Welcome to Full Spectrum Parent - the premier Christian podcast for autism and special needs parenting. Join pastors and autism parents Greg and Jessica Hurlbut as they share Biblical wisdom, practical strategies, and authentic encouragement for your special needs journey.Each episode delivers a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. Greg and Jessica offer practical help for daily challenges, genuine humor to lighten your path, and faith-filled hope to strengthen your spirit.Whether navigating IEP meetings, sensory challenges, or seeking God&#39;s purpose in special needs parenting, you&#39;ll find understanding and community here.As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Full Spectrum Parent combines clinical insights with Biblical truth to support your family&#39;s unique needs.For more parenting resources and spiritual guidance, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.New episodes are released biweekly to help you become the confident, faith-filled special needs parent God called you to be.

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What does it really mean to see your child?  In Episode 104, we sit down with Tyler Sansom, filmmaker behind the powerful new movie Learning You — a story about a father discovering his son, and himself, for the very first time.  Tyler shares what inspired the film, what it was like working with actors who are living the special needs journey in real life, and why he and his team made the radical decision to donate 100% of proceeds to ACT, the nonprofit they founded to serve and encourage parents just like you.  Grab your tissues and your people. This one&#39;s worth it. 💙 Watch Learning You and Learn More:https://www.learningyoumovie.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. Explore the Christian Parenting 2026 Gift Guide here: https://www.christianparenting.org/gifts/

Seen, Known, Loved, the Story Behind the Movie, Learning You

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Every autism mom and autism dad knows the look. The stare in the grocery store. The unsolicited advice from a relative. The friend who quietly stops calling.  In this solo episode, I get honest about one of the hardest parts of special needs parenting — the judgment — and offer real, practical tools for handling it without losing yourself. Grounded in faith and packed with encouragement, this is your reminder that you are not defined by what people see in thirty seconds.  For every Christian parenting podcast listener who has ever felt misunderstood in this journey — this one&#39;s for you. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org Grab our free Morning Minute email devotional here: http://www.morningminute.org

When They Don't Get It: Handling Judgment with Grace & Grit

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What does it really feel like to grow up as the typical sibling in a special needs family?  In this powerful follow-up to our Glass Children episode, I sit down with my oldest son Jeremiah — who grew up alongside two siblings with profound autism — for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it cost him, what it shaped in him, and what he wishes more parents knew.  If you&#39;re an autism mom or autism dad with typical kids in your home, this episode is for them just as much as it&#39;s for you.  We talk about the caretaker role, feeling invisible, people-pleasing, guilt, and ultimately the unexpected gifts that come from a hard life you didn&#39;t choose.This episode is a must-listen for any special needs parenting family. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Grab our free Morning Minute email devotional here: http://www.morningminute.org

The Other Side  Of Autism: Growing Up With Siblings on the Spectrum

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The scariest day of my life was the afternoon my five-year-old daughter on the spectrum went missing. The police were notified, we gathered a search party to scour the area, and an hour later we found her in a neighbor’s home, rummaging through their cupboards and playing with their poodle. I wouldn’t wish the fear that overtook me in that hour on my worst enemy. Yet, nearly half of children on the autism spectrum attempt to elope—making wandering one of the top safety concerns for autism parents  In this episode, we share our own personal stories, discuss reasons why children on the spectrum elope, and offer practical strategies to keep them safe. If you or a loved one is a parent of a child on the spectrum, you won’t want to miss this episode.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

When they Wander: Understanding Autism and Elopement

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In this milestone 100th episode of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast, hosts Greg and Jessica Hurlbut break down the Trump administration&#39;s controversial September 2025 autism announcement and what it means for special needs families navigating an increasingly complex landscape of information, advice, and medical decisions. Join us for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the recent FDA actions on leucovorin for autism speech deficits, the proposed Tylenol safety label changes for pregnant women, and what these announcements mean for parents of autistic children.This episode offers more than clinical information—it&#39;s a conversation between two parents who understand the unique trauma of raising children with profound autism.  We discuss the emotional toll of conflicting medical advice, the pressure of making &#34;perfect&#34; parenting decisions, and the isolation that comes when people want you to be &#34;okay&#34; but you&#39;re not. Whether you&#39;re pregnant and worried about autism risks, parenting an autistic child and considering new treatments, or simply exhausted from navigating the special needs journey, this episode offers the understanding and support you need.Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Tylenol, Trump, and Parenting Trauma - What Autism Parents Need to Know

