Challenging Stigma: Autism, Family Life, and Confronting Harmful Narratives

Welcome back to Don’t IEP Alone, your go-to podcast for real talk about IEPs, advocacy, and navigating the world of special education. I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, and in today’s episode, I’m catching you up on some big updates—like the release of my very first book coming out this October (and yes, you can already pre-order it!). I dig into what it’s really like working as an advocate, juggling income streams, and balancing all the “have-tos” that come with parenting and supporting kids with disabilities.

This week, I’m sharing my thoughts on the heaviness of the world lately, from the challenges our kids face today to the problematic rhetoric coming from public figures like RFK Jr. We’ll talk about wealth, privilege, and why some people with power seem so intent on making life tougher for marginalized communities—especially families like ours. Plus, I’ll get personal about my Powerball daydreams, the realities of having a child with profound autism, and why community support matters so much more than ever.

If you’re ready for lived experience, unfiltered opinions, and concrete action items for making change, you’re in the right place.

More: https://adayinourshoes.com/stepping-up-for-disabled-kids/

And: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!