Autism Parenting, Grief, and Finding Yourself Again with Jean Mayer of Moms Talk Autism

About this episode

Sarah Kernion and Jean Mayer discuss the complexities of autism parenting, including grief, identity shifts, and advocacy.

Autism parenting, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting are at the heart of this episode of Inchstones. Sarah Kernion and Jean Mayer of Moms Talk Autism share a raw conversation about parenting autistic children, grief, identity, disability advocacy, and finding yourself again after diagnosis. In this deeply honest episode of Inchstones, Sarah sits down with Jean Mayer of Moms Talk Autism for a conversation about the hidden grief many autism parents carry, the loss of expectations, and the slow rebuilding that happens after your child’s diagnosis changes the life you imagined. Jean shares what it felt like to move through Rory’s autism diagnosis, give up the career and identity she once expected, and become the manager, advocate, and steady presence her child needed. Together, Sarah and Jean explore caregiver burnout, autism family support, emotional regulation, ableism, disability inclusion, and the reality of living in what Jean calls “the forever trench.” This episode is for every autism mom, special needs caregiver, and parent navigating neurodivergent parenting who has ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or changed by the journey. It is a conversation about grief, yes…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Kernion

Guest: Jean Mayer

Topics covered

• autism parenting
• grief
• identity
• disability advocacy
• caregiver burnout
• neurodivergent parenting

Keywords

• autism
• parenting
• grief
• identity
• caregiver
• advocacy
• neurodiversity
• support
• emotional regulation
• ableism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Moms Talk Autism

More episodes of Inchstones with Sarah | Autism Parenting & Neurodiversity Insights

• Horses, Autism, and the Healing Power of Nature | Dana Spett of Pony Power Therapies · June 11, 2026 · 26 min
• What If It’s Not Behavior? Understanding Whole Body Apraxia in Autism with Dr. Dana Johnson · June 9, 2026 · 31 min
• Autistic Adulthood, Independence, and Living Your Best Life | Zach Ennis’ Story · May 30, 2026 · 19 min
• What My Son's Autism Diagnosis Taught Me About Myself | Bari Shore's Story · May 30, 2026 · 20 min
• Why Autism Moms Never Fully Relax | Kerry Stevens' Story · May 29, 2026 · 26 min
• Profound Autism and Letting Go of Expectations with Autism Mom, Alyssa Sieira · May 29, 2026 · 22 min