Ep. 148 - Culture Shock: Raising an Autistic Child in a Caribbean Family with Kaylyn

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kaylyn Vega — a Puerto Rican-Dominican mom from the Bronx, now raising her four-year-old autistic daughter in Florida alongside her Jamaican husband. Kaylyn opens up about spotting the early signs of autism, pushing back against family denial rooted in cultural stigma, navigating a resistant pediatrician, and ultimately becoming a fierce advocate for her daughter and other families on the same journey. Her story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring.In this episode, we discuss:0.00 Welcome & introducing Kaylyn — from the Bronx to Florida0:26 Kaylyn's background: Puerto Rican, Dominican & her daughter's Jamaican heritage1:18 Early signs she noticed — tippy-toeing, delayed milestones, limited verbal communication2:01 Who first said "autism"? Kaylyn did — and why she already knew2:40 Cultural pushback: "She'll grow out of it"4:26 Getting the diagnosis — pushback from the pediatrician AND the preschool10:02 Finding peace in the diagnosis and mourning the "planned" future14:01 How Kaylyn's daughter is thriving today — speech, swimming, meditation15:27 Running a "tight ship" when family babysits20:13 Navigating insurance & the out-of-pocket diagnosis — what moms need to know22:37 Going back to school: psychology major, health insurance, and RBT certification26:13 Kaylyn's vision: an autism wellness advocacy business27:56 Self-care, a supportive partner, and guided meditation with her daughter29:22 How to reach Kaylyn29:42 Advice for moms struggling with family and cultural barriers31:17 What makes Kaylyn a badass? Her voiceConnect with Kaylyn:Instagram: www.instagram.com/kayykulture._Email: kaylynvega58@gmail.comIf this episode resonated with you:-Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast-Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community-Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstoodFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast