Today we’d like to introduce you to Lia Mccabe
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey into advocacy and support for the autism community as a mother to two wonderful autistic children. When my family and I were first navigating the world of autism, we faced so many challenges that I felt others might also be struggling with, so I began sharing our experiences through our Embracing Autism podcast. My goal was to help other parents feel less alone and more empowered to understand their children, especially when there’s so much information – and misinformation – out there.
Our podcast quickly grew into a supportive space for parents to get honest insights, resources, and guidance based on what my husband and I have learned along the way. As my passion for this community grew, I also founded AutismWish, which connects the community with resources and gifts, making sure every child can feel seen and valued. Through all of this, I realized that sharing our story wasn’t just about helping my own family but was about empowering others, and today, I’m grateful to lead a community that lifts each other up, advocates for understanding, and celebrates each unique journey with autism.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. Raising two autistic children while navigating their needs, advocating for resources, and often facing a lack of understanding from others has brought its fair share of challenges. Early on, we struggled to find adequate support and therapies for our children, and it felt overwhelming to navigate a system that didn’t seem built for us.
As our platform grew, I faced new challenges balancing my role as a mother with the responsibilities of community leadership. There’s also the emotional side of sharing vulnerable parts of our story publicly – it can feel exposing but also necessary. Despite these obstacles, each struggle has strengthened my resolve to create a more supportive, informed community, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the host of the Embracing Autism podcast, where I share insights, resources, and real-life experiences to help parents and caregivers navigate the journey of raising autistic children. My work revolves around demystifying autism, providing practical advice, and creating a community that supports and uplifts each other.
In addition to podcasting, I also founded AutismWish, a small mom and pop project that’s made a big splash by connecting families with the resources and support they need while fulfilling wishes for autistic children to help them feel understood and celebrated. What sets me apart is my perspective as an autistic mother who lives this experience daily. I know firsthand the challenges and joys, and I bring that authenticity to every conversation. I’m most proud of creating a safe space where parents feel less isolated and more empowered to embrace their children’s unique needs and strengths.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are of Christmases with my family, especially celebrating El Día de Reyes. There was always something so magical about that time of year – the anticipation, the decorations, and the time we spent together. I remember the joy of waking up early, sneaking into the living room to see if the Reyes Magos had come, and finding the tree lit up with gifts they’d left. But more than the presents, it was the warmth of being surrounded by family, the laughter, and the traditions that made it feel so special. Those moments still inspire me to create that same magic and sense of togetherness for my own family today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autismwish.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/autismwish
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/autismwish
- Twitter: https://x.com/autismwish
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@autismwish
- Other: https://patreon.com/autismwish
