Autism mom coaching is not just about learning tips or managing schedulesits about emotional transformation. In Episode 158 of The Autism Mom Coach podcast, I talk with my client Rachael Eerdmans, a full-time working mom of two young boys, one of whom is autistic.
When Rachael found me, she was overwhelmed. Her son Leo had just started kindergarten and was struggling with significant behavioral challenges at schoolaggression, profanity, and meltdowns. He was even removed from the school bus. Rachael felt frozen, ashamed, and out of answers.
From Diagnosis to Daily Crisis
Rachael had done everything she was supposed to do. Early diagnosis. Immediate enrollment in ABA therapy. A solid IEP. But when Leo entered kindergarten, the difficulties escalated.
What had once seemed like quirks became disruptive behaviors. The pressure from school increased. Rachael was burned out, traveling frequently for work, and struggling to hold it all together.
Coaching as the Turning Point
Through a post on social media, someone recommended meand Rachael realized she was already following my content. She scheduled a consultation call.
That first call gave her hope.
Autism mom coaching helped her see Leos behavior as information, not failure. It gave her the tools to manage her own nervous system and respond with intention instead of panic.
Even after the consultation, I felt better. I knew this was exactly what I needed.
Letting Go of Punishment and Choosing What Works
One of Rachaels most powerful shifts was realizing that punishment didnt work for Leoand never had. With coaching, she learned how to focus on what did motivate him.
Together, we built a reward system based on Leos special interests: maps, towns, adventures, and flags. He began earning points for positive behaviors and working toward experiences he loved.
He really wanted to visit a town called Leonidashis full name is Leonidas. So we made a list of places he could earn by working toward them.
As Rachael learned to stop focusing on external pressure and start focusing on her child, everything changed.
Real Change at Home and at School
- Leos school behavior improved within weeks
- Incidents became less frequent and less severe
- Rachael stopped feeling ashamed and started feeling grounded
- Their entire family became calmer, more connected, and more hopeful
Before coaching, I would have cried for days after something happened at school. Now I know what to do, and I bounce back faster.
Coaching Support Beyond the Session
Rachael took full advantage of the support offered through one-on-one sessions and the group coaching program. Even outside of scheduled calls, she reached out when she felt herself freezingand got the help she needed in real time.
Through ongoing group coaching and access to a supportive community, Rachael not only found her footing but became a mentor for other moms.
Im a joiner. And this group of moms? They get it in a way no one else does.
Becoming an Advocate, Not an Apologist
Through coaching, Rachael stopped apologizing and started advocating. Whether it was a meltdown at school, a conflict over arbitrary rules, or an outburst in public, she learned to stay grounded and focus on what matters mostLeo.
Im no longer worried about what the school secretary thinks. Im focused on what my child needs.
The Ripple Effect: Confidence, Connection, and Calm
Rachael noticed that as she regulated herself, the tone of her entire household changed. Her older son, her husband, and Leo all responded to the shift.
She also started having more honest conversations with teachers, swim instructors, and other parentsconversations she never would have dared to initiate before.
If I dont accept who he is, how can I expect anyone else to?
This is the heart of autism mom coachinggiving you the tools to support your child, and the confidence to stand in your truth.
Listen to the Full Episode
Episode 158: From Frozen and Afraid to Calm and Confident with Rachael Eerdmans
Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
Ready for Your Own Transformation?
If Rachaels story sounds familiar, you dont have to stay stuck. Autism mom coaching can help you reclaim your confidence, respond instead of react, and build a family life that feels more connectedeven during the hard moments.
Book your free consultation today.
Visit: https://talkwiththeautismmomcoach.as.me/
Or email: lisa@theautismmomcoach.com
You dont have to do this aloneand you dont have to wait years to feel better.
