MTA is honored to have Dr. Daniela Owen and Jake Loupe on to talk about parenting neurodiversity and the importance of community support. Dr. Owen is a clinical psychologist and author aimed at helping kids understand their emotions. Jake shares his journey as a father to his neurodiverse son. Together, they host a podcast all about parenting and caregiving for all kids, regardless of diagnosis. In this episode, we cover the importance of inclusive environments, coping skills, empowering parents, and navigating mental health for both parents and children.

Dr. Owen and Jake have a wonderful podcast. Check out The Parenting Puzzle with Dr. Daniela Owen to hear more from them and our guest appearance on their show!

The Parenting Puzzle

Dr. Owen’s Website

Want to reach the MTA team? Email us at [email protected]

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Back home from Galveston... Today, we are talking about the re-entry process, sixth-grade science camp, and periods... oh my!

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This one’s full of feel-good vibes! Tash and Shannon sit down with Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, a nonprofit that partners with professional artists and organizations to give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the spotlight they deserve—literally! From leading roles in integrated performances to the magic that happens when inclusion meets creativity, this conversation will leave you inspired and smiling.

PS - she also wrote an amazing book for kids in her spare time!

You can find Melissa/Backlight Productions here:

https://www.instagram.com/backlightproductions/

https://backlightproductions.org/about-us/

https://www.instagram.com/fofcbooks/

https://www.friendsoffranklincounty.com/

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In this episode, JJ McLeod shares her journey as a special education teacher and mom to her son Milo, who was diagnosed with autism. She opens up about the shock of diagnosis, the challenges of navigating both autism and other health needs, and the stigma families often face. Through her story, JJ reminds us of the resilience it takes to parent neurodivergent kids—and the power of community and compassion along the way.

Instagram: autismembrace

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Today Emily Zavala returns to share her journey of navigating autism care for her son, Justin. From the struggle of finding the right group home, to the heartbreak of rejection, to the relief of finally discovering Hope House—Emily opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of advocacy and caregiving.

She reflects on the resilience it takes, the community that makes it possible, and the positive changes Justin has experienced since his move. This is a story of hope, connection, and the power of not giving up.

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We’re talking about the “Autism Tax”—not a bill from the IRS, but the hidden costs families like ours face every day. From therapies and medical expenses to careers put on hold and time stretched thin, this invisible weight is heavy.

In this episode, we share our own stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to carry it all. Because while the “tax” is real, so is the strength of our community.

Want to share your Autism or Disability Tax story? Email us at [email protected]

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Today, Shannon and Jean sit down with Dr. David Amaral and Carolyn Komich from Autism BrainNet to talk about a topic that’s not always easy, but so important—brain donation for autism research.

Dr. Amaral shares the emotional side of this conversation, why understanding autism at a deeper level matters, and how families can play a role in shaping the future of research. Carolyn walks us through what Autism BrainNet is doing to increase awareness and support families who want to learn more.

It’s a tender but powerful conversation that shines a light on the importance of research and the people behind it.

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Explicit Episode Alert

Fellow caregiver and mom, Inga Krevatas, shares the story of her twin girls’ diagnoses, over twenty years ago. Since then, Inga has built a community around her and her family and is now able to use her experiences to work with and advocate for others in her community. Look around, do the research, use what’s available right now. If that doesn’t fit or you outgrow the services offered, it’s time to start building! You want a well-rounded life for you and your children? Go get it!

Contact Inga- [email protected]

Contact Moms Talk Autism- [email protected]

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Hey friend… let’s be real for a sec. When someone asks, “How are you?” as a special needs parent or caregiver… do you ever just freeze?

It’s not that we don’t know how we feel—it’s that the answer is complicated. Some days it’s pride and joy, other days it’s exhaustion and overwhelm. And layered in there is the constant tug-of-war: do I open up and be honest, or keep it short to protect my family (and maybe myself)? Do I share because I need support, or hold back because I don’t want pity?

In this episode, we unpack that tricky little question and all the emotions behind it. And we want to hear from YOU. How do you navigate those moments? Send us your stories at [email protected]

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Today we sit down with Lia McCabe, host of the Embracing Autism Podcast. Lia shares her personal journey as an autistic parent raising neurodivergent children, her advocacy work through Autism Wish, and the importance of education and empathy in understanding autism.

Lia McCabe: Host of the Embracing Autism Podcast and founder of Autism Wish.

Website: www.AutismWish.org

Patreon: patreon.com/AutismWish

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