Hope McPheeters: The Challenges and Triumphs of an Autism Advocate Mom

Send us a text When we think about autism, we often forget that it's not just the individuals on the spectrum who need to adapt; it's also up to us, the neurotypicals, to learn how to interact with them. Join us for a profound discussion with Hope McPheeters, a mother of two kids on the autism spectrum. She navigates us through her personal journey, from the realization that her daughter was different, to the testing and diagnosis, and finally accepting that it was not her fault. Hear Hope's personal experience with the sea of misinformation and how she learned to focus on what was best for her kids. Hope pulls back the curtain on her experience running an ABA therapy clinic with her husband and her work as the Director of Community Engagement. She lays bare the challenges in providing aid to those who need it, the difficulties parents encounter when their children are just starting their autism journey, and the importance of finding resources and support for families. Additionally, Hope gives us an inside look at her nearly two-decade-long advocacy for her children. In the final leg of our conversation, we delve into the importance of communication and socialization for those on the autism spectrum. Hope shares the story of her daughter, Ella, who has built a community on YouTube, showcasing that this is not isolation, but a form of socialization. We talk about the notion that it's not just autistic people who need to learn how to interact with each other, but also neurotypical individuals need to learn how to interact with autistic people. This episode shines a light on Hope's journey of running a charity, helping those who have just discovered their child is autistic, and her wisdom to those listening. If you're a part of the autism community or just curious, don't miss out on this episode. It's a story that will inspire, offer solace, and most importantly, educate. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.