Welcome to Episode 326 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, I’m joined by Tyler Hudson, author of The Missing Lyrics: A Father’s Story of Autism, Grief, and a Society in Denial.

Tyler’s son Lyric is 18 and has profound autism. Our sons are close in age, and while every family’s journey is unique, there are many commonalities in what we’ve experienced.

Tyler has a remarkable ability to put words around complicated and emotionally charged experiences that many parents have felt but struggled to articulate.

We talk about the grief that can accompany this journey, how a parent’s perspective changes over time, the enormous breadth of the autism spectrum, and the courage required to question prevailing narratives and stand up for what you believe is right.

We also explore the importance of presuming competence and recognizing that a child who struggles to communicate may understand far more than we realize.

And we confront a distinction that sits at the heart of Tyler’s advocacy: accepting, loving, and supporting people with autism today does not mean we stop asking difficult questions about why so many children are struggling or seeking to prevent unnecessary suffering for future generations.

Those goals are not in conflict.

The secret this week is…

We Need Acceptance AND Prevention

You'll Discover:

• Why Hope Changes As The Journey Unfolds (3:11)
• How Grief Can Lead To Acceptance (13:22)
• Why The Autism Spectrum Needs More Distinction (22:10)
• The Difference Between Being Nice And Doing What’s Right (39:56)
• Why Presuming Competence Matters So Much (47:33)

About Our Guest:

Tyler Hudson is a husband, father of three, musician and advocate for families living at the deep end of the spectrum. From Texas, now living in Tasmania, Tyler speaks openly about grief, disability, and the responsibility we owe future generations.

https://tylerhudsonmusic.com/

References in this Episode:

• The Missing Lyrics: A Father's Story of Autism, Grief, and a Society In Denial by Tyler Hudson

Additional Resources:

• To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 324 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, I'm joined by Sarah Kernion, founder of INCHSTONES and mother of three children, including two with profound, non-speaking autism and whole body apraxia.

Parents see things others simply can't.

You are with your child across thousands of ordinary moments. You notice subtle changes in behavior, connection, sleep, digestion, regulation, communication, and development.

Those observations aren't insignificant.

They're clues.

Yet it's easy to discount what you see when you're sitting across from a doctor, therapist, teacher, or other professional with years of training and expertise.

Sarah makes a powerful case for a different posture.

You don't need to know more than the experts.

But you do need to recognize that you bring something to the table that no one else can: an extraordinarily deep understanding of your child.

That means becoming more than an advocate. It means becoming an intentional observer, noticing patterns, documenting what you see, asking better questions, and trusting yourself enough to bring those observations forward.

We also explore the importance of asking not only "What is this?" but "Why might this be happening?"

And Sarah shares the idea at the heart of INCHSTONES: progress isn't only found in the big milestones we're conditioned to look for.

It's also found in the tiny moments of connection, growth, and development that are easy to miss when we're focused only on how far our child still has to go.

Those inchstones matter.

The secret this week is…

Your Ability To NOTICE Is A Superpower

You'll Discover:

• Why your observations about your child are incredibly important clues (3:53)
• How to show up differently in conversations with practitioners (10:21)
• Why becoming a better observer changes your role in your child's care (21:07)
• Why asking "Why might this be happening?" can reveal more (31:36)
• Why inchstones deserve to be celebrated alongside milestones (39:02)

About Our Guest:

Sarah Kernion is the founder of INCHSTONES, host of the Inchstones podcast, and a national advocate for families raising children with profound autism.

She is the mother of three children, including Milly and Mack, who both have profound, non-speaking autism and whole body apraxia.

Through honest storytelling and conversations with leading researchers, physicians, and fellow caregivers, Sarah explores the intersection of science, advocacy, and the lived reality of raising children with the highest support needs.

Her work invites parents to notice the small moments that often reveal the biggest truths because inchstones, not milestones, change lives.

www.inchstones.co

References in this Episode:

• Meadow Health

Additional Resources:

• To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.