In this episode of Talk to Me Sis, we sit down with Jennifer Cook author, autism advocate, and the relationship expert from Netflix's hit show Love on the Spectrum. But this time, Jennifer isn't guiding someone else. She's sharing her own story.

00:00:00 Coming up...
00:00:34 Meet Jennifer Cook from Love on the Spectrum
00:16:31 Masking Autism and Learning Social Rules
00:17:18 Using Movies and Books to Learn Social Skills
00:21:16 Why Autism in Girls Often Goes Undiagnosed
00:28:12 Autism, Relationships & Recognizing Abuse
00:31:05 Being Diagnosed with Autism at Age 35
00:31:58 The Social Rules Book That Changed Lives
00:36:12 Raising Neurodivergent Children as an Autistic Parent
00:41:10 Occupational Therapy and Sensory Challenges
00:45:41 How Jennifer Joined Love on the Spectrum
00:48:25 The Impact of Love on the Spectrum
00:50:30 Behind the Scenes Stories from the Show
00:53:55 Tanner, Connor & Finding Confidence

Whether you're on the spectrum, love someone who is, or simply want an honest conversation about identity, resilience, and self-worth this episode is for you.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and nothing is off limits. Two autism moms get real about dysregulation, self-care, postpartum, and finding your way through the hard days.

Hosts:
Lise Smith
Nicci Smith

What do you wish someone had told you before you became a mom? In this episode, Nicci and Lise pull back the curtain on the real, unfiltered truth about motherhood. From identity and independence before kids, to grace in long-term partnerships, to the lifeline of good mom friends, this episode is the conversation you didn't know you needed.

And they close on an incredible high note: Rio's Law is now officially on the books in Georgia, a huge win for the autism and neurodiverse community.

00:00 Coming up...
01:01 Welcome & What's Been Going On This Week
05:05 Are You a Napper or Not? The Great Debate
11:01 Did You Always Want to Be a Mom?
13:36 Build Your Identity BEFORE You Become a Mother
18:57 Give Yourself Grace. It's Your First Time Doing Life Too
21:34 The Pressure of Being a "Perfect" New Mom
22:28 Sleep When the Baby Sleeps (Do As We Say, Not As We Did)
23:29 Stop Putting Pressure on Yourself Postpartum
25:44 How the Mom You Are Changes With Each Child
32:19 Single Mom Survival: Accepting Help & Setting a Routine
46:47 The Seasons of Marriage Nobody Warns You About
53:38 The Power of Your Mom Friend Circle
01:01:44 Rio's Law Deep Dive: What It Means & Why It Matters
01:06:30 Tanner Meets Christopher McDonald from The Iron Giant 😂
01:07:57 What's Coming Up Next & Exciting Guests Ahead