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 Voice03:21 How Autism Changed Kate’s Life09:56 The Unexpected Story Behind Kate’s First Book11:03 Kate’s New Autism Guide for Families20:09 The Reality of Planning for an Autistic Child’s Future21:43 Why Honest Autism Moms Get Called “Negative”22:53 Two Things Can Be True About Autism27:31 Parenting vs. Caregiving: What’s the Difference?38:52 When Younger Siblings Begin to Pass Them40:59 Grieving the Life You Imagined for Your Child41:55 Kate Swenson Opens Up About Her Lowest Point44:08 Learning to Accept the Future You Can’t Control51:51 Why Caregivers Have to Put the Torch Down Sometimes52:32 Finding Community Through the More Than ProjectIf you are interested in advertising on this podcast email advertising@pionairepodcasting.comTo request Lise & Nicci to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.comThis podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Views expressed on this podcast solely reflect those of the host and do not reflect the views of Pionaire.