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Brina and Dee Dee welcome Markeeta Glass, A Mighty Mom to six-year-old Weston and creator of Weston Speaks Differently, to share her family’s autism journey. Markeeta discusses Weston’s diagnosis at age two and starting early interventions including speech, occupational, and physical therapy, plus ABA. The conversation focuses on AAC: beginning with PECS, transitioning to a device around age three, learning to model and use it at home, and addressing concerns that AAC might prevent speech—while noting Weston is starting to say words. They talk about community misunderstandings, educating others about different communication styles, and presuming competence. Markeeta shares Weston’s interests like cooking and outings, challenges such as waiting and emotional regulation, and strategies like timers. They also discuss isolation, flexible celebrations, and being a “Mighty Mom” as a fierce advocate who helps her child find his voice.

00:00 Meet Mighty Moms

00:30 Introducing Markeeta

01:14 Weston Diagnosis Story

01:54 Early Intervention Tips

03:51 AAC and PECS Journey

09:18 Making AAC Work Daily

10:23 Public Communication Challenges

12:21 Does AAC Delay Speech

14:46 Reading and Captions Wins

17:24 Weston Beyond Autism

17:55 Cooking and Going Out

19:41 Emotional Regulation Struggles

20:04 Teaching Patience With Timers

22:29 How Autism Changes Motherhood

23:53 Isolation And Social Events

25:43 Birthday Outings That Work

26:58 Managing Overstimulation In Public

28:43 Advice For Grandparents

29:42 AAC Encouragement And Hope

30:30 Supplement Claims And Testing

34:01 Being A Mighty Mom

36:23 Signing Off And Sponsors

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On season three, episode two of the Mighty Moms podcast, hosts interview Kat Riojas, an autism advocate, licensed professional counselor, former special education teacher, fitness lover, and mom to nine-year-old Jacob, a non-speaking autistic child. Kat shares how she and her husband, based in the Dallas area, recognized missed milestones compared to their older neurotypical children, advocated despite reassurance from their pediatrician, and obtained an early autism diagnosis at about 15 months to begin intervention. The conversation explores grief and the duality of feeling proud of others’ milestones while mourning what may be different, setting boundaries around events, and how accommodations help families feel included. Kat discusses sibling dynamics, including her 13-year-old’s anxiety and protectiveness, and how fitness became a priority to stay strong for caregiving. She emphasizes finding connection with other autism moms, including through social media, and respecting that families choose different supports such as ABA.

00:00 Meet Kat Riojas

00:34 Kat’s Family Background

01:15 Early Signs and Diagnosis

04:44 Grief and Dual Emotions

07:00 Surrender Versus Pushing Forward

08:54 Boundaries and Social Events

13:22 Family Accommodations That Help

15:55 Home Life Adjustments

17:40 Sibling Dynamics and Anxiety

24:18 Managing Public Moments

25:00 Fitness After Diagnosis

25:55 Safety Strength Motivation

27:32 Golf Cart Wake Up Call

29:09 ABA Therapy Life Shift

33:10 Nutrition Gut Healing

35:19 Caregiver Control Mindset

36:27 Find Your Autism Moms

40:09 Many Paths in Autism

42:14 Mighty Mom Definition

43:55 Screams Stims and Church

46:50 Closing Thanks and Links

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Mighty Moms S3E2: Shannon Lowe (T4Autism) on Profound Autism, Church Inclusion, and Showing Up

Brina and Dee Dee of the Mighty Moms podcast (moms to Owen and Tad, both on the autism spectrum) welcome autism influencer and T4Autism.org founder Shannon Lowe, mom to 21-year-old Thomas “Cubby,” who was diagnosed at age two and later identified as having profound autism. Shannon shares the shock of early exclusion that began in church, the grief and isolation many new moms feel after diagnosis, and the need for safe, specialized spaces while also educating willing volunteers. The conversation emphasizes community, veteran-mom mentorship, and faith as essential to navigating challenges that can strain marriage, finances, and mental health. Brina also describes starting the Owen Foundation camps and the Owen Academy, lessons learned about reducing overstimulation, and the work behind nonprofits. Shannon closes by urging moms to trust God, keep showing up, and defines a mighty mom as a lion with a war cry.

