In this episode, Sarah Kernion, a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity and mother of two non-speaking autistic children, shares how she embraces her children’s unique ways of interacting with the world. She discusses her ‘inchstones versus milestones’ mentality, which celebrates the potential of neurodiverse individuals. Sarah offers personal anecdotes, emphasizes the importance of sitting with grief and adversity to move past it, and expresses her hopes that her advocacy will lead to greater understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and beyond.
Episode Highlights:
01:52 Understanding Suffering and Acceptance
04:29 Parenting Neurodivergent Children
07:36 Challenges and Realities of Special Needs Parenting
12:07 Harnessing Neurodivergent Strengths
14:55 Adapting Parenting Styles
17:41 The Gift of Diversity
27:31 The Importance of Resilience and Vulnerability
28:52 Understanding Brain Plasticity and Empathy
30:13 Embracing Discomfort and Growth
31:15 Personal Journey Through Postpartum Psychosis
33:14 Living in the Present and Preparing for the Future
Sarah Kernion is a keynote speaker, neurodiversity educator, and advocate for the autism community. As a mother of two non-speaking autistic children, she is driven by her personal experiences to empower companies to understand and appreciate the complexities and strengths of neurodivergent employees. Sarah encourages adopting an inchstones vs milestones mentality in life’s development. Her journey through diagnoses, IEPs, and medical evaluations has taught her resilience. Beyond parenting, she leads workshops in workplaces and healthcare settings to foster inclusive environments. Sarah is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting acceptance and possibilities for every child with special needs.
You can connect with Sarah at: saturdaysstory
