Julianna Scott and Kelley Jensen tackle controversial parenting scenarios from autism Facebook groups, exploring real dilemmas that leave parents stumped. When a 13-year-old autistic child steals vodka to share with friends, is it a consequence problem or a safety issue? The hosts dissect problematic advice about validating risky behavior and discuss why understanding a child's developmental level matters more than imposing consequences. They also address therapy conflicts when ABA and speech therapy clash, the pressure around "please and thank you," navigating gift-giving with family members, dealing with spouses who won't adapt their parenting approach, and the non-negotiable priority of keeping children safe from danger.

Key Takeaways:

• When an autistic child doesn't understand stealing, start with teaching the concept rather than imposing consequences
• Autistic teens are vulnerable to peer manipulation and may take dangerous risks to fit in with friends
• Before implementing consequences, assess the child's developmental level and what they're actually capable of understanding
• Team meetings are essential when different therapists use conflicting approaches for the same child
• Social norms like "please and thank you" should be taught when developmentally appropriate, not forced prematurely
• Get ahead of gift-giving situations by preparing family members and considering opening presents privately
• When safety is at stake, parents have permission to stop dangerous behavior first and teach later
• Spouse alignment on autism parenting is critical; validate concerns while working toward solutions together
• Consider whether peer relationships are healthy or exploitative when children engage in risky behaviors
• Not all autism parenting advice from online groups is appropriate, even from moderators

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Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:40) - Teen Steals Vodka Scenario
• (03:15) - Dangerous Advice from Groups
• (04:12) - Understanding Stealing Concept
• (04:48) - Peer Pressure & Manipulation
• (09:24) - Who Are These Friends?
• (10:16) - Severity Level Matters
• (11:56) - Conflicting Therapy Methods
• (12:41) - Please & Thank You Debate
• (14:17) - Gift Giving Strategies
• (16:35) - Prepping Family Members
• (17:22) - Spouse Disagreements
• (19:12) - Dangerous Behavior Dilemma
• (20:32) - Closing Thoughts

Julianna and Kelley dissect "An Inconvenient Study," a documentary from the creators of Vaxxed that claims 54% of American children have chronic illnesses caused by vaccines. The film features Del Bigtree's undercover footage of a Henry Ford Health researcher who conducted a flawed retrospective study comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The hosts connect this documentary's rhetoric to RFK Jr's current HHS proposals for similar Medicare/Medicaid studies, explaining why retrospective designs cannot establish causation and are vulnerable to bias. They emphasize the importance of consulting pediatricians rather than falling for fear-based messaging.

Key Takeaways:

• "An Inconvenient Study" claims all childhood vaccines cause chronic illness in 54% of children
• The documentary centers on a retrospective study that Henry Ford Health rejected for not meeting methodological standards
• Retrospective studies look at existing data but cannot prove causation and are vulnerable to bias
• RFK Jr is proposing similar retrospective studies using Medicare/Medicaid data, which isn't a representative population
• The documentary uses the same rhetoric Kennedy employs about "balance" and hearing anti-vaccine voices
• Scaling up a flawed study design doesn't fix its fundamental problems
• The film is part of the autism industrial complex fear mongering
• Anti-vaccine movement is gaining traction by creating skepticism about settled science
• Parents should consult their pediatricians about vaccine decisions, not documentaries

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Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Getting an autism diagnosis can feel like the end of a journey, but it's actually the starting line. Kelley and Julianna walk through the full diagnostic process, from the first red flags to navigating medical diagnoses versus educational evaluations, and why each step matters. They share their own early experiences, break down the difference between screening and formal evaluation, and explain why self-diagnosis simply isn't enough. The conversation covers comorbid diagnoses, disclosure decisions, and practical first steps every family needs to take after receiving a diagnosis.

Key Takeaways

• The three steps of autism diagnosis are monitoring, screening, and formal assessment. Don't skip any of them.
• Self-diagnosis and online quizzes are a starting point only. A formal evaluation by a trained professional is essential.
• A medical autism diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for school-based services under IDEA. Eligibility is determined by a team.
• 70% of individuals with ASD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder; 40% have two or more.
• Comorbid diagnoses like anxiety, OCD, and ADHD often surface over time and need to be revisited regularly.
• Late diagnosis as a teen or adult can provide meaningful self-understanding and relief.
• Treat the post-diagnosis process like a second job. Stay organized, maintain files, and collect every evaluation.
• Have more than one person fill out developmental questionnaires to get a fuller picture of your child.
• Disclosure is a personal decision with no single right answer. Do what works for your child and your family.
• Speed to acceptance and learning to manage anxiety are not one-time tasks. They run through every stage of this journey.

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Julianna and Kelley examine the "Autism Industrial Complex" through the lens of Mattel's new Autistic Barbie doll. Drawing from a 2022 book, they break down how autism has become a multi-billion dollar business driven by hope, fear, and claims of science. The hosts critique how ABA therapy, genetic research, and products like Autistic Barbie perpetuate this system while often excluding severely autistic individuals from the conversation. They discuss vaccination fearmongering, corporate tokenism, and whether interventions are truly helpful or just profitable. With their signature honesty, they challenge listeners to question what's driving autism advocacy and research.