00:00 Meet Mighty Moms

00:30 Introducing Shannon Lowe

01:30 Cubby’s Diagnosis Story

03:39 Early Signs at Church

04:19 Building Autism-Friendly Ministry

09:56 When Friends Fall Back

12:16 Advice for New Moms

15:37 Coffee Break Community

18:51 Faith and Mental Health Fight

21:29 Anger and Faith

22:21 Single Mom Encouragement

23:37 Owen Foundation Origin

25:33 Autism Sports Camps

28:54 Nonprofit Reality Check

30:32 T4 Autism Mission

32:42 Career Shift for Autism

34:53 Community and Platforms

39:39 Trust God and Show Up

41:22 Mighty Mom Definition

43:35 Signing Off and Sponsors

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In season three, episode one of the Mighty Moms Podcast, hosts Brina and Dee Dee—moms to sons Owen and Tad on the autism spectrum—welcome autism community influencer Danielle Latham to discuss her journey raising her son Van. Danielle shares noticing early developmental differences, Van’s autism diagnosis at about two and a half at Kennedy Krieger in Maryland, and how early intervention led to speech, occupational therapy, in-home Child Find services, and ABA support, including intensive work on potty training and ongoing bathroom challenges. The conversation explores grief around missed milestones, how autism “levels” can be confusing, and why focusing on individual needs can be more helpful. Danielle describes Van beginning to talk around age seven, faith and church experiences, self-care, and the importance of researching resources, applying for grants and waivers early, and getting on long waitlists. 

00:00 Meet Mighty Moms

00:30 Introducing Danielle and Van

01:55 Early Signs and Diagnosis

06:09 Diagnosis Process Then vs Now

08:44 Autism Levels Debate

15:12 Therapies and Child Find

16:21 Potty Training Breakthroughs

17:54 Bathroom Independence Tips

20:29 Grief and Milestones

23:57 Finding Joy and Hope

26:04 Late Talking Breakthrough

27:58 Repetitive Interests and Faith

28:52 Church and Emotional Attainment

30:41 Self Care and Support Systems

34:18 Respite and Community Resources

35:16 No Delay in Diagnosis

37:12 Research and Advocacy Mindset

40:36 What Mighty Mom Means

43:38 Season Wrap and Sponsor Messages

Thank you for watching Mighty Moms Podcast! If this episode touched your heart, be sure to like, subscribe, and share so we can continue reaching and encouraging more Mighty Moms and families. Until next time, remember: you are not alone, you are stronger than you know, and you are a Mighty Mom!

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In Episode 35 of the Mighty Moms Podcast, Brina and DeeDee share tips on how they navigate the holiday season as moms of children on the autism spectrum. They provide honest insights and practical tips for managing the festive season, including preparing for changes, managing mealtime, supporting communication, and planning for sensory needs. The episode also highlights the importance of patience, positive reinforcement, and celebrating small achievements. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with relatable anecdotes, heartwarming stories, and helpful advice for making the holidays joyful and stress-free for your family. 

00:00 Introduction to Mighty Moms

00:38 Holiday Season Vibes

02:27 Gift Giving Traditions

05:01 Christmas Music and Movies

13:51 Holiday Tips for Autism Moms

28:10 Increasing Table Time for Kids

28:24 Supporting Communication Methods

28:50 Using PECS and Devices

29:15 Encouraging Device Use and Social Phrases

31:26 Planning for Breaks and Sensory Needs

32:43 Using Noise-Canceling Headphones

34:01 Comfort Items and Predictable Activities

37:39 Encouraging Positive Behavior

38:51 Celebrating Small Wins

40:32 Managing Mealtime and Communication

42:35 Holiday Perfectionism is a Myth

46:59 Favorite Toys and Joy

50:59 Traveling and Comfort

51:41 Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits

54:55 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

This podcast has been brought to you by our sponsor, The Owen Academy! Be sure to follow The Owen Academy on all your socials to help express our gratitude for their support for Mighty Moms Podcast! 

 Would you like to sponsor a podcast? Message us at [email protected] to sponsor a podcast and help us share Autism Awareness and hope to families all over the world! 

Links*** (As always we are not Doctors, just recommending supplements that have worked for our children.  Please do your research and speak to your medical professional before taking any supplement or medications.)

Olly’s Chillax Gummies Link

https://amzn.to/4qmN2fc

Calm Forte Link

https://amzn.to/4jeqJWS

As referenced in the Podcast we encourage you to Follow "For the Love of Gabe" on FACEBOOK AND IG!

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In this episode of the Mighty Moms Podcast, hosts Brina and DeeDee delve into their personal experiences of being mothers to sons with autism. They discuss their beliefs and observations about why they believe their children were not born with autism, including the milestones their sons met before showing signs of regression. The hosts also emphasize the importance of a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, medical testing, and personalized supplement regimens. Through heartfelt discussions and shared experiences, Brina and DeeDee aim to offer hope and practical advice to other parents navigating similar challenges. The episode also touches on their Mighty Moms community and the importance of fellowship and mutual support among parents of children with special needs.

#autism #profoundautism #advocate #autismmom #awareness

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In this episode of 'Mighty Mom's Podcast,' we return from our summer break and dive into profound discussions about our new podcast studio, a personal injury incident, and the critical issues facing families with children who have profound autism. We share our personal experiences, including the challenges of dealing with non-verbal and profoundly autistic children, insurance battles, and the hopes raised by recent governmental attention on autism. Additionally, we discuss current events in the autism community, including potential causes and factors, highlighting the divisive reactions and misinformation spread through social media. We aim to raise awareness, advocate for better systemic support, and encourage community involvement to improve the lives of those with profound autism.

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Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!

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In this episode of the Mighty Moms Podcast, hosts Brina and DeeDee share insights into the upcoming autism conference, discussing the variety of guest speakers and vendors who will attend. They emphasize the importance of early registration, the significance of allowing children on the autism spectrum to stim, and provide personal anecdotes about their parenting journeys. The conversation also touches on support for long-term care facilities, Hugs Cafe, and the need for community events that foster inclusivity. The hosts share their excitement about providing a platform for other moms through their podcast, and discuss their upcoming 5K event.

🚨 We Need YOUR Help: Gather Signatures for the Owen Alert Petition! 🚨

The Owen Alert could save lives by ensuring a faster response when a child with autism or other disabilities elopes. Every second counts, and this system would allow immediate activation, notifying first responders and the community to begin searching right away.

Getting signatures is SO easy! Just have your friends, coworkers, and family scan the QR code or text the petition link to encourage them to sign. This isn’t just for one area—it’s for ALL of the USA!

We need volunteers to help spread the word! If you can commit to gathering signatures, let me know your shirt size, and I’ll get one ordered for you!

📢 Join the movement and help make the Owen Alert a reality!  

🔗https://www.change.org/p/establish-the-owen-alert-act-for-rapid-response-in-autism-related-elopements

Support the show

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Mighty Moms Podcast, hosts Brina and Dee Dee share their candid experiences as mothers raising children on the autism spectrum. The duo introduces their podcast, available on multiple platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, and discusses various aspects of their lives, including the recent time change and its effects on their children's routines. They dive into topics such as new medications for improving communication skills, the importance of parasite cleanses, and their personal experiences with vaccine injuries. The episode also highlights their upcoming Mighty Moms Autism Conference, which will feature various speakers and a range of activities and resources for parents. They are also working on getting signatures for the Owen Alert Act, which aims to improve response times when children with autism go missing. The conversation concludes with plans for future podcast guests and a reminder of their community initiatives.

🚨 We Need YOUR Help: Gather Signatures for the Owen Alert Petition! 🚨

The Owen Alert could save lives by ensuring a faster response when a child with autism or other disabilities elopes. Every second counts, and this system would allow immediate activation, notifying first responders and the community to begin searching right away.

Getting signatures is SO easy! Just have your friends, coworkers, and family scan the QR code or text the petition link to encourage them to sign. This isn’t just for one area—it’s for ALL of the USA!

We need volunteers to help spread the word! If you can commit to gathering signatures, let me know your shirt size, and I’ll get one ordered for you!

📢 Join the movement and help make the Owen Alert a reality!  

🔗 https://www.change.org/p/establish-the-owen-alert-act-for-rapid-response-in-autism-related-elopements

Beneve Link--- Power of 3 

🔗https://MightyMoms.beneve.com

Get your Tickets today for the Mighty Moms 2nd Annual Autism Conference

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mighty-moms-autism-conference-2025-tickets-1219764481399?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=

TrueMedx Orders Here! 

🔗https://truemedx.com/?ref=mightymoms

Truly Free Website - 40% for new customer / 25% returning customer 

🔗 https://click.trulyfreehome.com/aff_c?offer_id=238&aff_id=5317

Support the show

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!

Support the show

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!

Send us Fan Mail

Mighty Moms Podcast: Episode 30 - Autism Awareness, Safety, and The Owen Alert Act

In this episode of the Mighty Moms Podcast, hosts Brina and Dee Dee, both moms to children on the autism spectrum, share their experiences and discuss safety measures for autistic children. They highlight the importance of the Owen Alert Act, a proposed alert system for missing autistic children, and urge listeners to sign a petition to make it a reality. The hosts also talk about their personal experiences with their kids eloping and emphasize the lack of current effective alert systems for autistic children. Additionally, Brina shares a testimony about Beneve products, which have helped her with mental clarity and calmness. The episode ends with details about their upcoming Mighty Moms Autism Conference and announcements of new autism-related products and initiatives.

📢 Join the movement and help make the Owen Alert a reality!  

🔗https://www.change.org/p/establish-the-owen-alert-act-for-rapid-response-in-autism-related-elopements

Beneve Link--- Power of 3 

🔗https://MightyMoms.beneve.com

Get your Tickets today for the Mighty Moms 2nd Annual Autism Conference

🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mighty-moms-autism-conference-2025-tickets-1219764481399?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=

Support the show

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!