Autism for Badass Moms

Rashidah Cartwright
  • 5.0 (36)
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Autism for Badass Moms is a powerful podcast that amplifies the voices of mothers raising children with autism. It challenges outdated narratives, advocates for meaningful change, and celebrates the extraordinary strength of women who continue to show up for their children despite overwhelming obstacles. It has become a global community where mothers can feel seen, heard, and understood. The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of anything you seen or heard from the podcast.

  1. 6d ago

    Ep. 163 - Where Culture Meets Advocacy: A Latina Mom's Story with Teresa

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Teresa Martinez, a Latina mother of four fromNew Mexico, for an honest conversation about culture, motherhood, advocacy, and navigating the emotional complexities of raising autistic children. Raised in a large Mexican family in rural New Mexico, Teresagrew up surrounded by strong family connections and always dreamed of having a big family of her own. Today, she's raising four children, including her nine-year-old twin daughters, Gracie and Dani, who were diagnosed with autism at age three. She discusses differences between the twins, navigating large-family gatherings, single parenting and custody routines, self-care and health needs, and her desire to expand services and train educators in inclusive, trauma-informed approaches.   In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Meet Teresa 00:29 Twins and Diagnosis 02:07 Early Signs and Regression 03:59 COVID and School Plans 07:09 Finding the Right Classroom 10:22 Fourth Grade Breakthrough 12:49 Twin Similarities Differences 15:04 Big Family Reactions 22:53 Comparisons and Advocacy 27:22 Inclusive Sports Community 29:18 Service Waitlists in NM 32:00 Dream of Building Programs 37:23 Choosing Kids Over Self 38:09 Finding Time to Recharge 38:55 Health Wake Up Call 41:09 Custody and Routine Stability 43:49 School Wins and Milestones 46:18 Teaching Philosophy That Works 55:15 Advice for Autism Moms    ABOUT OUR GUEST Teresa Martinez is a Latina mother of four, educator,and autism advocate from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Raised in a large Mexican family, Teresa's cultural roots and strong family values have shaped her journey through motherhood. As the mother of nine-year-old autistic twins, Gracie andDani, Teresa understands the challenges of navigating autism diagnoses, accessing services, and facing uncertainties about her children's future. With seven years of experience as an educator, Teresa ispassionate about inclusion, advocacy, and creating supportive environments where children of all abilities can thrive. Her journey reflects resilience, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to her children.   CONNECT WITH TERESA Instagram: www.instagram.com/martinezt12   Listen, Share & Connect Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast YouTube: @theabmpodcast

  2. Oct 27

    Ep. 162 - Blaming Yourself for Things You Never Controlled with Essence

    In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms,host Rashidah Cartwright sits down with Essence “Essie C.” Myrick, a mother of three who opens up about the emotional journey following her youngest son Damair's autism diagnosis at just two years old. Essie shares how feelings of guilt, self-blame, anddepression led her to question whether she was a good mother. As she struggled to process the diagnosis, she found herself withdrawing from others and burying herself in work and motherhood, often neglecting her own emotional well-being. But through education, understanding, and learning torecognize her son's unique strengths, Essie began to see autism—and herself as a mother—through a different lens. What started as a journey filled with uncertainty eventuallybecame a mission of advocacy, representation, and community empowerment. From creating children's books that celebrate neurodiversityto co-founding a nonprofit supporting autism families, Essie is turning her personal experiences into opportunities for connection and inclusion.   In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Meet Essence 01:12 Early Signs Noticed 03:34 Early Intervention Steps 05:04 Guilt and Fear Spiral 09:28 Diagnosis Day Story 13:07 Harsh Prognosis Fallout 14:59 Coping Through Research 16:51 Keeping It Private 17:48 Second Opinion Hope 23:28 Power of Words 24:38 Power of Self Talk 25:50 Trust Their Signals 26:38 Grace on Bad Days 27:23 Building Mom Community 31:22 Revamping Parent Council 33:16 Royal Reigns Mission 40:05 Advice for Autism Moms   ABOUT OUT GUEST Essence “Essie C.” Myrick is a mother of three fromLinden, New Jersey, author, and passionate autism advocate. Inspired by raising her youngest son, Damair, she created the Syiah Family Adventures children's book series to promote inclusion, empathy, and neurodiversity awareness. As Co-Founder of Royal Reigns and Uniquely Us NJ, a nonprofit providing sensory-friendly resources, Essie is committed toempowering families, building community, and celebrating the uniqueness of every child.   CONNECT WITH ESSENCE Instagram: www.instagram.com/essiemyrickofficial  Website: syiahandsupremeadventures.square.site Instagram: www.instagram.com/syiahandsupremeadventures Business: Royal Reigns Website: royalreignsdesign.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/royalreignsstudio   Whether you're navigating a new autism diagnosis, strugglingwith mom guilt, or learning to embrace your child's unique journey, this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, your child's differences deserve to be celebrated, and your motherhood journey is not defined by fear.   Listen, Share & Connect If this episode resonates with you, share it with another autism mom, caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, or anyone who needs a deeper understanding of profound autism.   Connect with us: Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast YouTube: @theabmpodcast

  3. Oct 20

    Ep. 161 - Don't Pass the Torch: Building Real Support Beyond Siblings with Jillian

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Autism forBadass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jillian Eisloeffel, autism advocate and founder of Bobby's World – Profound Autism Advocacy, for an honest conversation about the realities of raising a child with profound autism. Jillian shares her journey raising her 11-year-old son, Bob,who was diagnosed with autism at just one year old. With significant communication challenges and self-injurious behaviors, Bob requires an extraordinary level of care, supervision, and environmental support. From transforming her home into a safer environment tonavigating gaps in crisis intervention services, Jillian offers a raw look at the physical, emotional, and mental demands that many families experience behind closed doors. The conversation also explores the often overlookedexperiences of siblings, the impact of constant caregiving on a mother's nervous system, and the difficult but necessary conversations surrounding long-term care and planning for a child's future. This episode goes beyond autism awareness. It's about therealities families live every day, the systems that continue to fall short, and the urgent need to turn awareness into meaningful action.   In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 — Meet Jillian 00:23 — Emergency C-section 03:30 — Medical Complexities and PANS/PANDAS 04:20 — Becoming Their Own Crisis Team 08:22 — Head Banging Origins 09:53 — Layered Communication Strategies 10:38 — Advocating for PANS/PANDAS Diagnosis 13:24 — Medication Journey 15:47 — The Enema Story – Real Life 25:34 — Marriage Dynamics 29:21 — Why Families Need Trained Support 32:00 — "You Can't Bubble-Bath Your Way Out of this Complex PTSD" 32:50 — Nationwide Caregiver Database  36:38 — The Mall Model: Therapy, Businesses, and Housing Under One Roof 38:01 — The "Care Force" 41:03 — Hurricane Sandy and Finding Purpose 43:20 — Advice for Autism Moms   ABOUT OUR GUEST Jillian Eisloeffel is a mother, autism advocate, andfounder of Bobby's World – Profound Autism Advocacy, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of families raising children with profound autism and complex support needs. Her advocacy is inspired by her 11-year-old son, Bob, who was diagnosed with autism at age one and is non-speaking withself-injurious behaviors. Jillian is passionate about ensuring that siblings are not automatically responsible for lifelong caregiving, and advocates for meaningful solutions that improve the lives of individuals with complex support needs and their families. Jillian's mission is to move conversations beyond awareness and toward real solutions, stronger resources, and meaningful systemic change.   CONNECT WITH JILLIAN Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bobbysworldprofoundautism/ Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/jillianeisloeffel/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/bobbysworldprofoundautism/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bobbysworldprofoundasd Email: bobbysworldadvocacy@gmail.com Website: bobbysworldadvocacy.com   Purchase on Amazon: Moments Between the Madness(devotional) and Comprehensive Care Guide for Your Loved One (printable binder)    Jillian’s Message to Autism Moms "Start something. I don't care if it's a little local support group or something worldwide online. Do something because it'll bebetter for your mental health. It'll be your safe space, and that's how change happens." "You're not alone. There are people that want to help. I want to help. Reach out to me."   Listen, Share & Connect If this episode resonates with you, share it with anotherautism mom, caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, or anyone who needs a deeper understanding of profound autism.   Connect with us: Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast YouTube: @theabmpodcast

  4. Oct 13

    Ep. 160 - Behind Closed Doors: Autism, Abuse, and Finding the Courage to Love with Gerri

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Gerri Tennyson—autism advocate, author, interior designer, and domestic abuse survivor—for a raw and deeply personal conversation about survival, motherhood, and reclaiming her life.As a mother of fraternal twins, including her son Dwight, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, Gerri spent 17 years navigating an abusive marriage while advocating for her son's educational needs. In this episode, Gerri opens up about the realities of domestic abuse that people often don't see, the challenges of raising children in an unhealthy environment, and the courage it took to leave and rebuild her life.She also reflects on the financial hardships she faced as a single mother, the impact of domestic violence on her children, and the lessons she learned about independence, self-worth, and finding her voice again.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 -  Meet Gerri0:51 -  Dwight’s Autism Diagnosis5:52 -  Regression in Language Development7:15 -  Sibling Bond9:17 -  Enduring Abuse in Her Marriage12:16 -  Living Through a “House of Horrors”13:54 -  Filing for divorce in 201014:28 -  Withholding Support for the Children15:04 - The Escape Plan16:44 -  Creating a Strong Support Network22:54 -  Father Stops Showing Up23:23 -  Dwight’s Improvement after Parent Separation24:54 -  Fighting the School System26:15 -  Letter to First Lady Laura Bush28:28 -  Life Rebuilt33:24 -  Dwight Today37:34 -  No Shame, Ask for Help42:47 -  The Reason I Breathe42:59 -  Building Her Business52:06 -  Advice for Autism MomsABOUT OUR GUESTGerri Tennyson is a mother of fraternal twins, Dwight and Taylor (now 28). She is the owner of Diamond in the Rough Designs (an interior decorating and staging business), and the author of the memoir; The Reason I Breathe; (published August 2024). She is also working on her second book. Gerri has been a fierce autism advocate for over two decades, helping counsel families navigate resources, and she shares her story to give hope to others.CONNECT WITH GERRIGerri Tennyson, The Reason I Breathe: My Journey with Autism Against All OddsPurchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0blrrp7lPurchase on Barnes Noble: The Reason I Breathe | Barnes & Noble®Interior Design Business: Diamond in the Rough DesignsInstagram: www.instagram.com/DITR_DesignTikTok: Autism Big MamaGerri’s Message to Autism Moms1. Reach out to someone you trust — your church, a neighbor, a friend. Yoursupport system doesn’t have to be blood related.2. Make a plan — it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Take the time to prepare butalways prioritize your safety.3. “Squirrel” away resources — set aside small amounts of money wherever youcan.4. Know that staying for the kids isn’t protecting them — children see, hear,and feel what’s happening, even when you think they don’t.5. Believe in yourself — the life on the other side of leaving is so much better,even when the lean years are hard.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available:National Domestic Violence Hotline:-For free, confidential support 24/7, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.-Begin building a support network by contacting a local church, community organization, or trusted neighbor.-If you are in immediate danger, call 911.If 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 someone you know would benefit from this episodeWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  5. Oct 6

