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Mom Creates Sensory-Friendly Tamale Kits for Neurodivergent Kids

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Catherine Contreras, an autism mom, founded Fresh Masa to offer sensory-friendly tamale-inspired toy kits.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, she involved her children in virtual tamaladas using Play-Dough.
With her mother, Marie Bauml, they designed kits like Tiny Tamalada and My Little Panaderia.
Self-funded and mainly online or at San Antonio markets, Fresh Masa supports neurodivergent children and shares heritage.

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Story summary

Catherine Contreras, an autism mom, founded Fresh Masa to offer sensory-friendly tamale-inspired toy kits.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, she involved her children in virtual tamaladas using Play-Dough.
With her mother, Marie Bauml, they designed kits like Tiny Tamalada and My Little Panaderia.
Self-funded and mainly online or at San Antonio markets, Fresh Masa supports neurodivergent children and shares heritage.