Full Spectrum Parent: Christian Autism Support | Special Needs Parenting | Faith & Autism Resources Podcast By Greg and Jessica Hurlbut and Christian Parenting cover art

Full Spectrum Parent: Christian Autism Support | Special Needs Parenting | Faith & Autism Resources

Full Spectrum Parent: Christian Autism Support | Special Needs Parenting | Faith & Autism Resources

By: Greg and Jessica Hurlbut and Christian Parenting
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Welcome to Full Spectrum Parent - the premier Christian podcast for autism and special needs parenting. Join pastors and autism parents Greg and Jessica Hurlbut as they share Biblical wisdom, practical strategies, and authentic encouragement for your special needs journey.

Each episode delivers a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. Greg and Jessica offer practical help for daily challenges, genuine humor to lighten your path, and faith-filled hope to strengthen your spirit.

Whether navigating IEP meetings, sensory challenges, or seeking God's purpose in special needs parenting, you'll find understanding and community here.

As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Full Spectrum Parent combines clinical insights with Biblical truth to support your family's unique needs.

For more parenting resources and spiritual guidance, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.

New episodes are released biweekly to help you become the confident, faith-filled special needs parent God called you to be.

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Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Advocating For Your Kids When You're a People Pleaser
    Jun 29 2025

    Are you struggling to advocate for your special needs child because you hate confrontation? You're not alone.


    In this episode of Full Spectrum Parent, host Jessica Hurlbut tackles one of the biggest challenges facing special needs parents: how to effectively advocate for your child when you're naturally a people pleaser.


    What You'll Learn:

    • Why people-pleasing hurts your child's advocacy efforts

    • The 4 root causes of people-pleasing behavior

    • Biblical strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies

    • How to shift from seeking human approval to God's approval when advocating for your special needs child


    Perfect For Parents Who:

    • Feel anxious about IEP meetings and school conferences

    • Struggle to speak up when their child isn't getting proper support

    • Want to be better advocates but fear being seen as "difficult parents"

    • Need encouragement to prioritize their child's needs over people-pleasing

    • Are looking for faith-based guidance on special needs parenting


    Full Spectrum Parent is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more resources and support for special needs families, visit cpgive.org.


    Tags: #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #Peoplepleasing #ChildAdvocacy #IEPMeetings #SpecialEducation #ParentingPodcast #ChristianMom #SpecialNeedsAdvocate #ParentingStruggles

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    26 mins
  • Power Struggles in Parenting
    Jun 6 2025

    As Christian parents, we desire for our kids to listen and obey the rules we set out for their safety and good, but what do we do when they refuse?


    Whether you have a child on the spectrum, an obstinate toddler, or just a typical strong-willed kid—we’ve all been there. We find ourselves raising our voices, demanding compliance, and feeling defeated when our kids spiral into a full-fledged meltdown.


    Greg and Jess are getting real about the difference between tantrums (where kids are totally in control) and meltdowns (where they're absolutely not). Trust us, understanding this will be a game-changer for your autism parenting journey and your faith-based approach to discipline.


    Here's what we're diving into:

    • Why your typical parenting tricks aren't working with neurodivergent children (and it's not your fault!)

    • The one question that changes how you respond to autism meltdowns and challenging behavior

    • 3 simple Christian parenting principles that actually work with kids on the autism spectrum


    Our go-to strategies:

    1. Relationship Over Compliance - Sometimes you gotta choose your battles

    2. Choice Over Demand - Two options, both ones you're cool with

    3. Love Over Fear - Because scared kids don't learn, they just survive


    Whether you're dealing with a toddler who won't cooperate, a child with autism in a meltdown mode, or a typical teen who wants to push every button you have—this one's for Christian parents seeking God's wisdom in power struggles.


    Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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    37 mins
  • Navigating Single Parenting With a Child on the Spectrum
    Apr 24 2025

    Raising a child with autism solo? You're not alone!


    Join us for Episode 95 of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast as host Jessica Hurlbut chats with Katie Blackburn - writer, teacher, and single mom to six kids, including her 10-year-old with severe autism.


    Katie gets real about the everyday challenges of autism parenting without a partner, sharing practical tips for managing therapies, school struggles, and finding moments of joy along the way. She also discusses her children’s book, "The Very Best Baseball Game" which offers both comfort and inspiration.


    Whether you're flying solo or just need some autism parenting encouragement, this episode delivers our signature mix of HELP, HUMOR, and HOPE that will leave you feeling seen and supported on your special needs journey.


    Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.


    For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org


    To grab the CP Gift Guide visit https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/


    To learn more about Katie Blackburn and her newest book, visit www.katiemblackburn.com



    #AutismParenting #SingleParenting #SpecialNeedsSupport #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

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    33 mins
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Most relevant  
Beautifully done! As a Christian single mom getting my own daughter back from the foster care system, I found myself at a loss with her diagnosis of level 3 autism. Wondering why me God, my plans for our new life in disarray but these parents explain, they give hope. They pray with you and walk you through some of those confusing times and misunderstandings and questions. God always has a plan and this podcast is proof!

God is good and so is this podcast! A+++

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