Mighty Moms Podcast S3E3 with Kathy "Kat" Riojas

Send us Fan MailOn 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 Riojas00:34 Kat’s Family Background01:15 Early Signs and Diagnosis04:44 Grief and Dual Emotions07:00 Surrender Versus Pushing Forward08:54 Boundaries and Social Events13:22 Family Accommodations That Help15:55 Home Life Adjustments17:40 Sibling Dynamics and Anxiety24:18 Managing Public Moments25:00 Fitness After Diagnosis25:55 Safety Strength Motivation27:32 Golf Cart Wake Up Call29:09 ABA Therapy Life Shift33:10 Nutrition Gut Healing35:19 Caregiver Control Mindset36:27 Find Your Autism Moms40:09 Many Paths in Autism42:14 Mighty Mom Definition43:55 Screams Stims and Church46:50 Closing Thanks and LinksSupport the showFollow us on YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram @MIGHTYMOMSPODCAST and on TikTok @MIGHTYMOMSBEYONDTHEPOD ------ LIKE, SHARE, & Support our Mission to create a Worldwide Cult of Autism Moms!