    Ep. 159 - I Made It Look Easy...It's Not with Maria DeVoe

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Maria DeVoe, a Baltimore native now living in Atlanta and mom to two teenagers on the autism spectrum—Princess Brianna, who is turning 17, and Robert Jr., 14. Maria opens up about a journey that began nearly two decades ago, when autism awareness, resources, and conversations looked very different than they do today. Maria speaks candidly about the parts of autism motherhood people often don't see—the sleepless nights, meltdowns, isolation, constant worry, hypervigilance, changing medical providers when something doesn’t feel right, and the reality that even something as simple as taking a shower or finding someone you trust to watch your child can become complicated. She also talks about balancing motherhood with work and entrepreneurship, finding small ways to decompress, building CMD Marketing Enterprises/CMD Design Lab, and working to reboot her son’s show. Through it all, Maria reminds autism moms that strength does not mean pretending everything is easy. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 – Meet Maria 00:16 – Princess Early Signs 01:46 – Diagnosis During Pregnancy 02:28 – Finding Services 05:05 – School Struggles Begin 08:05 – Advocacy with Receipts 11:00 – Two Kids Two Profiles 12:46 – RJ Diagnosis and Supports 17:37 – What People Don’t See 22:16 – Finding Joy and Self Care 24:12 – Building Her Business 27:10 – Advice for Autism Moms ABOUT OUR GUEST Maria DeVoe is a mother, entrepreneur, and autism advocate originally from Baltimore and now based in Atlanta. She is raising two teenagers on the autism spectrum, Princess Brianna and Robert Jr., and has spent years navigating therapies, school systems, medical care, and the everyday realities of autism motherhood. Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy, documentation, and ensuring her children receive the support they need to thrive. Outside of motherhood, Maria is also the founder of CMD Marketing Enterprises/CMD Design Lab, where she channels her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into her work. CONNECT WITH MARIA Website: www.cmddesignlab.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariadevoe_ Maria’s Message to Autism Moms You don't have to pretend you have everything together. You can be tired. You can be frustrated. You can be scared. You can need help. It is okay to not be okay. Seek support. Ask for grace. Protect your peace. Trust yourself enough to speak up when something doesn't feel right—and keep showing up for your children without forgetting that you matter, too. Because sometimes the moms who make it look easy are carrying more than anyone realizes. Autism for Badass Moms celebrates the fierce, determined, and courageous mothers raising children on the autism spectrum while creating space for the conversations about autism motherhood that are too often left unsaid. If 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 misunderstood Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  6. Sep 29

    Ep. 158 - Two Homes. One Diagnosis. Zero Communication with Andrea

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Andrea Jordan, a Chicago-area mom of three whose 8-year-old daughter, Zuri, was diagnosed with Level 3 autism shortly before turning three. Andrea opens up about receiving Zuri’s diagnosis during an already difficult chapter in her marriage, the loneliness she experienced, and what life has looked like since her divorce. She shares the realities of parallel parenting, advocating for services when both parents are not always on the same page, and carrying the weight of appointments, school needs, insurance battles, and major decisions. She also shares one of her greatest sources of comfort: knowing that Zuri has two older brothers who love her fiercely and can help advocate for her when she cannot advocate for herself. Two years after her divorce, Andrea is still rebuilding—balancing motherhood, a 13-year career with the VA, family, friendships, fitness, healing, and the dreams she still wants to pursue. In this episode, we discuss: 1.0 – Meet Andrea 1:04 – Early Signs of Autism 2:04 – Autism Research 2:29 – Early Intervention 3:10 – Denial 3:49 – Emotional Impact 4:38 – He Wants a Divorce 5:41 – Beginning Therapy 9:56 – The Turning Point 10:14 – Marriage Retreat & Final Realization 10:44 – Filing for Divorce 11:25 – Parallel Parenting 11:46 – 50/50 Custody 15:27 – Attempts at Co-Parenting 17:44 – Involving Children in Conflict 21:15 – Back to Court 29:31 – Gym as a Mental Escape 35:45 – Advice for Moms ABOUT OUR GUEST Andrea Jordan is a poet. She is currently working on a book that incorporates her poetry that was written during her marriage and divorce. Andrea is passionate about helping other moms understand that choosing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential. Her message is rooted in faith over fear, self- advocacy, and the belief that the most important promise you can keep is the one you make to yourself. CONNECT WITH ANDREA Instagram: www.instagram.com/drea_delena Facebook: Andrea Jordan TikTok: drea_delena LinkedIn: Andrea Jordan If 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 misunderstood Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  7. Sep 22

    Ep. 157 - From the Industry to Home Life: Raising a Child with Autism with Chastity

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, and autism mom Chastity Hankins for an honest conversation about what happens when the demands of the entertainment and beauty industries collide with the realities of raising a child with autism. Chastity shares her journey from noticing early signs in her son Kobe, through the diagnosis process, and into building her business Bombshell Beautii — all while managing therapy schedules, industry travel, and her own mental health. Chastity shares how she turned survival mode into a blueprint, how pattern recognition keeps her business running, and why she credits her son with choosing her as his mother. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 - Meet Chastity1:23 - Noticing the Signs2:29 - Gaslit3:01 - Early Intervention4:35 - Getting the Diagnosis5:24 - Processing the Diagnosis6:41 - Finding Purpose in the Journey8:27 - Family Reaction10:47 - Family Dynamics12:46 - Sibling Bond14:37 - Balancing Business and Motherhood17:39 - Industry Demands21:00 - Time Management22:50 - Torn Between Kids and Career24:10 - Divine Purpose27:19 - Getting Your Pink Back29:08 - The Breaking Point30:23 - Building Bombshell Beautii32:55 - Elopement, Safety and Free Resources34:54 - Finding Community38:26 - Self-Care40:55 - Contact Chastity43:48 - Advice for Moms48:13 - What Makes Chastity Badass ABOUT OUR GUEST Chastity Hankins is a self-taught hairstylist, entrepreneur, and autism advocate based in Virginia Beach, VA. She is the founder of Bombshell Beautii, offering hair extensions, wigs, and styling services. Her work has been featured on reality television productions, and she is currently expanding into brick-and-mortar beauty supply stores along the East and West Coasts. CONNECT with CHASTITY Website: www.bombshellbeautii.com Instagram: Instagram.com/bombshellbeautii (business) | Instagram.com/blackbarbiebombshell Facebook: Chastity Hankins / Bombshell Beautii Know a mom who's juggling it all? A fellow autism parent? Someone building a business while raising kids? Send this their way — one conversation can change a trajectory. New episodes every Tuesday. If 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 misunderstood Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.com Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  8. Sep 15

    Ep. 156 - Breaking Generational Silence: Autism in African American Families with Lekana

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Lekana Williams, a wife and mother of two sons, ages 26 and 14. Her eldest son received his autism diagnosis at 23, while her youngest was diagnosed at 11. Lekana opens up about raising two sons with very different autism journeys and the unique challenges of navigating diagnosis, motherhood, and acceptance through the lens of her African American community. Together, Rashidah and Lekana discuss the silence and stigma that can exist around autism in Black families, the expectations parents may have for their children before diagnosis, and the importance of creating space for honest conversations across generations. Lekana also shares how she learned to embrace her sons’ individuality, find gratitude in their journey, and encourage them to be proud of exactly who they are. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 — Meet Lekana 1:00 — Oldest son and early signs 5:11 — Processing guilt and grief 10:26 — Meltdowns, work struggles, and getting an adult evaluation 14:12 — Community denial and fear of stigma 17:37 — Youngest son's ADHD and Autism diagnosis story 20:02 — Incident at school 26:42 — School supports, IEPs, and bullying 30:11 — Connecting with each son emotionally 34:09 — African American community and mental health 43:26 — Relief through son's therapy sessions 45:17 — Career as a hairstylist and model 49:39 — Advice for moms afraid of stigma 54:33 — What makes Lekana badass Connect with Lekana: Instagram: Instagram.com/LekanaWill Modeling inquiries: lekanawillmodel@gmail.com If 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 misunderstood Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook .com/theabmpodcast

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5
out of 5
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About

Autism for Badass Moms is a powerful podcast that amplifies the voices of mothers raising children with autism. It challenges outdated narratives, advocates for meaningful change, and celebrates the extraordinary strength of women who continue to show up for their children despite overwhelming obstacles. It has become a global community where mothers can feel seen, heard, and understood. The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of anything you seen or heard from the podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Rashidah Cartwright
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rashidah Cartwright
  • Show Website
    Autism for Badass Moms

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