your child patience, you need to model it first. I’ll w…
  continue reading
 
Ever find yourself running through worst-case scenarios like, “What if my child has a meltdown in public?” or “What if I’m missing something critical?” This is anticipatory anxiety. It’s that relentless “what if” loop that keeps you stuck in fear, bracing for problems that haven’t even happened yet. In this week’s episode of The Autism Mom Coach, I…
  continue reading
 
I'm shining a bright light on what it really means to walk on eggshells as an Autism parent. I share insights on how this impacts both you and your child, and most importantly, I provide actionable strategies to help you break free from this draining cycle. Get ready to reclaim your confidence and learn how to parent from a place of calm and stabil…
  continue reading
 
Learn how to identify the limiting beliefs and stories that are holding you back, and how to reframe your thinking to find the opportunities for growth and progress. I also share some of the ways I help my coaching clients use reflection to create new patterns and strategies for themselves and their children. If you're ready to leave regret behind …
  continue reading
 
I revisit the important topic of how coaching changes everything, helping you make the progress in your life that you really want to see. Tune in this week to discover how coaching changes the game for Autism parents. I share my own story of finding a coach who truly understands Autism and my experience as a Special Needs parent, and you’ll learn t…
  continue reading
 
Learn how to step back from emotionally charged moments and view them from a more lighthearted, observer's perspective. This emotional distancing tactic, rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress, create space between you and the situation, and empower you to respond intentionally rather than react emotionally as an Autism pare…
  continue reading
 
I’m here to validate your experience with holiday GOMO and share some strategies to help you cope. Learn tips for honoring your feelings, redefining what matters for your family, connecting with people who get it, limiting social comparisons, and celebrating your wins. My goal is to help you have a holiday season that works for you and your child, …
  continue reading
 
I explore why people give us unwanted comments, anecdotes, or approaches to discipline, and how it can make us feel as Autism parents. Hear the power of responding proactively in these situations, why setting firm boundaries is vital, and my top tips for protecting your energy and having your own back as the expert on your child. Get full show note…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, I share my tips for not just surviving, but thriving during the holiday stretch as an Autism parent. I help you understand why this time of year is so challenging for our kids, and what you can do to prepare yourself and your child for the ups and downs of the season. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: http…
  continue reading
 
Tune in this week to learn what gratitude masking is and how to stop doing it. You’ll learn exactly where gratitude masking is making your life harder as the parent of a child with Autism, and I share practical tips to help you stop weaponizing gratitude against yourself. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautism…
  continue reading
 
Hear my personal experience of navigating outings with my son, and how social stories became a game-changer in preparing him for new experiences with confidence. Learn what social stories are, why they can be incredibly effective, and how they help children understand what to expect in specific situations. Get full show notes, transcript, and more …
  continue reading
 
Tune in this week as I talk about how to handle those moments when it feels like you're the center of attention as an Autism parent and everyone is watching. I share strategies for staying calm, focusing on your child, and even educating others in the process. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com…
  continue reading
 
Tune in this week as I share a powerful personal story illustrating the importance of staying in your own lane, both literally and figuratively. Learn practical strategies for swerving back into your own lane and supporting your child's emotional growth in the process. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautismmom…
  continue reading
 
Learn the top three mistakes parents make during meltdowns and simple antidotes that will help you respond intentionally, and how, by avoiding these pitfalls, you can create a more peaceful and supportive environment for your child. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.com/139…
  continue reading
 
Hear why Googling Autism is the favorite pastime of all Autism parents and my thoughts on why you should stop. You’ll learn how it often undermines your sense of confidence and control. I offer questions that will help you gain awareness of why you’re doing it, how it’s impacting you, and how you can make more mindful decisions about how much and w…
  continue reading
 
Learn how to rewire your brain, reduce your anxiety, and show up as a calmer, more effective parent. In this replay of one of my early podcast episodes, I dive deep into the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing. I explain what it is, why we do it, and why we mistakenly believe it's useful. Most importantly, I share practical strategies to interr…
  continue reading
 
