Navigating an Autism Diagnosis: Guidance for Parents from Dr. Theresa Lyons

What happens when a scientist becomes a parent, navigating an autism diagnosis?

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation on the Momalogues, we sit down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, a former pharmaceutical scientist turned autism educator and parent advocate. After her daughter was diagnosed with autism, Dr. Lyons began translating complex autism research into practical guidance for families who feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis process.

Tune in as they discuss the early signs of autism, the emotional shock many parents experience when they first hear the diagnosis, and how parents can become confident advocates for their children in both healthcare and school systems.

Dr. Lyons shares why early signs, sometimes as young as 18 months, can be life-changing, and how parents can trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right.

This episode is both educational and deeply reassuring, reminding parents that they are not alone and that informed advocacy can open doors for their children.

In this episode, you'll learn: • Early signs of autism parents should watch for • The emotional impact of receiving an autism diagnosis • How parents can advocate for their child in healthcare and education • Why early intervention is critical for developmental progress • The importance of grounding autism decisions in science • How parents can find reliable autism education and support

Find resources and Dr. Lyons, as she also shares

https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingAWEtism

https://www.instagram.com/navigating_awetism/

https://www.facebook.com/NavigatingAWEtism

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphd/

https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingawetism