The Autism Mom’s Potty Talk Podcast

In this raw episode, I'm sharing the tension between helping families publicly and protecting privacy. Why I'm still doing this work, and the transformation that's possible when you believe in your child. From preverbal to thriving – this is the hope you need to hear.

Parents often worry that if they introduce signs, PECS, or an AAC device, their child will “never talk.” In this episode I share Julianna’s story—how she lost language, how we taught functional communication with signs, and why that actually accelerated her spoken words. I unpack what changed for her brain, her motivation, and our relationship, and I cite research showing AAC does not block speech and can increase it.Key TakeawaysAAC (signs, PECS, devices) gives a child a reliable voice now, reducing frustration and building the language foundation that supports speech later.High-quality studies show AAC does not delay speech. Many children make gains in spoken language once they can communicate successfully. PubMed+1The “unlock” isn’t only mechanical. It is social and motivational. For Julianna, the first sign proved she understood us, pulled her out of her private world to find us, and created pride and belonging—fuel to work for speech.How To Start (Practical Steps For Parents)Pair a respectful AAC option (signs, PECS, or SGD) with natural routines and powerful motivators.Model language. Speak to your child as you normally would while honoring their sign/picture/button presses as real communication.Keep AAC available everywhere. Success breeds more attempts.If one system isn’t a fit (e.g., card-stimming), pivot—signs or a device may reduce competing sensory pull.Involve your SLP/BCBA to individualize and to target functional requests first.Resources MentionedKasari Communication Intervention with SGDs (JAACAP RCT, 2014). PubMedSchlosser & Wendt Systematic Review (2008). PubMedMillar, Light, & Schlosser Meta-analysis (2006). PubMedFlippin, Reszka, & Watson PECS Meta-analysis (2010). PubMedGanz et al. AAC Meta-analysis (2014). PubMedAAP: “Beyond Spoken Words: AAC for Kids” (myth-busting).

In this episode, Michelle Rogers shares the powerful story of a mom who’s ready to “fight the good fight” after insurance denied her autistic daughter’s speech therapy — and how that same fight can quietly steal what matters most: our child’s progress.Michelle unpacks the emotional trap so many autism parents fall into — battling systems that aren’t invested in their child’s outcome — while their child sits waiting to be taught. With her signature blend of compassion and tough love, Michelle reveals how redirecting that same fire inward can change everything.If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted by advocacy, overwhelmed by denials, or feeling like the system doesn’t care, this episode will reframe everything. You’ll walk away ready to take radical responsibility, become your child’s best teacher, and fight the real good fight — the one that leads to independence.🎧 Listen now to discover:Why not every battle is worth fightingHow the brain avoids pain by focusing on external fightsWhat “radical responsibility” really looks like in autism parentingHow Michelle taught her own daughter to communicate without speech therapyThe question every parent should ask before going to war for services👉 Ready to stop fighting the wrong battles and start creating real results? Book a free Decision-Making Call at michellebrogers.com

🎙️ Episode 58: The Messiness of Autism ParentingLet’s get honest.Autism parenting isn’t just hard because of the meltdowns, regressions, or therapies. It’s hard because it’s messy—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the inner chaos that so many of us carry but never say out loud. From the guilt of not doing enough, to the shame of secretly comparing your child to others, to the overwhelm of holding everything together while silently falling apart.If you’ve ever felt like you're drowning in the emotional load of autism parenting... this one’s for you.I’m not here to sugarcoat it. I’m here to help you feel seen—and to remind you that you can lead your family through this, even when it feels impossibly messy.Listen now and give yourself permission to feel, release, and reset.

In this episode of Autism Mommy’s Potty Talk, Michelle sits down with Rebecca—a mom who had tried to potty train her pre-verbal son four different times… with zero success.But everything changed when she joined the program.Rebecca shares how her son went from aggressive and frustrated to potty trained, making sounds, and finally feeling happy. She opens up about the emotional toll, how mindset work with our coach Stella shifted everything, and how using an iPad as a reinforcer (the right way) made all the difference.If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, feeling like nothing will work for your child… this is the story you need to hear.🎧 Tune in to hear how real progress happens—and how fast it can happen when parents are fully supported.