Description
When a Diagnosis Changes Everything: Parenting Autism, Finding Support, and Using Your Voice
What happens when you know something is different, but you still don’t have answers?
In this episode, I sit down with Missy Brown for an honest conversation about parenting a child with autism and ADHD, the fear and confusion that can come before a diagnosis, and what it really feels like when support is thin and judgment is loud.
As we talk, I explore the parts many families live through but don’t always say out loud: long waitlists, broken routines, public meltdowns, lost friendships, and the quiet guilt that can follow a hard day. At the same time, Missy shares how clarity changed things for her, why writing became part of her healing, and how advocacy grew out of everyday survival.
You’ll hear why trusting your instincts matters, what parents may need more of from professionals, and the small shift that can help when everything feels like too much. There’s also a powerful reminder here: your child is more than a list of challenges, and you are not failing because this is hard.
About the Guest
Missy Brown is an autism advocate, author of Soaring Over Skepticism, and a parent raising a neurodivergent child. She shares relatable, real-life support for families navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and the daily realities of caregiving.
Key Timestamps
0:25 - When Missy first noticed her child’s path might look different
2:45 - The fear, questions, and lack of support after diagnosis
7:16 - What she hoped therapy and support systems would provide
12:46 - The early surprises, hard moments, and strengths she saw in her child
15:41 - Why getting answers brought relief and clarity
16:34 - The moment parenting turned into writing and advocacy
21:39 - Why writing felt freeing and scary at the same time
28:12 - What she had to unlearn as a parent of an autistic child
32:41 - When she realized she was finding her voice
38:39 - What overwhelmed parents need to hold on to right now
41:19 - One small step parents can take this week
Missy's Resources:
Missys Book: Soaring Over Skepticism
You can find her on: LinkedIN and Facebook
and you can find out more about Circa Thera
If this conversation speaks to you, listen to the full episode and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who needs the reminder that they’re not alone.
#AutismSupport #ADHDParenting #NeurodivergentFamilies #AutismAdvocacy #Neurodiversity
Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.
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🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller
📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com
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