Ep. 138 - Bonded Without Words: A Sibling Love Story with Brittany

Host Rashidah celebrates Mother’s Day on “Autism for Badass Moms,” honoring the sacrifices and advocacy of autism moms, and introduces a conversation about sibling love and connection in an autism household. Guest Brittany Saunders, from University City, St. Louis, shares her journey raising Mason (10), who is non-verbal and diagnosed with autism in 2019, and Savannah (7). After initial denial, Brittany pursued occupational, speech, and physical therapy, noting Mason’s growth, love of technology, and emerging communication. Brittany describes how Savannah naturally built a fierce, supportive bond with Mason—encouraging him in therapy and school, defending him, and helping with routines—while Brittany also remains intentional about giving Savannah individual attention. Brittany discusses future planning, self-care, her village, faith, and her work and baking, including social handles and a planned spectrum-friendly party offering.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:43 Mothers Day Tribute02:45 Why Sibling Bonds Matter04:17 Meet Brittany Saunders06:10 Early Signs And Denial08:26 Diagnosis And Therapy Grind12:01 Finding His Voice13:28 School During COVID14:37 Savannah The Champion20:03 Explaining Autism To Siblings26:15 Future Planning And Independence34:34 Making Savannah Feel Seen37:33 Shout Out Grandma 39:36 Family Village Support42:13 Sibling Bonding Moments44:17 Sibling Rivalry Realities46:40 OCD Loops Meltdown51:56 Puberty New Challenges54:00 Self Care Quiet Time01:00:29 Finding Brittany Online01:04:41 Advice For Struggling Moms01:07:44 Badass Mom Wrap Up01:11:42 Guest Call To Action Connect with Brittany: Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelovelifewitbritFacebook: Brittany Saunders Instagram: www.instagram.com/britsblessedbakedgoodsBusiness Email: britsblessedbakedgoods@gmail.comIf this episode resonated with you, don't forget to:-Follow the podcast-Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform-Leave a review to help us reach more autism moms across the globe-Share this episode with a mom who needs to hear thisInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast