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by Rashidah Cartwright
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In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Jessica Pereira from the Bronx, NY, about raising her daughter Ja’Niyah, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2.5. Jessica shares how her bond with her sister, Chasity, evolved into a deeply connected co-parenting partnership rooted in unconditional love, advocacy, and autism acceptance.Together, they have created a home where stimming is welcomed, communication in all forms is honored, and Ja’Niyah is embraced exactly as she is. This heartfelt conversation explores sisterhood, support, neurodiversity, and helping autistic children thrive without forcing them into conventional molds.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:55 Why Moms Need Support03:02 Meet Jessica Pereira04:52 Bronx Beginnings05:53 Early Signs and Referral08:27 Diagnosis Day and Next Steps10:44 Mom Guilt and Sister Steps Up14:38 Single Mom Survival Mode15:57 School Trauma and Homeschool Choice19:04 Aggression and Communication Tools21:51 Sister Co Parenting System28:05 Acceptance Stimming and Public Stares30:13 Future Fears and Big Love33:52 Routine Changes and Respite35:45 Sister as Lifeline38:28 Dating and Limited Support40:35 ADHD and Mental Health43:45 IEP and School Struggles46:38 Gratitude and Softening Up49:02 Mourning Expectations53:16 Badass Mom Reality57:08 Advice to Keep Going01:00:58 What Makes Her Badass01:03:38 Closing and Call to ActionConnect with Jessica:Instagram: www.instagram.com/crzyfantasy128Facebook: Jessica JanetteIf 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
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
In this powerful and deeply raw episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with R.S. Cole, a 40-year-old mother of four from Houston, whose journey through autism parenting has been anything but ordinary.After her youngest son, J, was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old, R.S. quickly realized the harsh reality many families face — a system that often falls short. Instead of accepting it, she chose to become the change. Driven by love and necessity, she became a Behavioral Therapist, dedicating her life to supporting families who, like her, were navigating a lack of resources and support.R.S. speaks with honesty and courage about the full spectrum of autism parenting — the structured, “good” days… and the incredibly difficult ones marked by defiance, destruction, medication side effects, and emotional exhaustion. Even now, as her son is 14, the fight for appropriate care and support continues.Beyond her lived experience, R.S. has transformed her pain into purpose. As a Holistic Practitioner with multiple certifications, she is the founder of A Beautiful Mind — a nonprofit and private community created to be a beacon of hope for families navigating life after a neurodiversity diagnosis.Her impact doesn't stop there.R.S. is also:`-Author of 14 books-Creator of a transformative course blending Behavioral Therapy, Metaphysics, and Energetic Healing-Currently in Clinical Admission for a renowned ABA therapy organization, using her voice and presence to push for meaningful changeIn this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:40 Episode Topic CPS Trauma02:25 Meet RS Cole 04:10 Dog Talk05:54 Early Regression Signs07:11 Therapy Daycare Wake Up08:36 Home Support Breakthrough11:47 Diagnosis Delays System Gaps14:29 School Moves Behavior Escalation21:24 Day Treatment COVID Homeschool23:15 Medication Struggles Bestie Support28:08 School Pressure Door Visit31:05 CPS Well Check Shock33:00 False Report Debunked34:30 School Blocks Withdrawal35:08 Truancy Threats Escalate36:21 IEP Showdown With Backup39:29 Homeschool Reset and SSDI Tip41:03 ABA Aging Out and Texas Move42:24 Family Rally and Community Support45:19 Building NeuroSpirits Mission48:49 Protocols and Holistic Tools52:10 Caregiver Grief and Regulation56:45 Know Your Rights Advice01:00:26 Badass Wrap and CalloutsConnect with R.S. Cole:Instagram: www.instagram.com/holisticministriesWebsite: www.holisticministries.orgIf 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
In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Stephanie Williams, engaging in conversation that dives into the reality of parenting multiple children with autism. Stephanie Williams is a 38-Year-Old social work professional, entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Fostering ConNeEXTions Inc. Stephanie is a single mom raising three sons, ages 15, 13, and 11-all on the autism spectrum. Her journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and purpose.She shares how her oldest son experienced early regression, leading her to fight for answers, diagnosis, and services. Her middle son's early aggression and his transformation into academic success. and her youngest son's later diagnosis and use of 504 accommodations. With limited support, Stephanie had to teach herself how to navigate systems-including learning to drive just to access specialists.Stephanie speaks candidly about faith, alignment, and resilience-and how she turned pain into purpose through her nonprofit and entrepreneurial platforms.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome01:03 Parenting Multiple Autistic Kids02:01 Meet Stephanie Williams04:45 JJ Early Signs and Diagnosis09:14 Pushing For Answers and Services11:12 Learning To Drive For Care13:59 Trauma Safety and Support17:57 Advocacy as a Legacy19:18 Raj Teen Years and Growth22:53 Meltdowns Elopement and Finding Help29:25 School IEP Battles and Wins32:19 Introducing the Youngest32:27 Texas Move Miracle34:32 Youngest Diagnosis Talk36:59 504 Plan Breakthrough39:47 Honor Roll Advocacy43:44 Writing Autism Story46:56 Pain to Purpose49:52 Fostering ConNEXTions Mission53:06 Alignment Over Balance54:32 Find Her Online57:29 Merch with a Message59:30 Advice for Moms01:02:28 Audacity Mic Drop01:03:19 Final Wrap and Guest CallConnect with Stephanie:Be sure to follow and stay connected.Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniespeakspurposeInstagram: www.instagram.com/fosteringconnextionsTik Tok: Steph.SpeaksSubstack: stephaniespeakspurpose.substack.comVirtual Support Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GT1e8H3GSVD31GpfdPt7kL?mode=gi_tMake sure to check out her Merch: www.destinedtoconquer.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