Key Takeaways:

• The Autism Industrial Complex operates on three pillars: hope, fear, and truth (science rhetoric)
• ABA therapy evolved from acknowledging limitations to promising normalization
• Autism Awareness Month shifted to Autism Acceptance Month, reflecting changing narratives
• Anti-vaccination movements exploit fear to drive the autism prevention industry
• Severely autistic individuals are consistently excluded from autism advocacy conversations
• Autistic Barbie was developed with the Autism Self Advocacy Network over 18 months
• Mattel donated only 1,000 Autism Barbies to children's hospitals
• The book suggests avoiding diagnosis and interventions to escape the industrial complex
• Parents shouldn't bankrupt themselves pursuing interventions driven by hope or fear
• Being part of the autism conversation inevitably makes you part of the industrial complex

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Julianna and Kelley tackle three critical parenting challenges from social media questions. They explore practical solutions for hygiene resistance, including making bath time fun rather than punitive. The hosts address inappropriate vaccination questions directed at autism parents, discussing timing, sensitivity, and respect. They examine the growing concern around Roblox addiction, sharing evidence that unlimited screen time approaches are failing. The episode emphasizes building positive routines early, avoiding battles that create trauma, and recognizing when popular platforms pose genuine risks to children's regulation and safety.

Key Takeaways

• Make hygiene routines fun and collaborative rather than battles
• Start positive bath/shower habits early, before adolescence
• Vaccination questions to autism parents are insensitive and inappropriate
• Unlimited screen time philosophy is proving problematic
• Roblox shows clear addictive patterns in many autistic children
• Playing games together provides better oversight than unrestricted access
• Platform safety concerns extend beyond just content to user demographics
• Regulation tools like showers can benefit autistic children long-term

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Hosts Kelley Jensen and Julianna Scott explore the overlooked mental health struggles of fathers raising autistic children. While extensive research exists on mothers' mental health, fathers remain understudied with only small sample sizes available. The conversation reveals how dads often take a backseat to their partners' needs, struggle with stigma around seeking help, and approach autism acceptance differently than mothers. The episode emphasizes the importance of communication between spouses and practical strategies for supporting fathers' wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Very limited research exists on fathers' mental health compared to mothers

• Fathers often prioritize their partner's mental health needs over their own

• Men typically become more goal-oriented after accepting their child's diagnosis

• Fathers focus on long-term independence goals while mothers handle daily challenges

• Stigma around men's mental health prevents fathers from seeking support

• Communication and validation between spouses is crucial for both partners

• Fathers can benefit from participating in their child's therapy sessions

• Waiting room connections with other dads provide valuable informal support

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MeRT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Screens have become an unavoidable part of modern parenting, but what happens when unlimited screen time becomes the default for autistic children? Julianna and Kelley explore why screen time is being compared to smoking, examining the advice circulating in PDA communities that promotes unlimited screen access as emotional regulation. They break down the neurological impact of constant digital stimulation, discuss why screens interfere with critical skill development, and share practical strategies for establishing healthier boundaries. From parental modeling to age-appropriate limits, they offer actionable steps to help families navigate screen use without falling into the addiction trap.

Key Takeaways:

• Screen addiction trains developing brains to expect immediate gratification, undermining patience and emotional regulation skills.
• PDA resources often promote unlimited screen time publicly but recommend removal when addiction develops.
• Text-based communication prevents autistic children from practicing crucial emotional recognition and social skills.
• Online friendships pose safety risks and don't provide the real-world social practice children need.
• Parents must model healthy screen habits before expecting children to develop them.
• Starting with zero screen time before age two creates the strongest foundation for healthy limits.
• Curating content, using time-limiting apps, and removing phones from bedrooms are essential strategies.
• Screens can be valuable tools for specific purposes like FaceTime with relatives or educational content.
• Earned screen time should be the highest value reward in your parenting toolkit.
• Managing screen time is a lifetime skill that requires ongoing parental guidance.

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

Julianna and Kelley discuss the National Council on Severe Autism's position statement advocating for severe or profound autism to be recognized as its own diagnosis, separate from the broader autism spectrum. They explore the evolution from DSM-IV's three-tier classification system to DSM-5's umbrella approach, examining how this change has impacted service allocation and representation. The conversation highlights the tension between neurodiversity advocacy and the needs of profoundly autistic individuals requiring 24/7 care, addressing housing crises, caregiver shortages, and the dominance of higher-functioning voices in autism discourse. The episode concludes with a lighthearted exploration of "outroverts."

Key Takeaways

• The National Council on Severe Autism advocates for severe/profound autism to be its own diagnosis, distinct from the broader spectrum
• DSM-5's umbrella approach consolidated previous categories (Asperger's, PDD-NOS, classic autism) into one autism spectrum disorder with levels 1-3
• Severe autism is qualitatively different, not merely a matter of degree on a linear scale
• Individuals with severe autism typically have significant social communication impairments, cognitive deficits, challenges with basic living skills, sensory dysregulation, and need 24/7 supervision
• Parents of profoundly autistic individuals feel the conversation is dominated by higher-functioning voices and disability advocacy focused on independence
• Competition for limited services creates challenges when level 1 and level 3 individuals are competing for the same therapists and resources
• Popular culture representation of high-functioning autism has positive aspects but can overshadow the needs of the severe autism community
• Current group home options are inadequate, and alternative housing solutions face practical barriers including housing and care worker shortages

Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com

🔗 Learn More:
Website: refrigeratormoms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms