197. Everything Will Be Okay: Self-Compassion & Joy for Autism Moms with Susanna Peace Lovell
In this episode of the Mother’s Guide Through Autism Podcast, Brigitte sits down with author, coach, advocate, and special needs mom Susanna Peace Lovell for an honest conversation about caring for your child while learning to care for yourself, too.
Susanna shares what she wishes she had known during the overwhelming early years of raising her daughter, Arizona, and why self-compassion became such an important part of her journey. She also reflects on the moment she realized her daughter was so much more than a collection of diagnoses—and how that shifted her toward seeing, accepting, and celebrating Arizona for who she truly is.
Brigitte and Susanna also talk about reconnecting with joy and identity beyond caregiving, releasing guilt around tending to your own needs, and finding people who truly understand the journey. For the mom who feels overwhelmed today, Susanna offers a simple but powerful reminder: Everything will be okay.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Practicing self-compassion during the hardest seasons of autism parenting
- Seeing your child as a whole person rather than a list of things to “fix”
- Reconnecting with your own joy, identity, and dreams as a mom
- Letting go of guilt around caring for yourself
- Finding community and support from people who truly understand
About Susanna Peace Lovell
Susanna Peace Lovell is a certified professional life coach, author, speaker, and advocate dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of disability families. Her own journey raising her daughter, Arizona, who has autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, food allergies, and other unique needs, led Susanna to help other caregivers rediscover joy, possibility, and a sense of themselves beyond caregiving.
Her book, Your True Self Is Enough, combines memoir with practical insights for caregivers navigating the challenges of raising a child with disabilities. Susanna is also a contributing author to Suddenly Brave Together, an anthology of letters from experienced caregiving moms to mothers facing defining moments in their own journeys.
Enjoy!
Theme song: Look at the Clouds by Tristan Lohengrin
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Brigitte talks about how to find hope on the autism parenting journey.