Host Rashidah sits down with Evonne Rooks, an autism mom from Richmond, Virginia, who shares her son AJ’s autism diagnosis in January 2023 following speech regression after COVID, her initial shock, and how ABA therapy helped her move forward. Six months later, Evonne sought ER care for what she thought was a severe migraine; imaging revealed major brain swelling and an MRI confirmed a massive left cerebellum stroke that had occurred two days earlier and covered about 75% of the region, nearly costing her life. She describes hospitalization, ongoing therapies, stress, the need to advocate for herself, building community support, and encouraging moms to decompress, spread responsibilities out, and take symptoms seriously.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:54 When Your Body Breaks01:55 Meet Evonne Rooks03:57 AJ Diagnosis Journey07:51 Therapy and Survival Mode10:26 Headache Warning Signs14:06 ER Scan and Transfer15:58 Massive Stroke Reality19:53 Recovery No Breaks23:52 Work, Therapy and Limits28:51 Stress Lessons and Healing31:24 Living Not Surviving31:46 Mental Therapy and Trauma32:36 Time Critical Stroke Care34:21 Headaches and Hospital Visits36:30 Autism Stress and Support37:33 Building Mom Community41:57 Self Care and Decompression47:17 Single Mom Resource Tips50:08 Finding Yvonne Online51:08 AJ Confidence and Joy55:56 Advocating in Healthcare01:00:26 Final TakeawaysConnect with Evonne:Be sure to follow Evonne and stay connected.Instagram: www.instagram.com/xo_vonneFacebook: Evonne RooksTikTok: itsvonnieeeIf 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
In this powerful and informative episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Julianna Scott, a mom from San Jose and mother of two adult sons, one of whom is autistic.Julianna shares her journey of early diagnosis at just two years old—following prematurity, speech delays, and intense meltdowns—and what it looked like to navigate those early years. From diving deep into research to utilizing therapy and focusing on her son’s specific needs, she opens up about the reality behind advocating while still trying to understand it all.But this episode goes even deeper.Julianna reflects on the moment that changed everything—meeting her long-time friend Kelley Jensen in a gymnastics class. What started as a simple connection turned into a lifelong friendship rooted in honesty, humor, and zero judgment. Together, they built something bigger: the Refrigerator Moms Podcast and a resource-rich platform aimed at challenging outdated narratives and empowering parents to think critically.They also tackle the history and harm behind the “refrigerator mother” theory—reclaiming the narrative, unpacking guilt, and confronting misinformation that once blamed mothers for their child’s autism.This conversation is a reminder that while this journey can feel isolating, finding your people can change everything. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Mom Welcome01:18 Finding Your People02:19 Meet Julianna Scott03:37 Small Talk Warmup04:45 Friendship with Kelly06:15 Early Signs and Diagnosis09:13 Action Mode Research11:35 Hard Years and Progress12:40 Searching for Support14:52 Autism Community Hierarchy17:02 Losing Friends and Shrinking World24:22 Keeping Friendships Healthy27:41 Friendship Expectations Plane29:25 Grace Through Friend Loss30:17 Safer Autism Spaces31:33 Refrigerator Mom Origins35:08 Reclaiming Mom Guilt37:13 Finding Real Community39:37 Podcast Format Resources44:30 Advice for New Moms46:38 What Makes You Badass49:53 Closing and Guest Call Connect with JuliannaBe sure to follow Julianna and stay connected to her work and community.Check out the Refrigerator Moms Podcast for more real, honest conversations and valuable resources for autism families.Instagram: www.instagram.com/refrigeratormomsFacebook: www.facebook.com/refrigeratormomsTikTok: refrigeratormoms Stay Connected with Autism for Badass MomsIf this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:Follow the podcastSubscribe on your favorite platformLeave a review to help us reach more autism moms across the globeShare this episode with a mom who needs to hear this Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast
In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Chanel, a 36-year-old mom from New York, who shares her powerful journey of becoming a voice for her son while still finding her own.Chanel is a mother of two—her 15-year-old daughter and her 5-year-old son, Curtis, who was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. Curtis is non-speaking and communicates using an AAC device. From early on, Chanel knew something was different—but like so many moms, she was told to wait. And that waiting turned into fighting—fighting to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to get her son the diagnosis and support he needed.Once the diagnosis came, everything changed. Chanel found herself thrown into a world of therapies, services, and systems that required her to step up in ways she never expected. Advocacy didn’t come naturally at first—but this journey doesn’t give you the option to stay quiet.Chanel’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to show up for your child.Sometimes, becoming their voice… is how you finally find your own.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:47 Finding Your Voice02:00 Meet Chanel and Curtis03:05 Purple Vibes and Buffalo03:54 Curtis Birth Story06:31 Early Signs and Google08:21 Pushing for Diagnosis10:29 Diagnosis and Numbness11:54 Anxiety and Support Gaps14:29 Building Community19:07 Curtis Progress Updates19:54 Balancing Work and Autism20:17 Managing Anxiety Together20:52 Self Care Without Guilt22:08 Grief Comes in Waves23:01 Letting Go of Norms27:44 Advocating at School29:22 Hearing Mom in New Ways32:27 Finding Your Voice34:40 Advice for New Moms37:09 Stay Fierce Closing40:36 Guest Call to ActionConnect with ChanelInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/evolutionofaautismmomIf this episode resonated with you:• Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on your favorite platform• Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community• Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstoodInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jennifer Amoako, a devoted mother, autism advocate, and a true example of resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges.Jennifer is raising her 4-year-old daughter, Saiylor, who was diagnosed with autism at just two years old. But her journey didn’t begin — or end — there. In the same year as her daughter’s diagnosis, Jennifer endured the heartbreaking loss of one of her twins during pregnancy, all while navigating the emotional weight of a divorce. Layers of grief, change, and uncertainty collided — yet she found a way to keep going.Through honesty, strength, and unconditional love, Jennifer turned her pain into purpose. Today, she uses her platform to document her family’s autism journey, offering a real, unfiltered look into everyday life — the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Podcast Welcome00:58 Episode Stakes02:10 Meet Jennifer04:20 Early Signs Noticed07:02 Diagnosis Push08:35 Reframing Autism10:11 Hospital Wake Up11:35 Faith and Support15:35 Finding Advocacy Voice20:00 Sharing Online25:54 Bright Family Content28:55 Media and Mission31:59 Raising Self Advocates32:36 Adult Services Reality Check33:29 Workplace Inclusion Goals35:46 AAC Breakthroughs37:33 Build Your Support Tribe39:39 Therapy Team Routine41:03 Let Kids Lead Socially44:35 Safety Versus Independence45:04 Find Jen Online48:14 Advice After Diagnosis51:09 The Work Behind Progress55:03 Unapologetically Me56:26 Final Thanks and Call to Share57:32 Apply to Be a GuestConnect with Jennifer AmoakoInternational Panel Contributor ~ Speaker ~ Parent AdvocateJennifer’s impact doesn’t stop at her personal story.She has taken her advocacy to a global level, serving as a Panel Contributor for the international session, “Let’s Learn About Autism,” where she represented the United States as a parent advocate. Alongside African doctors in the diaspora across the UK, Germany, Spain, and the U.S., Jennifer shared her lived experience — from diagnosis to early intervention and advocacy — while also speaking on emotional resilience as a mother navigating autism. She contributed to a global Q&A discussion for a diverse Twi and English-speaking audience during this internationally hosted Zoom event.Jennifer has also been featured across multiple media platforms, amplifying awareness and education around autism:• Frederick Lifestyle Magazine — where she shared her powerful story, “Learning to Hear My Daughter” • WTOP News — interviewed as a parent advocate discussing early diagnosis and family support • Good Morning Frederick Podcast — where she spoke on autism awareness and community advocacy Her voice has also reached academic spaces. As a guest speaker at Frederick Community College, Jennifer has educated future professionals by sharing what it truly means to raise a child with autism — offering real-life insight into therapies, diagnosis, and advocacy from a parent’s perspective.Jennifer’s advocacy focuses on:• Early autism identification • Parent empowerment and advocacy • Navigating therapies (OT, Speech, ABA) • Neurodiversity education • Cultural conversations around autism • Building community awareness and supportInstagram: www.instagram.com/saiylor_roseIf this episode resonated with you:• Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on your favorite platform• Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community• Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstoodInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: autismforbadassmomsJoin us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.
"Autism for Badass Moms" is your guide to becoming that badass, mentally and emotionally strong mother you know you can be.Each week we shed light on the emotional journey through heartfelt conversations with autism moms, we uncover the raw, authentic experiences that shape your life.In each episode, we discuss everything from finding balance in the chaos, regulating your nervous system, and setting healthy boundaries. The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of anything you seen or heard from the podcast.
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