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Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast!Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids. Here is a sneak peek into week one:This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world around him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probably looked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walk confidently with Him even when it means standing apart.If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/product/a-great-cloud-of-witnesses/" rel="nofollow">ChristianParenting.org</a> to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. <a href="https://www.christianparenting.org/product/a-great-cloud-of-witnesses/" rel="nofollow">Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today</a>Follow Pardon the Mess on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pardon-the-mess-with-courtney-defeo-christian/id1424241361" rel="nofollow">Apple</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5M9naAZc5uhHAXoMENDMEx?si=8d2c29f088f54ecc" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit <a href="http://www.christianparenting.org/" rel="nofollow">www.ChristianParenting.org</a>

BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year

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Feeling like you&#39;ve lost your sense of purpose in the daily grind of motherhood? You&#39;re not alone. In this transformative episode of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast, host Jessica Hurlbut sits down with bestselling author Abbie Halberstat to explore how mothers can rediscover meaning and intentionality in their parenting journey. Featured Guest: Abbie HalberstatAbbie is the bestselling author of &#34;M Is for Mama,&#34; &#34;Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad,&#34; and her latest release &#34;You Bet Your Stretch Marks.&#34; As a homeschooling mother of ten children (including two sets of twins), Abbie brings real-world wisdom to over 219,000 followers on her @Misformama Instagram account. What You&#39;ll Discover:  •  How to recognize when you&#39;ve &#34;lost the plot&#34; in motherhood and practical steps to find your way back  •  Navigating cultural pressures around motherhood, parenting regret, and societal expectations  •  What it means to mother with a &#34;legacy mindset&#34; and how to apply it to everyday chaos  •  Practical strategies for finding purpose in mundane moments - from fussy toddlers to endless to-do lists  •  Scripture-based hope for the hardest seasons of parentingPerfect for:  •  Special needs parents seeking encouragement and perspective  •  Moms feeling overwhelmed by daily parenting challenges  •  Christian mothers looking for faith-based parenting wisdom  •  Parents struggling with feelings of lost identity in motherhood  •  Anyone needing a dose of hope, humor, and practical help in their parenting journeyKeywords:Christian parenting, motherhood purpose, special needs parenting, parenting encouragement, mom identity, legacy parenting, faith-based parenting, homeschool mom, parenting wisdom, motherhood struggles, Christian mom podcast Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.  To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Your Purpose in Motherhood

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Are you struggling to advocate for your special needs child because you hate confrontation? You&#39;re not alone. In this episode of Full Spectrum Parent, host Jessica Hurlbut tackles one of the biggest challenges facing special needs parents: how to effectively advocate for your child when you&#39;re naturally a people pleaser. What You&#39;ll Learn:  •  Why people-pleasing hurts your child&#39;s advocacy efforts   •  The 4 root causes of people-pleasing behavior   •  Biblical strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies  •  How to shift from seeking human approval to God&#39;s approval when advocating for your special needs child Perfect For Parents Who:  •  Feel anxious about IEP meetings and school conferences  •  Struggle to speak up when their child isn&#39;t getting proper support  •  Want to be better advocates but fear being seen as &#34;difficult parents&#34;  •  Need encouragement to prioritize their child&#39;s needs over people-pleasing  •  Are looking for faith-based guidance on special needs parenting Full Spectrum Parent is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more resources and support for special needs families, visit cpgive.org. Tags: #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #Peoplepleasing #ChildAdvocacy #IEPMeetings #SpecialEducation #ParentingPodcast #ChristianMom #SpecialNeedsAdvocate #ParentingStruggles

