Refrigerator Moms

Refrigerator Moms Join us as we navigate the complexities of autism, share personal stories, and offer empowering perspectives on parenting autistic individuals.

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Join us as we dive into viral social media posts about autism parenting in this Cold Hard Truths episode. We examine FAF...
09/10/2025

Join us as we dive into viral social media posts about autism parenting in this Cold Hard Truths episode. We examine FAFO (F*** Around and Find Out) parenting as a trendy rebrand of natural consequences, analyze complex PDA parenting scenarios including pancake requests and fast food battles, critique Autism Speaks' new legislation proposal, celebrate potty training victories, and discuss the importance of proper diagnosis.

As kids, they want your attention.As adults, they want your validation.Siblings of neurodivergent children often grow up...
08/29/2025

As kids, they want your attention.

As adults, they want your validation.

Siblings of neurodivergent children often grow up hyper-aware, hyper-capable, and emotionally neglected.

✅ They want to bond with you, not just help you.
✅ They need space to misbehave without guilt.
✅ They crave private space to process their unique challenges.

Learn what your child might not be saying, yet deeply needs.

Sometimes, yes. But not always in the ways you expect.They can offer sensory grounding, companionship, emotional support...
08/21/2025

Sometimes, yes. But not always in the ways you expect.

They can offer sensory grounding, companionship, emotional support—and sometimes, just a reason to smile when everything else feels hard.

Have you considered one for your family? Or already tried it?

Join us as we tackle the challenging topic of medicating autistic children. We share our personal experiences starting m...
08/20/2025

Join us as we tackle the challenging topic of medicating autistic children. We share our personal experiences starting medication for our sons around ages 5–6, addressing anxiety, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges.

We also cover the reality that while only two drugs are FDA-approved for autism (Abilify and Risperidone), over 50 medications across six drug classes are commonly prescribed off-label. We go in-depth on finding specialized psychiatrists, tracking data systematically, managing side effects, and viewing medication as a tool for learning and development rather than a cure.

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The refrigerator mother theory didn't just harm families—it disproportionately targeted mothers, reflecting deep societa...
08/18/2025

The refrigerator mother theory didn't just harm families—it disproportionately targeted mothers, reflecting deep societal biases. Women were blamed for behaviors outside their control, reinforcing the stigma around both autism and motherhood.
By unfairly targeting mothers, it reinforced harmful stereotypes about women and parenting, leaving families to carry the weight of stigma for behaviors beyond their control.

Yes. More than once.Sometimes in the school parking lot. Sometimes in the bathroom with the shower running, so no one co...
08/18/2025

Yes. More than once.

Sometimes in the school parking lot. Sometimes in the bathroom with the shower running, so no one could hear.

We don’t talk about it often—but maybe we should.

It’s not a diagnosis. It’s not a label. It’s a quiet truth for many siblings of neurodivergent kids.They’re the ones you...
08/16/2025

It’s not a diagnosis. It’s not a label. It’s a quiet truth for many siblings of neurodivergent kids.

They’re the ones you don’t worry about. The ones who adapt, who help, who wait their turn…until they break.

If you’re just now learning this term, you’re not alone. We’ve been there too.

“Why aren’t they close anymore?”It often starts young. When one sibling’s needs are always prioritized, the other learns...
08/14/2025

“Why aren’t they close anymore?”

It often starts young. When one sibling’s needs are always prioritized, the other learns their needs won’t be met.

Over time, resentment, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion turn into silence.

✅ Prevent estrangement with one-on-one attention
✅ Validate each child’s experience
✅ Don’t punish emotional expression

It’s not too late to rework the family dynamic.

Learn more about Glass Child Syndrome in our latest paper available on our website.

What brings your autistic child real, soul-deep joy?Not what they tolerate. Not what gets them through the day.We’re tal...
08/12/2025

What brings your autistic child real, soul-deep joy?

Not what they tolerate. Not what gets them through the day.

We’re talking joy that lights them up from the inside out.

It’s a question many of us ask in whispers—in doctor offices, in Facebook groups, in our own heads at 2 AM.What if it ch...
08/09/2025

It’s a question many of us ask in whispers—in doctor offices, in Facebook groups, in our own heads at 2 AM.

What if it changes their personality?
What if not medicating means more suffering?
What if we just…don’t know what “right” looks like?

How did you approach this question in your family?

When one child’s needs take center stage, the other often fades into the background.It doesn’t have to be that way. Let’...
08/07/2025

When one child’s needs take center stage, the other often fades into the background.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s talk about what neurotypical siblings need—and how we can help them feel seen, heard, and whole.

📘 Read our paper for practical ways to prevent and address glass child syndrome.

08/06/2025

🚫 Virtual autism isn’t autism.

A better name?
A neurodevelopmental disorder due to early screen exposure.

Not as catchy, but way more accurate.

Symptoms can include delayed speech, short attention spans, and withdrawing from social play—especially in ages 0–3.

The difference? It’s reversible.

The “treatment” is simple: less screen time, more real-world connection.

Yes, that means putting the iPad away and breaking out the Play-Doh.

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San Jose, CA

Website

https://refrigeratormoms.com/refrigerator-papers/

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