Abbey Romeo's Mom

And that's a big deal because I remember you sharing about how when you were a kid, you didn't feel that way so much.

And that's a big deal because I remember you sharing about how when you were a kid, you didn't feel that way so much.

You guys lived in Hawaii.

You guys lived in Hawaii.

I thought they were supposed to crow at the morning. They would crow all through the night. All through the day. We went to Hawaii. Do you remember seeing all the chickens around?

I thought they were supposed to crow at the morning. They would crow all through the night. All through the day. We went to Hawaii. Do you remember seeing all the chickens around?

I'm going to have to look that up after this.

I'm going to have to look that up after this.

I want to talk a little bit more about Love on the Spectrum. I want to ask you, what was that decision?

I want to talk a little bit more about Love on the Spectrum. I want to ask you, what was that decision?

The dial-up modem sound?

The dial-up modem sound?

All relaxing sounds. It's kind of cool. That's awesome.

All relaxing sounds. It's kind of cool. That's awesome.

I have Hotmail.

I have Hotmail.

I don't know how I still have an active Hotmail, honestly.

I don't know how I still have an active Hotmail, honestly.

I imagine that was a tough decision to make as a parent.

I imagine that was a tough decision to make as a parent.

Yeah. Yeah, I was going to say that's something else we have in common. We both also really, really love Disney. Disney is huge in our house.

Yeah. Yeah, I was going to say that's something else we have in common. We both also really, really love Disney. Disney is huge in our house.

Can I have a break?

Can I have a break?

Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this portion of today's episode. What percentage of pregnancies do you think are unplanned?

Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this portion of today's episode. What percentage of pregnancies do you think are unplanned?

Yeah, you got it. I've already told you this twice. It's never too early to start thinking about improving your fertility. And that's why we're excited to introduce you to today's sponsor, Needed. Needed is a women-owned brand that offers a complete nutritional system for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and women's health.

Yeah, you got it. I've already told you this twice. It's never too early to start thinking about improving your fertility. And that's why we're excited to introduce you to today's sponsor, Needed. Needed is a women-owned brand that offers a complete nutritional system for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and women's health.

From egg quality support to women trying to conceive, to a lactation support plan for breastfeeding moms, to stress and sleep support that supports all women, including those in perimenopause slash menopause. I think Needed is an incredible brand. I love that it's entirely women-owned because I feel like women's health is an area that we're starting to recognize more and more is

From egg quality support to women trying to conceive, to a lactation support plan for breastfeeding moms, to stress and sleep support that supports all women, including those in perimenopause slash menopause. I think Needed is an incredible brand. I love that it's entirely women-owned because I feel like women's health is an area that we're starting to recognize more and more is

severely under-researched, under-supported. I also love, though, that they also have sperm support for men because they're 50% of this fertility thing here. That's pretty cool. It's a very important ingredient.

severely under-researched, under-supported. I also love, though, that they also have sperm support for men because they're 50% of this fertility thing here. That's pretty cool. It's a very important ingredient.

I love that they're thinking about that, too. There's so much on the journey to parenthood that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one that you can. Needed is a collective of more than 6,000 practitioners working together to set a radically better standard for women's health. So head to thisisneeded.com and use code UNPLAN for 20% off your first order.

I love that they're thinking about that, too. There's so much on the journey to parenthood that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one that you can. Needed is a collective of more than 6,000 practitioners working together to set a radically better standard for women's health. So head to thisisneeded.com and use code UNPLAN for 20% off your first order.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh, yes.

Oh, yes.

Like a real princess probably.

Like a real princess probably.

Oh my gosh, you've got dinner? Yeah. You're like, I've heard your voice in my house for years.

Oh my gosh, you've got dinner? Yeah. You're like, I've heard your voice in my house for years.

I want to talk a little bit about David. You fell in love with David on Love on the Spectrum. What's your favorite go-to date with David?

I want to talk a little bit about David. You fell in love with David on Love on the Spectrum. What's your favorite go-to date with David?

What?

What?

The way you have mothered Abby so selflessly for 26 years, you've done so much work for her.

The way you have mothered Abby so selflessly for 26 years, you've done so much work for her.

Those are big dates. Yeah. How often do you and David get to hang out? We hang out like twice a week. That's awesome. Monday, Fridays.

Those are big dates. Yeah. How often do you and David get to hang out? We hang out like twice a week. That's awesome. Monday, Fridays.

Are you an avid bowler?

Are you an avid bowler?

We actually went bowling last night. We did.

We actually went bowling last night. We did.

It's a place called Bolero.

It's a place called Bolero.

I think it's a chain. I've heard of that. Yeah. It's kind of fancy. We grew up in the Midwest where we were saying there's so many like...

I think it's a chain. I've heard of that. Yeah. It's kind of fancy. We grew up in the Midwest where we were saying there's so many like...

run down locally owned ones that are like really cheap but here there's only like big chains there it was like 32 for the two of us to bowl one game and so i was like this isn't the midwest anymore well i thought it was funny because i'm very competitive and abby isn't and she smoked me in bowling so when you yeah when you and david bowl who typically wins

run down locally owned ones that are like really cheap but here there's only like big chains there it was like 32 for the two of us to bowl one game and so i was like this isn't the midwest anymore well i thought it was funny because i'm very competitive and abby isn't and she smoked me in bowling so when you yeah when you and david bowl who typically wins

What does competitive mean? Do you really want to fight to win games? I can be competitive sometimes, but I'm not that competitive. What makes you competitive?

What does competitive mean? Do you really want to fight to win games? I can be competitive sometimes, but I'm not that competitive. What makes you competitive?

Now it doesn't make you guys upset?

Now it doesn't make you guys upset?

Okay.

Okay.

Really? Yes. Thank you to Liquid IV for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

Really? Yes. Thank you to Liquid IV for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

I personally like their sugar-free options, but you guys, this is not a joke. I literally have Liquid IV every single day. It's my afternoon pick-me-up because I feel like that's when I stop drinking water. I work out in the morning and I feel like I get a lot of water in and then the day starts drifting on. I'm like,

I personally like their sugar-free options, but you guys, this is not a joke. I literally have Liquid IV every single day. It's my afternoon pick-me-up because I feel like that's when I stop drinking water. I work out in the morning and I feel like I get a lot of water in and then the day starts drifting on. I'm like,

feeling the dehydration hit me, and that's when I go for Liquid IV and I just chug it because they're so delicious, but also there's so many electrolytes in them.

feeling the dehydration hit me, and that's when I go for Liquid IV and I just chug it because they're so delicious, but also there's so many electrolytes in them.

Liquid IV is powered by LIV Hydroscience, an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins, and clinically tested nutrients that turns ordinary water into extraordinary hydration, eight essential vitamins and nutrients, and always non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. I love, there's a raspberry melon flavor. I love the rainbow sherbet one. I don't I like the grape.

Liquid IV is powered by LIV Hydroscience, an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins, and clinically tested nutrients that turns ordinary water into extraordinary hydration, eight essential vitamins and nutrients, and always non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. I love, there's a raspberry melon flavor. I love the rainbow sherbet one. I don't I like the grape.

I like the lemon. I like the peach. I mean, really, they're all so delicious. I like the strawberry. So, so yummy. They even have some with some caffeine in it if you're looking for that. Totally recommend it and great for the kiddos as well. If you're struggling to get their water intake up, definitely recommend Liquid IV. Treat yourself to extraordinary hydration from Liquid IV.

I like the lemon. I like the peach. I mean, really, they're all so delicious. I like the strawberry. So, so yummy. They even have some with some caffeine in it if you're looking for that. Totally recommend it and great for the kiddos as well. If you're struggling to get their water intake up, definitely recommend Liquid IV. Treat yourself to extraordinary hydration from Liquid IV.

Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to liquidiv.com and use code unplanned at checkout. That's 20% off your first order with code unplanned at liquidiv.com. It's

Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to liquidiv.com and use code unplanned at checkout. That's 20% off your first order with code unplanned at liquidiv.com. It's

I didn't know that either. You have a lot of facts about movies. Do you like movies and TV shows? Do you like The Simpsons?

I didn't know that either. You have a lot of facts about movies. Do you like movies and TV shows? Do you like The Simpsons?

In the Louvre.

In the Louvre.

In the Louvre. Yes. Abby, you're hilarious. I think it's really sweet how David has, you know, taken the effort to learn the way your brain works and how he can help you if you're saying you feel dysregulated, maybe, to say, help you, like, ignore you walking, or ignore the baby, you walk through it. Whenever I get startled, can I just talk about startles, or are we on?

In the Louvre. Yes. Abby, you're hilarious. I think it's really sweet how David has, you know, taken the effort to learn the way your brain works and how he can help you if you're saying you feel dysregulated, maybe, to say, help you, like, ignore you walking, or ignore the baby, you walk through it. Whenever I get startled, can I just talk about startles, or are we on?

Thank you.

Thank you.

We have the book at our house.

We have the book at our house.

That's so cool. It's about being your true self. That's a great personal connection to make to that book.

That's so cool. It's about being your true self. That's a great personal connection to make to that book.

yes no david is a book about david was he went in the house and he was all muddy yeah his mother goes no david no you're right and then he was running on the street naked oh my gosh he said he like lost his pants or something like that yeah well i think we read that book to our son yeah he pulls the cat's tail right and he burps at the dinner table yeah yeah our kids like that book too and his mouth was full of food remember how he had a big mouthful okay

yes no david is a book about david was he went in the house and he was all muddy yeah his mother goes no david no you're right and then he was running on the street naked oh my gosh he said he like lost his pants or something like that yeah well i think we read that book to our son yeah he pulls the cat's tail right and he burps at the dinner table yeah yeah our kids like that book too and his mouth was full of food remember how he had a big mouthful okay

Wow.

Wow.

I love David so much. I've heard you say that you plan on getting married to David. That's exciting. You said you were going to save your cookies for the wedding earlier. So when does this wedding happen?

I love David so much. I've heard you say that you plan on getting married to David. That's exciting. You said you were going to save your cookies for the wedding earlier. So when does this wedding happen?

You got to get him on board. Are you working on David? Yeah. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.

You got to get him on board. Are you working on David? Yeah. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.

I guarantee you can benefit from some therapy. The reason we love BetterHelp is because it's so accessible to everyone. I know that it can be hard to find resources that are affordable and convenient and can fit around your schedule, but BetterHelp is completely entirely online. They have a brief questionnaire that helps you match with a perfect therapist for you.

I guarantee you can benefit from some therapy. The reason we love BetterHelp is because it's so accessible to everyone. I know that it can be hard to find resources that are affordable and convenient and can fit around your schedule, but BetterHelp is completely entirely online. They have a brief questionnaire that helps you match with a perfect therapist for you.

Tell me a little bit about your autism.

Tell me a little bit about your autism.

And if it's not a perfect match, you can switch at any time, like Matt said, with no additional cost. BetterHelp has more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. It makes therapy affordable and convenient, serving over 5 million people worldwide. For the wedding, you know, for both David and Abby, both of them would say,

And if it's not a perfect match, you can switch at any time, like Matt said, with no additional cost. BetterHelp has more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. It makes therapy affordable and convenient, serving over 5 million people worldwide. For the wedding, you know, for both David and Abby, both of them would say,

What does marriage mean to you, Abby? Marriage means I'm like a princess. Like the queen of the castle.

What does marriage mean to you, Abby? Marriage means I'm like a princess. Like the queen of the castle.

Abby, what does a typical day look like for you? What's a typical day? Like on a random Monday.

Abby, what does a typical day look like for you? What's a typical day? Like on a random Monday.

You got a new customer. I'm going to have to order this.

You got a new customer. I'm going to have to order this.

Oh, yeah. He has all the caps on his head. Yeah. And you're just selling your hat. Is he a peddler? I think so.

Oh, yeah. He has all the caps on his head. Yeah. And you're just selling your hat. Is he a peddler? I think so.

A peddler.

A peddler.

Yeah. He pedals his hats and he wears them all on his head. Yep. That's like you. Peddling your hats. Yep. That's really cool.

Yeah. He pedals his hats and he wears them all on his head. Yep. That's like you. Peddling your hats. Yep. That's really cool.

I know what you meant.

I know what you meant.

That's so funny.

That's so funny.

Never done it. You want to try something new. Pretend that Kelly Clarkson might see this. What's your message to Kelly Clarkson?

Never done it. You want to try something new. Pretend that Kelly Clarkson might see this. What's your message to Kelly Clarkson?

And I know that if anyone can do it, it would be you, Abby.

And I know that if anyone can do it, it would be you, Abby.

That would be incredible.

That would be incredible.

You don't have to just be a judger. I actually wanted to ask you, as parents of young kids that are going to be in settings with all types of children, what do you wish parents did if their child was not... didn't have autism, but they were with another child that did have autism, what would you hope that that parent did or what they would say to their child?

You don't have to just be a judger. I actually wanted to ask you, as parents of young kids that are going to be in settings with all types of children, what do you wish parents did if their child was not... didn't have autism, but they were with another child that did have autism, what would you hope that that parent did or what they would say to their child?

You mean the kid that didn't have autism?

You mean the kid that didn't have autism?

I feel like in general, the theater community is such a accepting and warm place.

I feel like in general, the theater community is such a accepting and warm place.

Wow. Look at me now. You're excellent at talking. I've had such a good time talking to you and I'm excited to talk to you more. So your autism, that is really a big motivation that Love on the Spectrum wanted to have you on their show. What was it like filming Love on the Spectrum? Did you enjoy it? Was it a lot of work?

Wow. Look at me now. You're excellent at talking. I've had such a good time talking to you and I'm excited to talk to you more. So your autism, that is really a big motivation that Love on the Spectrum wanted to have you on their show. What was it like filming Love on the Spectrum? Did you enjoy it? Was it a lot of work?

Yeah, Abby, do you need to take a break? Yeah.

Yeah, Abby, do you need to take a break? Yeah.

Go for it.

Go for it.

That was an awesome conversation. I wanted to tell you, I think this is probably a good time. But earlier, before we started filming, I'm like going to cry.

That was an awesome conversation. I wanted to tell you, I think this is probably a good time. But earlier, before we started filming, I'm like going to cry.

But the way that you said you raised Abby and her brother as a single mom, and you said that you had thought about dating post your divorce, thought about dating, you thought about having someone else come into your life, and then you felt like you came to a point where you personally had to decide between... having another relationship and then being Abby's mom. And you chose being Abby's mom.

But the way that you said you raised Abby and her brother as a single mom, and you said that you had thought about dating post your divorce, thought about dating, you thought about having someone else come into your life, and then you felt like you came to a point where you personally had to decide between... having another relationship and then being Abby's mom. And you chose being Abby's mom.

And, you know, for 26 years, that's like been your sole purpose. And like, just, you've done so much work for her and you've done it like, so I know it has not been easy, but like to see where Abby is now and like to be able to have this conversation.

And, you know, for 26 years, that's like been your sole purpose. And like, just, you've done so much work for her and you've done it like, so I know it has not been easy, but like to see where Abby is now and like to be able to have this conversation.

And it's just like you can tell that you're her safe place and that you have just like... put her, like gotten her to a place with her hard work too, where she's not just like, you know, living. She is thriving. And I know that did not come easy. And I know that took you with a lot of sacrifice. And I just want to, Tell you how much I admire that. Thank you.

And it's just like you can tell that you're her safe place and that you have just like... put her, like gotten her to a place with her hard work too, where she's not just like, you know, living. She is thriving. And I know that did not come easy. And I know that took you with a lot of sacrifice. And I just want to, Tell you how much I admire that. Thank you.

That's so selfless.

That's so selfless.

And you took a risk doing Love on the Spectrum for sure, but I... I think that because of the reach that Netflix has, the amount of eyes on that show, I do think that that allows for so much more understanding of people like Abby. And I think that definitely created a kinder world. I think that will be a result because of it.

And you took a risk doing Love on the Spectrum for sure, but I... I think that because of the reach that Netflix has, the amount of eyes on that show, I do think that that allows for so much more understanding of people like Abby. And I think that definitely created a kinder world. I think that will be a result because of it.

So I hope you also feel like that risk was rewarded and honored in some way. I'm glad I took the risk.

So I hope you also feel like that risk was rewarded and honored in some way. I'm glad I took the risk.

I still am correct me if I'm wrong but I've heard you say a lot in like interviews and conversations that when you were a kid you felt alone but you always knew that when you grew up you kind of had that perspective that you when you grew up you'd be accepted and yeah and that's why I say as a kid I want to be an adult right now that's so because I isolated it alone

I still am correct me if I'm wrong but I've heard you say a lot in like interviews and conversations that when you were a kid you felt alone but you always knew that when you grew up you kind of had that perspective that you when you grew up you'd be accepted and yeah and that's why I say as a kid I want to be an adult right now that's so because I isolated it alone

What made you have hope for the future as an adult? Do you know what that was?

What made you have hope for the future as an adult? Do you know what that was?

Really? You never gave up on yourself, Ashley.

Really? You never gave up on yourself, Ashley.

Oh, that's right.

Oh, that's right.

Clementine.

Clementine.

And now you're kind of like a celebrity in a way. Yeah, I would say so. Well, I don't want to be too conceited. Oh, I think it's fair. A lot of people probably recognize you and enjoyed watching you on the show. Do people ask for pictures?

And now you're kind of like a celebrity in a way. Yeah, I would say so. Well, I don't want to be too conceited. Oh, I think it's fair. A lot of people probably recognize you and enjoyed watching you on the show. Do people ask for pictures?

This episode of the Unplanned Podcast is brought to you by Wildgrain. There are very few things more comforting than fresh-baked, warm, delicious bread.

This episode of the Unplanned Podcast is brought to you by Wildgrain. There are very few things more comforting than fresh-baked, warm, delicious bread.

It makes me very happy. And I feel very accomplished and proud. But also, it is a labor of love. That's why wild grain is so cool. Because you can get those same delicious bread, fresh baked bread scents in your house without all the labor involved. And in a way that supports numerous different dietary needs worldwide.

It makes me very happy. And I feel very accomplished and proud. But also, it is a labor of love. That's why wild grain is so cool. Because you can get those same delicious bread, fresh baked bread scents in your house without all the labor involved. And in a way that supports numerous different dietary needs worldwide.

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Wait, I'm like so excited to get that Happy Meal, be baking some bread in our house, and it's really cool that they have so many different types of options too. Yes. So, are you ready to bring all your favorite carbs right to your doorstep? Be sure to check out Wild Grain so you can begin building your box of artisanal breads, pastas, and pastries.

Wait, I'm like so excited to get that Happy Meal, be baking some bread in our house, and it's really cool that they have so many different types of options too. Yes. So, are you ready to bring all your favorite carbs right to your doorstep? Be sure to check out Wild Grain so you can begin building your box of artisanal breads, pastas, and pastries.

For a limited time, Wild Grain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box, plus free croissants in every box when you go to wildgrain.com slash unplanned to start your subscription. You heard me. Free croissants. Yes. In every box and $30 off your first box when you go to wildgrain.com slash unplanned. Of course. Wildgrain.com slash unplanned or use promo code unplanned at checkout.

For a limited time, Wild Grain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box, plus free croissants in every box when you go to wildgrain.com slash unplanned to start your subscription. You heard me. Free croissants. Yes. In every box and $30 off your first box when you go to wildgrain.com slash unplanned. Of course. Wildgrain.com slash unplanned or use promo code unplanned at checkout.

And that's a big deal because I remember you sharing about how when you were a kid, you didn't feel that way so much.

You guys lived in Hawaii.

I thought they were supposed to crow at the morning. They would crow all through the night. All through the day. We went to Hawaii. Do you remember seeing all the chickens around?

I'm going to have to look that up after this.

I want to talk a little bit more about Love on the Spectrum. I want to ask you, what was that decision?

The dial-up modem sound?

All relaxing sounds. It's kind of cool. That's awesome.

I have Hotmail.

I don't know how I still have an active Hotmail, honestly.

I imagine that was a tough decision to make as a parent.

Yeah. Yeah, I was going to say that's something else we have in common. We both also really, really love Disney. Disney is huge in our house.

Can I have a break?

Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this portion of today's episode. What percentage of pregnancies do you think are unplanned?

Yeah, you got it. I've already told you this twice. It's never too early to start thinking about improving your fertility. And that's why we're excited to introduce you to today's sponsor, Needed. Needed is a women-owned brand that offers a complete nutritional system for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and women's health.

From egg quality support to women trying to conceive, to a lactation support plan for breastfeeding moms, to stress and sleep support that supports all women, including those in perimenopause slash menopause. I think Needed is an incredible brand. I love that it's entirely women-owned because I feel like women's health is an area that we're starting to recognize more and more is

severely under-researched, under-supported. I also love, though, that they also have sperm support for men because they're 50% of this fertility thing here. That's pretty cool. It's a very important ingredient.

I love that they're thinking about that, too. There's so much on the journey to parenthood that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one that you can. Needed is a collective of more than 6,000 practitioners working together to set a radically better standard for women's health. So head to thisisneeded.com and use code UNPLAN for 20% off your first order.

Yeah.

Oh, yes.

Like a real princess probably.

Oh my gosh, you've got dinner? Yeah. You're like, I've heard your voice in my house for years.

I want to talk a little bit about David. You fell in love with David on Love on the Spectrum. What's your favorite go-to date with David?

What?

The way you have mothered Abby so selflessly for 26 years, you've done so much work for her.

Those are big dates. Yeah. How often do you and David get to hang out? We hang out like twice a week. That's awesome. Monday, Fridays.

Are you an avid bowler?

We actually went bowling last night. We did.

It's a place called Bolero.

I think it's a chain. I've heard of that. Yeah. It's kind of fancy. We grew up in the Midwest where we were saying there's so many like...

run down locally owned ones that are like really cheap but here there's only like big chains there it was like 32 for the two of us to bowl one game and so i was like this isn't the midwest anymore well i thought it was funny because i'm very competitive and abby isn't and she smoked me in bowling so when you yeah when you and david bowl who typically wins

What does competitive mean? Do you really want to fight to win games? I can be competitive sometimes, but I'm not that competitive. What makes you competitive?

Now it doesn't make you guys upset?

Okay.

Really? Yes. Thank you to Liquid IV for sponsoring this portion of today's episode.

I personally like their sugar-free options, but you guys, this is not a joke. I literally have Liquid IV every single day. It's my afternoon pick-me-up because I feel like that's when I stop drinking water. I work out in the morning and I feel like I get a lot of water in and then the day starts drifting on. I'm like,

feeling the dehydration hit me, and that's when I go for Liquid IV and I just chug it because they're so delicious, but also there's so many electrolytes in them.

Liquid IV is powered by LIV Hydroscience, an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins, and clinically tested nutrients that turns ordinary water into extraordinary hydration, eight essential vitamins and nutrients, and always non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. I love, there's a raspberry melon flavor. I love the rainbow sherbet one. I don't I like the grape.

I like the lemon. I like the peach. I mean, really, they're all so delicious. I like the strawberry. So, so yummy. They even have some with some caffeine in it if you're looking for that. Totally recommend it and great for the kiddos as well. If you're struggling to get their water intake up, definitely recommend Liquid IV. Treat yourself to extraordinary hydration from Liquid IV.

Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to liquidiv.com and use code unplanned at checkout. That's 20% off your first order with code unplanned at liquidiv.com. It's

I didn't know that either. You have a lot of facts about movies. Do you like movies and TV shows? Do you like The Simpsons?

In the Louvre.

In the Louvre. Yes. Abby, you're hilarious. I think it's really sweet how David has, you know, taken the effort to learn the way your brain works and how he can help you if you're saying you feel dysregulated, maybe, to say, help you, like, ignore you walking, or ignore the baby, you walk through it. Whenever I get startled, can I just talk about startles, or are we on?

Thank you.

We have the book at our house.

That's so cool. It's about being your true self. That's a great personal connection to make to that book.

yes no david is a book about david was he went in the house and he was all muddy yeah his mother goes no david no you're right and then he was running on the street naked oh my gosh he said he like lost his pants or something like that yeah well i think we read that book to our son yeah he pulls the cat's tail right and he burps at the dinner table yeah yeah our kids like that book too and his mouth was full of food remember how he had a big mouthful okay

Wow.

I love David so much. I've heard you say that you plan on getting married to David. That's exciting. You said you were going to save your cookies for the wedding earlier. So when does this wedding happen?

You got to get him on board. Are you working on David? Yeah. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.

I guarantee you can benefit from some therapy. The reason we love BetterHelp is because it's so accessible to everyone. I know that it can be hard to find resources that are affordable and convenient and can fit around your schedule, but BetterHelp is completely entirely online. They have a brief questionnaire that helps you match with a perfect therapist for you.

Tell me a little bit about your autism.

And if it's not a perfect match, you can switch at any time, like Matt said, with no additional cost. BetterHelp has more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. It makes therapy affordable and convenient, serving over 5 million people worldwide. For the wedding, you know, for both David and Abby, both of them would say,

What does marriage mean to you, Abby? Marriage means I'm like a princess. Like the queen of the castle.

Abby, what does a typical day look like for you? What's a typical day? Like on a random Monday.

You got a new customer. I'm going to have to order this.

Oh, yeah. He has all the caps on his head. Yeah. And you're just selling your hat. Is he a peddler? I think so.

A peddler.

Yeah. He pedals his hats and he wears them all on his head. Yep. That's like you. Peddling your hats. Yep. That's really cool.

I know what you meant.

That's so funny.

Never done it. You want to try something new. Pretend that Kelly Clarkson might see this. What's your message to Kelly Clarkson?

And I know that if anyone can do it, it would be you, Abby.

That would be incredible.

You don't have to just be a judger. I actually wanted to ask you, as parents of young kids that are going to be in settings with all types of children, what do you wish parents did if their child was not... didn't have autism, but they were with another child that did have autism, what would you hope that that parent did or what they would say to their child?

You mean the kid that didn't have autism?

I feel like in general, the theater community is such a accepting and warm place.

Wow. Look at me now. You're excellent at talking. I've had such a good time talking to you and I'm excited to talk to you more. So your autism, that is really a big motivation that Love on the Spectrum wanted to have you on their show. What was it like filming Love on the Spectrum? Did you enjoy it? Was it a lot of work?

Yeah, Abby, do you need to take a break? Yeah.

Go for it.

That was an awesome conversation. I wanted to tell you, I think this is probably a good time. But earlier, before we started filming, I'm like going to cry.

But the way that you said you raised Abby and her brother as a single mom, and you said that you had thought about dating post your divorce, thought about dating, you thought about having someone else come into your life, and then you felt like you came to a point where you personally had to decide between... having another relationship and then being Abby's mom. And you chose being Abby's mom.

And, you know, for 26 years, that's like been your sole purpose. And like, just, you've done so much work for her and you've done it like, so I know it has not been easy, but like to see where Abby is now and like to be able to have this conversation.

And it's just like you can tell that you're her safe place and that you have just like... put her, like gotten her to a place with her hard work too, where she's not just like, you know, living. She is thriving. And I know that did not come easy. And I know that took you with a lot of sacrifice. And I just want to, Tell you how much I admire that. Thank you.

That's so selfless.

And you took a risk doing Love on the Spectrum for sure, but I... I think that because of the reach that Netflix has, the amount of eyes on that show, I do think that that allows for so much more understanding of people like Abby. And I think that definitely created a kinder world. I think that will be a result because of it.

So I hope you also feel like that risk was rewarded and honored in some way. I'm glad I took the risk.

I still am correct me if I'm wrong but I've heard you say a lot in like interviews and conversations that when you were a kid you felt alone but you always knew that when you grew up you kind of had that perspective that you when you grew up you'd be accepted and yeah and that's why I say as a kid I want to be an adult right now that's so because I isolated it alone

What made you have hope for the future as an adult? Do you know what that was?

Really? You never gave up on yourself, Ashley.

Oh, that's right.

Clementine.

And now you're kind of like a celebrity in a way. Yeah, I would say so. Well, I don't want to be too conceited. Oh, I think it's fair. A lot of people probably recognize you and enjoyed watching you on the show. Do people ask for pictures?

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