Ep. 137 - Let's Talk About It: CPS, Meds, and the Truth Behind Closed Doors with R.S. Cole

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