Rare Meet For Moms

Welcome back to Rare Meet for Moms ! In this season two kickoff episode, host Meghan Weaver shares a heartfelt update on life behind the scenes since season one. From launching a special needs magazine to major communication wins with her daughter Rowan, Meghan reflects on the past year, celebrates growth (big and small), and sets the tone for what’s ahead this season. This episode is part persona...

Meghan Weaver interviews Charlie Taylor from Foundation of Strength, discussing their partnership with gyms to provide fitness programs for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other different abilities. Charlie shares his journey, from his early interest in weightlifting to his initiation into training individuals with special needs. They talk about the origins of Foundation of Strength, t...

In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver addresses the topic of sibling relationships within families with children with IDD or a rare diagnosis. Meghan shares practical family activities and one-on-one bonding ideas to help strengthen the bond with your other children by ensuring individual attention. Highlights include personalized family experiences like 'Tuesdays with the Bru...

Essential Safeguards and Hacks for Parents of Children with Rare Diagnoses In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver shares practical tips for keeping children safe at home. Meghan details five key safeguards: (1) a freezer door alarm to prevent food spoilage, (2) a secondary lock on the main entrance to control access, (3) a Ring spotlight camera paired with a Ring chime (4) a sup...

Meghan Weaver interviews Bradley Fisher, a dedicated teacher, father, and lifelong Chicagoan, about his experiences in adaptive cycling with his special needs daughter, Lillia. The discussion spans Bradley's journey from early biking adaptations for Lillia, who has GAND, to participating in inclusive bike camping adventures. They explore the process of making biking accessible and enjoyable for ch...

In the final episode of 2024, host Meghan Weaver shares her top 10 toy recommendations that have been loved by her daughter Rowan and the entire family over the years. From VTech GoGo Smart Wheels to the Yoto player, these toys not only entertain but also support various developmental milestones and therapeutic needs. Meghan provides detailed insights on each toy's benefits and uses, making this e...

In episode 11 of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver discusses the complexities and emotional challenges of celebrating birthdays for her daughter Rowan. She reflects on the highs and lows of the past 11 years, shares personal tips for managing birthday celebrations, and outlines the unique hurdles like her daughter's fear of opening presents (Doronophobia). Meghan also talks about the importan...

In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver shares her experience of raising a child with a rare genetic disorder and the importance of building a community for support. Meghan discusses the creation of her group, Gals Who Get It, designed for mothers of children with various diagnoses, and provides practical steps for starting a similar support group. She explains the benefits of su...

We are talking about tapping into the benefits of CBD for children with special needs. We explore trials, triumphs and daily life. Join us in this insightful episode as we follow Charissa Lynn, an experienced flight nurse, and mother, through her family's 8 year journey of using CBD to manage her son Tucker's behavioral issues, seizure medication side effects, and concentration difficulties linked...

In this engaging episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver offers a delightful mix of stories, recipes, activities, and hacks centered around eggs. She begins with a shoutout to listeners Abi and Annabel and shares a funny anecdote about her own daughter hiding farm fresh eggs. Meghan provides practical egg recipes, including hard-boiled, scrambled, and protein-boosting options, and highli...

In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms,' host Meghan Weaver tackles the complex issue of managing tantrums in pre-adolescent children, particularly those with rare diagnoses. She draws on personal experiences and advice from an ABA therapist to share effective strategies, such as using a designated safe area and the 'blow your candle out' technique for calming. Meghan underscores the importance of...

In this episode of Rare Meat for Moms, host Meghan Weaver discusses the importance of intentional breaks and quality time between spouses, especially for parents with children who have rare diagnoses. Meghan shares her personal journey of planning getaways with her husband, Chris, despite facing challenges like finding reliable sitters and dealing with unforeseen disruptions. She emphasizes the ne...

Episode 005: Demystifying the Invisalign Process: Tammy Ruh on the Process & Benefits for Children with Special Needs | Rare Meet for Moms Podcast In this episode, Meghan speaks with Tammy Ruh, a dental hygienist and special needs mom, about the challenges and strategies involved in managing her son's dental care, given his diagnosis of GAND (gatad2b associated neurodevelopmental disorder). Th...

Transforming Mealtime: Gamify Your Kids' Eating Habits! In this episode of 'Rare Meat for Moms,' host Meghan Weaver shares innovative strategies to gamify mealtime and tackle picky eating habits in children, including those with rare diagnoses and sensory issues. Meghan talks about her personal experiences with her three children, particularly her middle child who has oral motor planning challenge...

In Part 2, we dive into the practical application of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices in the classroom. Meghan Weaver and Mindy Youngs, both mothers navigating the challenges of AAC for their children, share their extensive experiences. They discuss the importance of adequately trained staff, the role of paraeducators, and the necessity of real-time data to measure device u...

Mindy Youngs bio: At the age of 18 months, Mindy's daughter was diagnosed with a nonsense variant in the GATAD2B gene. Mindy helped launch the non-profit Helping Hands for GAND in September 2015 and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for 4 years. Mindy continues to stay involved in the GAND community and is committed to helping create a sense of community for those affected by this ultr...

This is an introduction to what I hope will be a put it all out there, let’s figure it out together, laugh or vent about the current state of affairs. This is also a glimpse into what my life looks like raising a child with GAND. This will be conversations with other special needs moms and dads, sharing what’s working and what’s not. This is the resource I want to see in the world so I am creating...