How often do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to end up feeling worse than before? As Autism moms, we turn to social media for support, connection, and resources. But if we're not careful, it can quickly become a source of stress, comparison, and negativity. Listen in this week to hear the toll scrolling on social m…
  continue reading
 
While we may not be able to eliminate stress completely, there are sneaky habits that many of us have fallen into that unnecessarily add fuel to the fire. By bringing awareness to these patterns and making small shifts, you can lighten your mental load and find more ease in your daily life. Tune in this week to learn how to identify where your stre…
  continue reading
 
Learn practical strategies you can implement right away to respond to meltdowns with more compassion and confidence. From morning routine struggles to self-injurious behaviors, I cover a range of meltdown situations that many Autism families face and what you can do to effectively support your child. Get full show notes and more information here: h…
  continue reading
 
Discover practical strategies to either avoid, interrupt, or shorten the duration and intensity of your meltdown hangovers. Learn how to show up as the best version of yourself for your child, and I give you actionable advice to help you break free from the grip of meltdown hangovers and find a sense of calm and resilience. Get full show notes and …
  continue reading
 
Uncover the common signs of meltdown hangovers, understand how long you can expect them to last, and get questions you can ask yourself to identify your specific symptoms. Stay tuned for part two next week, where you’ll learn actionable steps to reduce the intensity and duration of meltdown hangovers. Get full show notes and more information here: …
  continue reading
 
I walk you through how to create your own Response Barometer with specific strategies for dealing with each level of your child’s Behavior Barometer. Learn how to make effective decisions ahead of time, allowing you to respond to your child in a way that serves both of you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.co…
  continue reading
 
Learn how to create your own customized Behavior Barometer. I’ll walk you through why this tool is so powerful for building your confidence as an Autism parent. With a Behavior Barometer, you'll gain perspective on which situations are truly significant and be equipped with an objective framework to guide your response, even when you feel triggered…
  continue reading
 
If you're walking on eggshells around your child and it doesn't feel like it's helping, tune in this week to discover what to do instead. I explain the cause and impact of walking on eggshells around your child, framed through the CBT model, and show you how to take back control next time you find yourself in this situation. Get full show notes and…
  continue reading
 
Discover why your child's meltdowns are informative and how to learn from these meltdowns instead of fearing them. I show you how to get curious instead of emotional when things get hard, and you'll learn a powerful step-by-step process for showing up with objectivity when your child is melting down. Get full show notes and more information here: h…
  continue reading
 
Tune in this week to discover my burnout buster for Autism moms. I show you how all the visible and invisible labor of being an Autism parent leads to burnout, share the value of saying no strategically, and break down a simple technique you can try to help you say no when it serves your well-being the most. Get full show notes and more information…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we take a look at what's actually happening in your brain when anxiety takes over. I break down the different parts of the brain involved and how they interact to keep you stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Once you understand the science behind it, anxiety becomes a lot less scary and mysterious. Learn my 4 C's method for challenging …
  continue reading
 
Rob Gorski is a solo parent of three sons with Autism, each with unique characteristics. He lives in Ohio and runs a popular blog and hosts an impactful podcast called The Autism Dad, where he shares his experiences and offers support to other parents raising children with Autism and other disabilities. Learn a fresh perspective on Autism parenting…
  continue reading
 
We believe more is better, and that if we do more, our child with Autism will be ‘okay’ or won’t struggle as much. I debunk the myth that more intervention is better and explore the dangers of the 1987 Lovaas study. I’m showing you why higher amounts of therapy may not be helpful to your child, how your well-being matters more to your child than sp…
  continue reading
 
Discover why emotions are contagious and what you can do with this information. I discuss the science and statistics behind emotional contagion in children with Autism and their parents. Learn how to create a more stable environment for your child when they're melting down. Get full show notes and more information here: https://theautismmomcoach.co…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play