Autism for Badass Moms

Rashidah Cartwright
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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 It challenges outdated narratives, advocates for meaningful change, and celebrates the extraordinary strength of women who continue to show up for their children despite overwhelming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. 155 - Breaking Free While Parenting a Child with Autism with Erin

    This week on Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sitsdown with Erin S. L. Jackson for a powerful conversation about autism motherhood, domestic violence, survival, education, and what it takes to rebuild your life when walking away feels impossible. Erin opens up about something many women experience but may be afraid to say out loud: sometimes leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out the door. Financial dependence, childcare challenges, missed work,isolation, fear, and the responsibility of raising a child with additional needs can make leaving feel impossible. Erin shares how public assistance programs helped providesome of the financial security she needed to begin separating herself from her abuser — and how higher education eventually became another part of her pathtoward freedom.   In this episode, we discuss:   0:00 – Meet Erin 0:54 – Pregnant during COVID 2:53 – Her son's RSV hospitalization 4:26 – Developmental regression 6:22 – Getting the autism diagnosis 8:12 – How the diagnosis shifted the relationship 12:06 – Using ChatGPT to cope 12:57 – Building the escape plan 23:51 – The car accident that changed everything 25:21 – Police escort 26:32 – Co-parenting and contact today 32:37 – Mental health and suicidal thoughts 33:32 – Finishing her master's in social work 34:29 – The Title IV fellowship 42:44 – Where to find Erin 43:54 – Advice for moms still stuck 46:22 – What makes Erin badass   Connect with Erin: Facebook: Erin Jackson Instagram: Instagram.com/ hopez__Dreams   If this episode resonated with you:  -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast -Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood   Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast   A Note to Our Listeners This episode contains conversations about domesticviolence, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care. Abuse does not always look like physical violence. It can include controlling money, interfering withemployment, isolating someone from family and friends, intimidation, manipulation, threats, emotional abuse, coercive control, and other behaviors designed to maintain power over another person. If something discussed in this episode feels familiar,please know that help and confidential support are available. You do not have to navigate abuse alone.   If you or someone you know is experiencing domesticviolence, please reach out to a trusted person or a domestic violence organization. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.

  2. Sep 1

    Ep. 154 - Autism in Rural Australia with Prue

    Host Rashidah sits down with Prue for a candid conversationabout raising her son Jock, who has both autism and ADHD, from the early signs and long diagnostic wait times to daily life on a remote Australian cattle ranch. Prue opens up about grief, anxiety, celebrating small wins, and the community that has rallied around her family, offering heartfelt, hard-wonwisdom for any parent navigating a new neurodivergent diagnosis.In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 – Meet Prue1:38 – Early signs before diagnosis2:03 – Long wait for a diagnosis 3:55 – Behaviors that led to seeking an assessment5:46 – Autism and ADHD10:33 – Processing grief and shifting expectations12:00 – Managing anxiety and hypervigilance 15:53 – Life on the cattle ranch 17:09 – Being open about the diagnosis 22:25 – Feeding issues and celebrating small wins25:52 – Balancing attention between siblings 29:02 – Helping sibling understand neurodivergence30:05 – Mom guilt, masking feelings, and self-compassion34:21 – Making time for self-care36:12 – Why Prue decided to share her story39:10 – Finding community with other special-needs parents42:20 – Jock's therapy team45:55 – Advice for a mom newly navigating diagnosis47:55 – What makes Prue "badass"49:27 – Get in contact with Prue   Connect with Prue McCormack   Facebook: Prue McCormack Instagram: www.instagram.com/prue.mccormack   If this episode resonated with you: -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast -Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood   Follow Us:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  3. Aug 25

    Ep. 153 - I Thought I Could Wear the Cape-Then My Body Said No with Lexus

    On this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidahsits down with Lexus Sheffield, a 29-year-old mother of four from Texas. Lexus is the mother of 4-year-old twins, Journie andJamarion, Jr., who were both diagnosed with autism in May 2025. As she navigated developmental concerns, services, and learning how to advocate for both of her children, Lexus was also facing a life-changing diagnosis of her own. In 2024, Lexus was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In this candid conversation, Lexus opens up about what itwas like learning that both of her twins were autistic, recognizing their early developmental differences, navigating Early Childhood Intervention, and confronting her own declining health while continuing to care for her family. She also shares how her experience with MS has changed theway she views strength, motherhood, and self-care.   In this episode, we discuss:   0:00 – Meet Lexus 1:00 – Twins' NICU journey and early signs of autism 5:26 – Fight to get both twins properly evaluated 9:30 – Health crisis dismissed by doctors 13:30 – Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis 18:00 – Burnout 22:15 – Therapy, Part-time work, and starting CrossFit 24:53 – How the twins are thriving now 31:41 – Reach out to Lexus 33:20 – Advice for overwhelmed moms     Connect with Lexus   Facebook: Lexus Lynette Instagram: www.instagram.com/lexuslynette   If this episode resonated with you: -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast -Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood   Follow Us:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  4. Aug 18

    Ep. 152 - Preparing for Baby #3 While Parenting Two Children on the Spectrum with Ashley

    Rashidah sits down with Ashley — model, brand ambassador,life coach, rideshare entrepreneur, soon-to-be nursing school grad, and mom of two (with baby #3 on the way!) for a raw, honest conversation about motherhood, autism, healing, and showing up unapologetically.   In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 — Meet Ashley 1:11  — Raising two kids with differing needs 2:49 — Amir's autism diagnosis  5:14  — Generational silence  9:15  — Learning to pinpoint  12:11 — Navigating daughter's mental health alongside Amir's autism 17:12  — Giving each child a different version of herself 25:38 — Self-love journey and healing her own childhood 26:20 — The power of one true friendship  32:01  — Co-parenting with intention 36:27 — Self-care amid it all 39:53 — Nursing school, career hustle, and knowing her worth 45:48 — Modeling career 51:10 — Her advice to moms  55:23 — What makes Ashley badass 58:08 — Closing thoughts    Connect with Ashley: Facebook: Love Ladyash Instagram: Instagram.com/RespectTheLady Email: respecttheladymgmt@gmail.com   If this episode resonated with you:  -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast -Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood   Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  5. Aug 11

    Ep. 151 - I Survived Child Loss. Then I Learned to Fight for My Autistic Daughter with Emily.

