Ep. 133 - Becoming His Voice When I Was Still Finding Mine with Chanel

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