Episode Details

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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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