Advocating For Your Kids When You're a People Pleaser

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As Christian parents, we desire for our kids to listen and obey the rules we set out for their safety and good, but what do we do when they refuse?  Whether you have a child on the spectrum, an obstinate toddler, or just a typical strong-willed kid—we’ve all been there. We find ourselves raising our voices, demanding compliance, and feeling defeated when our kids spiral into a full-fledged meltdown.  Greg and Jess are getting real about the difference between tantrums (where kids are totally in control) and meltdowns (where they&#39;re absolutely not). Trust us, understanding this will be a game-changer for your autism parenting journey and your faith-based approach to discipline. Here&#39;s what we&#39;re diving into:  •  Why your typical parenting tricks aren&#39;t working with neurodivergent children (and it&#39;s not your fault!)  •  The one question that changes how you respond to autism meltdowns and challenging behavior  •  3 simple Christian parenting principles that actually work with kids on the autism spectrum Our go-to strategies:  1.  Relationship Over Compliance - Sometimes you gotta choose your battles  2.  Choice Over Demand - Two options, both ones you&#39;re cool with  3.  Love Over Fear - Because scared kids don&#39;t learn, they just survive Whether you&#39;re dealing with a toddler who won&#39;t cooperate, a child with autism in a meltdown mode, or a typical teen who wants to push every button you have—this one&#39;s for Christian parents seeking God&#39;s wisdom in power struggles. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Power Struggles in Parenting

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Raising a child with autism solo? You&#39;re not alone!  Join us for Episode 95 of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast as host Jessica Hurlbut chats with Katie Blackburn - writer, teacher, and single mom to six kids, including her 10-year-old with severe autism. Katie gets real about the everyday challenges of autism parenting without a partner, sharing practical tips for managing therapies, school struggles, and finding moments of joy along the way. She also discusses her children’s book, &#34;The Very Best Baseball Game&#34; which offers both comfort and inspiration. Whether you&#39;re flying solo or just need some autism parenting encouragement, this episode delivers our signature mix of HELP, HUMOR, and HOPE that will leave you feeling seen and supported on your special needs journey. Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.  For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org To grab the CP Gift Guide visit https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/ To learn more about Katie Blackburn and her newest book, visit www.katiemblackburn.com #AutismParenting #SingleParenting #SpecialNeedsSupport #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

Navigating Single Parenting With a Child on the Spectrum

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Happiness is circumstantial. But joy comes from Jesus—it’s not based upon our circumstances.  Yet one of the hardest hurdles to conquer in our parenting is finding joy when life doesn’t change.  Episode 94 is part 2 of our 3-Part Series, Finding God in our Pain. Christian Author Will Acuff joins the Full Spectrum Parent to share his journey of parenting a child with autism.  After hitting a wall of emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, Will shares how the Holy Spirit met him in his pain. Now, he offers hope and direction for others on how to stay rooted in Christ when the storms rage around you.  Learn more about Will’s newest book: No Elevator to Everest at www.noelevatortoeverest.com Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

Finding Joy When Life Doesn't Change

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Parenting is a gift from God and a beautiful journey. But if we’re honest, it’s also incredibly hard and sometimes heartbreaking.  In Episode 93 of the Full Spectrum Parent, we chat with Jenn Soehnlin about embracing the special needs life God has given us. Join us as we sit down with Jenn as she unpacks how to pray Scripture over your children and how this one act has become a game changer for her. You don’t want to miss this episode!  Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

