episode-header-image

Feb 2025

39m 47s

For the parents of special needs kids wi...

Courtney DeFeo and Christian Parenting

About this episode

Did you know that Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network? There are 29 podcasts for Christian parents within our network. Our guest today, Jessica Hurlbut, is the co-host of the popular Full Spectrum Parents podcast, a faith-based podcast for parents who are raising kids with autism.

I learned so much from Jessica today and I know you will too. Whether you are raising a child with autism, down syndrome, learning disability or any other special needs diagnosis - you will be so encouraged by her story.

Greg and Jessica Hurlbut are parents of five children: two autistic, two adopted, and one future president. Their heartfelt desire is to serve special needs families each week with a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope.

My favorite part is at the end when she encourages parents with a new diagnosis. As I think about what my sister has walked through with her son - I know she would echo what Jessica is sharing. She shares that all kids are a gift and that the pain and shock of the new diagnosis doesn’t last forever.

In this episode, we chat about:

How autism killed her perfectionism
Public perception of families with special needs (how to judge less)
What all children want - no matter how their brain works
Encouragement for parents with a new diagnosis

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters:

(03:01) Life in Upstate New York

(05:58) Family Dynamics and Motherhood Journey

(09:03) Navigating Autism and Special Needs

(11:59) Faith and Challenges in Parenting

(14:59) The Role of Humor and Perspective in Parenting

(18:14) The Journey of Seeking Solutions for Autism

(20:11) A Shift in Perspective: From Fixing to Loving

(22:34) Embracing Humility and the Gift of Children

(24:46) Navigating Public Perception and Judgment

(25:27) The Impact of Media on Parental Healing

(28:15) Fostering Empathy in Children

(30:18) The Importance of Compassion and Understanding

(34:27) Words of Encouragement for New Parents

(36:15) Finding Strength in God During Difficult Times

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from today’s show:

The Unbreakable Boy movie

Connect with Jessica

Full Spectrum Parents Podcast

Unlimited Motherhood - Jessica’s book

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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