In Episode 169 of The Autism Mom Coach Podcast, Lisa Candera—a lawyer, life coach, and autism mom—explores the concept of expertise in autism parenting and why you are the expert on your child. Using the example of the Karen Read retrial, Lisa explains that expertise isn’t just about degrees and certifications. It’s about lived experience and practical knowledge.

This powerful concept applies directly to autism parenting. Parents of autistic children accumulate valuable, practical knowledge through years of firsthand care. These parents are uniquely positioned to understand their child’s needs, behaviors, and challenges.

• What the Karen Read retrial reveals about the meaning of expertise.
• The difference between credentials and real-world experience.
• Why you are the expert on your autistic child.
• How to trust your instincts and build confidence in parenting.

Whether you’re navigating IEPs, therapy options, medical decisions, or everyday challenges, this episode will help you trust your own expertise.

• 00:00 – Introduction to The Autism Mom Coach
• 00:41 – A True Crime Obsession
• 01:50 – The Battle of the Experts
• 03:22 – Credentials vs. Experience -- You've Done Your 10,000 hours
• 04:53 – You Are the Expert on Your Child
• 06:17 – Trust Yourself as a Parent
• 07:59 – Conclusion and Next Steps

You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

👉 Visit The Autism Mom Coach to learn more and connect with Lisa.