Core Conversations: Susan Simmons

In this episode, we sit down with Susan Simmons to revisit her family’s powerful journey with her son, Andrew, who has autism and MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome. Susan reflects on Andrew’s early development, the long road to multiple diagnoses, and the mix of relief and grief that came with finally learning he had MEF2C at age 16.

Susan shares how discovering Andrew’s ability to communicate—after years of ineffective and misunderstood communication—transformed their family. She opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with complex needs, the importance of age-appropriate interactions, and the ongoing work of advocating within medical, educational, and community systems.

The conversation highlights Andrew’s growth through adaptive CrossFit, the role music plays in his life, and the profound impact of finding a community of families who truly understand this rare journey. Through Susan’s story, we explore what it means to build communication, create connection, and parent with patience, persistence, and deep love.

Subjects covered include:
• Andrew’s late MEF2C diagnosis and Susan’s relief in having answers
• The emotional challenges of parenting a child with disabilities
• Understanding ineffective communication and building better communication systems
• The importance of age-appropriate interactions for development
• Sleep challenges and behavioral communication
• Stimming and its role in regulation and growth
• Navigating medical and educational systems with persistence
• Advocacy as an essential part of parenting
• The value of finding a supportive community
• How love, patience, and understanding shape the journey

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