Mother's Guide Through Autism
This podcast is to inspire, support, and build community for mothers raising children with autism. Brigitte Shipman is the host and creator of this podcast and it has been inspired by her son Joseph who has been living with autism for the last 32 years. Together, Brigitte and Joseph hope to offer mothers of autistic children hope for the future. They will be sharing what they have learned in their journey as well as have expert guests on the show to give you knowledge, resources, insights, and inspiration.
Mother's Guide Through Autism
Laughter, Life Hacks & Hope for Autism Moms with Andrea Moriarty
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What if laughter could become one of your most powerful tools for getting through the hard moments of autism parenting?
In this episode of the Mother’s Guide Through Autism Podcast, Brigitte sits down with author, speaker, and fellow autism mom Andrea Moriarty for an honest, hopeful, and often very funny conversation about raising her son Reid, now 32.
Andrea shares what those early years after Reid’s autism diagnosis were really like, from the overwhelm and uncertainty to learning that she didn’t have to figure everything out alone. They talk about the importance of building a support system, leaning into their children’s strengths, and finding creative solutions when the traditional path simply doesn’t fit.
They also dive into Andrea’s newest book, Daffy, a tell-all comedy for moms about using laughter as life support. Andrea explains how a getaway with other autism moms helped her realize just how much humor had been keeping them afloat—and inspired what she now calls the “Laughter Alliance.”
You’ll also hear some of Andrea’s favorite practical life hacks for making everyday life a little easier, including batch cooking, smoothie pops for selective eaters, “Tasting Tuesday,” and even simplifying your wardrobe to save precious mental energy.
Most importantly, Andrea reminds us of something so many autism moms need to hear:
You’re not doing it wrong. This is hard. You don’t have to do it alone.
In this episode, they talk about:
• Andrea’s journey raising her autistic son Reid
• Music therapy and discovering Reid’s strengths
• How laughter can help us process difficult experiences
• Andrea’s “Laughter Alliance” for autism moms
• Simple life hacks that reduce stress and mental overload
ABOUT ANDREA MORIARTY
Andrea Moriarty is an author, speaker, workshop leader, and autism mom. She is the author of One Track Mind, Radical Inclusion, and Daffy. Her work offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective on both the challenges and triumphs of parenting a son with autism, blending honesty, affection, humor, and hope.
Andrea also cofounded Banding Together, a music therapy nonprofit, and has served on the boards of Young Life Capernaum, New Village Arts, and Able Arts Work.
🔗 Resources & Links
Learn more about Andrea and her books:
https://www.andreamoriarty.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andreamoriartyauthor/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/andrea.a.moriarty
Learn more and join the Chill & Chat Membership:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/chillandchat
Purchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/book
Sign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com
Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrin
tristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com