Finding God in our Pain & Embracing this Special Life

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In this powerful episode of Full Spectrum Parent, we explore the extraordinary journey of Austin LeRette, a remarkable young man living with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and autism.  Join us as we sit down with Scott LeRette, Austin&#39;s father and author of &#34;The Unbreakable Boy,&#34; to discuss their family&#39;s inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unconditional love. Episode Highlights:  •  Scott LeRette shares his family&#39;s emotional journey raising a child with multiple diagnoses  •  Behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming Lionsgate film adaptation  •  How Austin&#39;s joyful perspective on life has transformed their family and community  •  Practical wisdom for parents navigating similar challenges  •  The role of faith in facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles Connect With UsFull Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org KeywordsSpecial needs parenting, osteogenesis imperfecta, brittle bone disease, autism, faith and family, Christian parenting, special needs movie, inspirational stories, parenting podcast, disability advocacy, rare disease awareness, family support, religious faith, parent testimonial, medical challenges Episode Tags#UnbreakableBoy #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #ParentingPodcast #OsteogenesisImperfecta #AutismAwareness #FaithAndFamily #ParentingJourney #RareDisease #Inspiration

The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love

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We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But when it comes to special needs parenting, often friends and family struggle knowing how to help.  In Episode 91, Dr. Kelly Cagle joins us as she shares the unique lessons she has learned as an aunt to her 17-year-old non-verbal nephew Isaac.  Rather than offering parenting advice or sympathy, Kelly shares some of the special ways she has connected to and supported her sister and her family on their special needs journey. You don’t want to miss this heartwarming episode.  To learn more about Dr. Kelly Cagle and her coaching for ADHD families or schedule a free consultation, go to www.drkellycagle.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.christianparenting.org

Extended Family and Special Needs: An Aunt’s Unique Perspective

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This episode is dedicated to everyone’s favorite topic: food. Whether you have a child who is a picky eater and only consumes chicken nuggets or you have an overeater with no off switch—this episode covers it all.  We also talk about the gut-brain connection and our experience with special diets in regard to autism.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Autism and Food

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For many, the holidays are filled with anticipation and awe. But for some of us, the holidays hurt.  Whether you just received a diagnosis, you lost a loved one, or you’re walking through a wilderness season—sometimes the Christmas season has a way of magnifying our pain.  In Episode 89, I share 3 unconventional Christmas traditions that have kept me grounded when my world felt like it was falling apart.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

When the Holidays Hurt

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Teenage years are  a challenging time for any  parent, but when you throw autism into the mix, it’s a whole different ball game.  In Episode 88, Jessica reveals her fears and concerns around puberty while raising her daughter who struggles with severe autism. She then offers special needs parents  7 tips to mentally and practically prepare their child on the spectrum for the big “P” word.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Pimples, Periods, and Preteen Hormones: Navigating Puberty with Our Kids on the Spectrum

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Fifteen years into our autism journey, my husband and I finally took the plunge and started our daughter Mara on medication. Pursuing medication for your child is not a decision parents should take lightly, but sometimes it’s a necessary step.  In Episode 87, we share our personal pros and cons after starting our daughter on Risperidone. If you have a child on the spectrum and you have gone back and forth in your mind on this topic, you don’t want to miss this episode.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

The Pros and Cons of Pursuing Medication

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The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance and it’s a proposed disorder on the spectrum that involves an extreme resistance to everyday demands. I had never heard the term before until my friend Karen Dorsey mentioned some struggles with her grandson. As she shared her story, my eyes were opened and I began to understand my youngest daughter’s behaviors in a way I never considered before.  If you have a child that continually resists demand and you may have chalked it up as defiance, you don’t want to miss this episode.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

PDA and Grand-parenting a Child on the Spectrum

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I’m not a huge movie buff—but when I catch a film that moves me—especially when it centers around autism, I can’t help but recommend it. There is something about a story that causes you to drop your defenses and sneaks into the backdoor of your heart.  In Episode 85, we share two autism films that everyone should watch and why, whether you’re parenting a child on the spectrum or not.  Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Autism Goes to the Movies: My 2 Favorite Movies on Autism and Why Everyone Needs to Watch Them

The Full Spectrum Parent Podcast is the only faith-based autism parenting podcast on the web. As pastors and special needs parents, each episode we offer parents a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope.

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org