About this episode

This episode features a conversation about the transformative journey of motherhood, particularly in the context of neurodivergent parenting and the challenges faced by caregivers.

Every mother begins with expectations. Few of us imagine how deeply motherhood will transform our identity. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with author and nurse practitioner Valerie Probstfeld, creator of To Mom Is to Love, for a heartfelt conversation about caregiver stories, neurodivergent parenting, grief, identity, and learning to choose love when life unfolds differently than expected. Valerie shares the experience of becoming a mother in the NICU, where losing control forced her to rethink what motherhood truly means. Together, she and Sarah explore how unexpected diagnoses, profound autism, medical trauma, and unmet expectations reshape caregivers—and why healing often begins by releasing the illusion of control. From autism parenting advice and caregiver emotional support to the role of nature, community, and nervous system regulation, this conversation reminds every parent that growth is rarely linear. Whether you’re raising a child with autism, navigating a difficult diagnosis, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this episode offers encouragement to recognize the sacredness hidden inside ordinary moments. In this episode: 02:10 — Becoming…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Kernion

Guest: Valerie Probstfeld

Topics covered

• motherhood
• neurodivergent parenting
• identity transformation
• medical trauma
• caregiver support
• autism

Keywords

• motherhood
• neurodiversity
• autism parenting
• medical trauma
• identity
• caregiver stories
• grief
• emotional support

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: To Mom Is to Love

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

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• Parent the Child, Not the Diagnosis | Nora Canzoneri on Autism, Acceptance, and Letting Go · July 9, 2026 · 32 min
• Beyond the Autism Diagnosis: Seeing the Child Before the Label | Dr. John Gaitanis · June 30, 2026 · 40 min
• Autism Fatherhood: When My Son Brought Me to My Knees | Tommy of Spectrum in Camouflage · June 25, 2026 · 32 min
• Why Autism Moms Never Stop Listening for Footsteps with Libby Hudson · June 16, 2026 · 28 min

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