Telling My Parents, "I'm Autistic": Masking, Sensory Needs & Validation
Release Date: 09/10/2025
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FREE RESOURCE to Increase Understanding & Support for Autistic & ADHD Students
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Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast! I'm thrilled that you joined me. My name is Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist. Today, we are talking about the FREE "Get to Know My Child Snapshot" - a one-page fillable pdf that takes less than 5-minutes to complete. Decrease anxiety Prevent misunderstandings about behavior Highlight strengths and interests Set a child up for success with teachers, coaches, tutors, sitters, therapists, doctors, etc. Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" ⭐️ ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING...
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Telling My Parents, "I'm Autistic": Masking, Sensory Needs & Validation
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Hey friends—today I’m getting personal. I share what it was like to tell my dad and mom about my autism diagnosis at 50, how internalized ableism whispered “you’re not autistic enough,” and why believing kids is one of the most powerful ways to lower anxiety. We talk masking that looked like “success,” sensory differences that shaped my days, the “my regular” story (Hi, Dairy Queen), and the moment validation turned fear into relief. If you’re a parent, therapist, educator—or navigating your own neurodivergent identity—this one’s for you. What you’ll learn How...
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Does your child, student or client constantly forgetting what you just said? Struggling to follow directions, stay organized, or complete schoolwork? You’re not alone — and it’s not a behavior problem. It may be lower working memory. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I breaks down what working memory really is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it impacts everything from transitions to conversations to homework. Most importantly — you'll walk away with compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that actually help at home, in the classroom, and beyond. ...
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The Social Skill That Protects the Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Kids
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When your neurodivergent child, client or student faces social rejection, how do you protect their self-worth while still helping them grow? Join Dr. Daniel Wendler and me, Holly Blanc Moses, for game-changing mindset shifts that support mental health. This isn't about lowering expectations or avoiding social situations. It's about teaching kids to measure success by how authentically they show up, not by other people's responses. We discuss why this approach actually leads to better social connections AND stronger mental health. Whether your child, client, or student is struggling with...
info_outlineHey friends—today I’m getting personal. I share what it was like to tell my dad and mom about my autism diagnosis at 50, how internalized ableism whispered “you’re not autistic enough,” and why believing kids is one of the most powerful ways to lower anxiety.
We talk masking that looked like “success,” sensory differences that shaped my days, the “my regular” story (Hi, Dairy Queen), and the moment validation turned fear into relief. If you’re a parent, therapist, educator—or navigating your own neurodivergent identity—this one’s for you.
What you’ll learn
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How internalized ableism shows up as “you seem so normal” and why it harms kids and adults
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The difference between looking fine and being okay: masking vs. mental health
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Sensory realities (sound, clothing, routines) that get mislabeled
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Why believing kids is a clinical + parenting superpower for reducing anxiety
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Simple ways families and professionals can respond with support
⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT
Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more.
⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education-
⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
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About Holly Blanc Moses
Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV and parent masterclasses.