Ep. 135 - When My Body Broke Down - But Motherhood Didn't Pause with Evonne

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