S2 E2: Listening to Your Inner Knowing: AWEtism, Advocacy, Nervous System Regulation, and Hope with Dr. Theresa Lyons

What happens when scientific rigor meets a mother’s intuition? In this episode of The Inner Practice, host Jackie Vandertuin sits down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, Yale-trained scientist, autism educator, founder of AWEtism, and mom, to explore the emotional and practical realities of a parent who has a child child diagnosed with autism. Theresa shares how trusting her inner knowing changed the course of her life and work, and how she now helps families bridge the gap between what they’re told and what the science actually shows. Together, Jackie and Theresa dive into: What autism is and how diagnoses are made—and misunderstood. The moment Theresa’s intuition overrode the “wait and see” advice. The hidden grief, stress, and PTSD often carried by parents. Why a parent’s nervous system profoundly shapes a child’s behavior. Research showing that when parents receive trauma-informed care, children’s behaviors can improve. Practical ways overwhelmed caregivers can start regulating their own nervous systems. The role of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga in sustainable advocacy and daily life. Theresa also offers a rare blend of evidence and empathy—naming common gaps between guidance given to families and the scientific literature, and sharing a hopeful, realistic path forward anchored in nervous system health, presence, and advocacy. If you’re a parent, caregiver, clinician, or anyone curious about the intersection of neuroscience, compassion, and lived experience, this conversation will leave you informed, grounded, and hopeful. Learn more about Dr. Lyons and AWEtism via the links in the show notes below. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that healing begins within—one breath, one moment, one choice at a time. https://awetism.net/ The Lyons Report 2020: Autism and Functional Medicine Doctors by Theresa Lyons which can be found on Amazon Youtube: www.youtube.com/@navigatingawetism Instagram @navigating_autism Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment. I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"! This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy. With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including: low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression. Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com for a free discovery call. If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at jackie@jackievandertuintherapy.com. Stay in touch at: Website: https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com Instagram: jackie_vandertuin_therapy Facebook: Jackie Vandertuin Therapy To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice