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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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