An episode that takes a walk down an alternative path.
In Episode 128 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we talk with a guest who is not just a long time listener and supporter of the show, but also an autistic parent of two late-diagnosed autistic young adults. Chrissy and her husband embraced radical unschooling, allowing their children to lead their own learning journeys. What it is, how it works, and why it’s been such a game-changer for Chrissy’s family?
Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:
* We discuss what exactly is unschooling and how is it different from regular home-schooling.
* Chrissy and Angela share their experiences parenting as an autistic person while also raising autistic kids, answering the most common critiques and concerns about unschooling.
* How do you respond when people ask, “But what about socialization?”
* Why reframing unschooling as a way of affirming neurodivergent autonomy should be seen as Autistic liberation.
* If someone wants to unschool but can’t go “all in” due to work, custody, or finances—what are a few principles they could try on anyway?
Chrissy Gardiner's Bio
Chrissy Gardiner is an autistic mom of two late-diagnosed AuDHD young adults. Chrissy and her husband embraced radical unschooling, allowing their children to lead their own learning journeys. She holds a master’s degree in liberal arts with a focus on history and Black studies and is currently pursuing nursing school, aiming to research best practices for autistic patients.
Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about the experiences of for parents who are unschooling their autistic children and why it’s been such a game-changer for Chrissy’s family. If unschooling isn’t an option for you right now—remember: every moment you make space for autonomy, consent, and curiosity—you’re already doing the work! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!
Related Episodes:
Parenting Autistic Kids
Child-to-parent Diagnostic Pipeline
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