60: The Brutal Reality of Raising a Child With Severe Autism w/ Kate Swenson

What happens when the future you imagined for your child starts to look completely different?

Kate Swenson, creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice, joins us for an incredibly honest conversation about autism, motherhood, caregiving, acceptance, and the complicated emotions parents are often afraid to say out loud.

Plus, Kate shares the story behind Finding Cooper’s Voice, her advocacy work, her upcoming book, and why caregivers need community and support just as much as the people they care for.

00:00 “God, You Picked the Wrong Person”

01:19 Meet Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice

03:21 How Autism Changed Kate’s Life

09:56 The Unexpected Story Behind Kate’s First Book

11:03 Kate’s New Autism Guide for Families

20:09 The Reality of Planning for an Autistic Child’s Future

21:43 Why Honest Autism Moms Get Called “Negative”

22:53 Two Things Can Be True About Autism

27:31 Parenting vs. Caregiving: What’s the Difference?