Ep. 136 - Three Diagnoses, One Mother: How I Hold it All with Stephanie

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