Second Chances with Tara Trievel

The Autism Roundtable

How does a mother transform personal struggle into professional purpose?

Leah sits down with Tara Trievel — a mother, grandmother, and educator — to explore how her family's autism journey reshaped her life and career.

From late diagnoses to early interventions, Tara opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting neurodivergent children and the tools that helped her thrive.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What is it like to receive a late autism diagnosis for your child?
• How can early intervention impact an autistic child's development?
• What is social thinking, and why is it so crucial for neurodivergent kids?
• How can moms prioritize self-care without guilt?
• What does a holistic approach to parenting look like?

Summary of the Conversation:

Tara Trievel shares the deeply personal story of raising her autistic daughter, who was diagnosed later in life, and how that experience prepared her to better support her grandson's early autism diagnosis. Professionally, Tara transitioned from being a traditional educator to developing tools and strategies for neurodivergent learners. She introduces the concept of "social thinking," developed by Michelle Garcia Winner, as a critical method for helping autistic children navigate social norms. Tara also reflects on the importance of self-care, particularly for moms dealing with their own physical and emotional changes like perimenopause. Her approach is both practical and empathetic, emphasizing the need for individualized support systems and compassionate parenting.

About the Guest:

Tara Trievel is a mother, grandmother, and educator with decades of experience in teaching and supporting children with autism. Inspired by her personal journey, she now runs programs designed to empower both moms and children through social-emotional learning, perspective-taking, and holistic wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Late diagnosis can still lead to growth and understanding — it’s never too late to support your child.
• Early intervention matters — recognizing signs of autism early can drastically improve outcomes.
• Social thinking builds essential life skills — teaching kids how others think and feel is key to social success.
• Mothers need support too — navigating autism while experiencing personal changes like perimenopause requires self-compassion and community.
• A holistic approach to parenting helps families thrive by integrating emotional health, support systems, and flexible strategies.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome

00:16 – Tara's Personal Connection to Autism

01:34 – Professional Journey and Discovering Social Thinking

03:35 – Understanding Perspective Taking

07:21 – Challenges and Strategies in Parenting

13:50 – Second Chances and Learning from Experience

16:55 – Navigating Relationships and Self-Care

23:43 – Support Systems and Final Thoughts

25:18 – Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Parent

25:44 – Introducing the Parenting Program for Moms

26:01 – Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact

28:49 – Managing Perimenopausal Symptoms

29:27 – The Importance of Holistic Wellbeing

33:05 – Social Thinking Program for Kids

36:07 – Adapting Teaching Methods for Neurodivergent Kids

43:26 – Holistic Approach to Parenting

46:44 – Encouragement for Struggling Moms

48:50 – Final Positive Message for Parents

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Tara Trievel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-trievel-m-ed-certified-autism-specialist-8b6aa589/

Visit Tara Trievel’s website: https://www.2besocial.org/

Call to Action:

Looking for inspiration and practical tools to support your parenting journey?

Tune in to the full episode for honest insights, expert strategies, and a heartfelt conversation that’s sure to uplift.