    Host Rashidah introduces a raw episode of Autism for BadassMoms on grief, autism parenting, divorce, and coping, featuring guest Emily Fell, a 45-year-old Wisconsin mom to 15-year-old Grace, diagnosed with autism at 2.5. Emily recounts the 2008 pregnancy and birth of her first daughter,Katie, who had hydranencephaly, was delivered by C-section with Emily suffering severe blood loss and transfusions and lived two days. Emily describes Grace’s traumatic birth in 2010, vaccine-related reactions, developmental regression,extensive early interventions including ABA, and later conflicts in her marriage—especially over vaccines—leading to her husband moving out in 2016 and divorce finalized in 2018, plus financial stress and foreclosure. Emily shares past self-medicating with alcohol, recent sobriety, homeschooling Grace using spelling to communicate, and plans for a center/community for non-speakers with respite and ABA partners targeted for April 2026 and provides her TikTok contact.   In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:43Grief and Autism 02:46 Meet Emily Fell 04:52 Pregnancy and Shocking Ultrasound 08:50 Katie’s Birth and Medical Crisis 13:20 Saying Goodbye to Katie 16:04 Pregnant Again After Loss 17:44 Grace’s Birth Complications 23:19 Regression and Autism Diagnosis 26:15 Marriage Strain and Vaccines 29:11 Husband Moves Out and Fallout 32:58 Black Cloud and Getting Sober 34:21 Quitting Alcohol Clarity 35:24 Divorce Boundaries Strength 36:44 Grace Therapy Reflections 39:49 First Word Mom Moment 42:04 School Battles Presume Competence 46:55 Homeschool Spelling Breakthroughs 49:24 Spiritual Walk Revelation 52:14 Building Non-Speaker Community 56:15 How to Reach Emily 58:09 Advice for New Moms 01:03:22 Final Encouragement Outro 01:03:56 Guest Application Call   Connect with Emily:   TikTok:  emilygrace.do.homeschool(Emily & Grace Do Homeschool) Instagram: www.instagram.com/amazing_grace_homeschool Threads: https://www.threads.com/@amazing_grace_homeschool?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091213029569&mibextid=LQQJ4d   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-fell-presume-competence/     If this episode resonated with you:   -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast -Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood   Follow Us:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  6. Aug 4

    Ep. 150 - Holding Down the Career While Holding Up the Family with Julia

    In this powerful episode, host Rashidah sits down with Julia Faith Parker, a single mom from Memphis, Tennessee, who opens up about navigating her son Shamar's autism diagnosis, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to pour from an empty cup. Julia's story is raw, relatable, and full of gems for every autism mom who's ever felt alone in the journey. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 — Meet Julia from Memphis, Tennessee  1:04 — Shemar's early development and red flags 1:55 — Born during the pandemic 3:54 — Shamar is diagnosed with autism at age 3 — and Julia breaks down 10:24 — Closing the business 17:26 — Moving back to Memphis 18:22 — Starting school & navigating the ABA waiting lists 25:15 — Julia's biggest regret 41:39 — What about Julia? How she carves out time for herself amid it all 41:51 — The importance of being intentional: scheduling self-care  41:51 — Julia's vision for special needs families in Memphis 41:51 — Advice for the mom who is alone with no support system 46:03 — "Double P": Prayer + Positivity 46:07 — What makes Julia a Badass Autism Mom Connect with Julia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1juliafaith_ Facebook: Julia Faith Parker Autism for Badass Moms is the award-winning podcast where no autism mom is left behind. Each week, host Rashidah shares honest conversations with mothers around the world of autism, advocacy, resilience, and the realities of raising neurodivergent children. Website: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com Follow Autism for Badass Moms: Instagram: https://instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  7. Jul 28

    Ep. 149 - Autism Moms in Spain...Same Fight, Different Place with Dalisse

    In this powerful international episode, Rashidah sits down with Dalisse — originally from Honduras, now living in Barcelona — who is raising two boys on the autism spectrum: Adrian and Guillermo. Both boys were diagnosed around 17 months old, but while Dalisse was learning to navigate autism evaluations, therapies, and advocacy for her children, she was also beginning a life-changing journey of her own—receiving her own autism diagnosis as an adult. Together, Rashidah and Dalisse discuss the emotional realities of parenting while discovering your own neurodivergence, the similarities and differences between autism support in Spain and the United States, and why community is essential for autism moms everywhere. Out of her family's journey came something powerful. Dalisse is the co-founder of Loving Pieces Books, a publishing company dedicated to creating inclusive children's books where autistic children can see themselves represented. What began as a way to support her own sons has become a mission to help families around the world embrace neurodiversity through meaningful storytelling. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 — Meet Dalisse from Barcelona, Spain 1:09 — Early Signs & The Road to Diagnosis 2:00 — "Wait and See" — A Universal Experience Across Borders5:43 — The 2 AM Google Spiral 6:53 — Explaining the Diagnosis to Family & Grandparents9:19 — Processing the Guilt: "Am I a Bad Mom?" 9:57 — Two Boys, Two Very Different Journeys21:05 — Autism Resources & The System in Spain vs. the US 28:41 — From Digital Marketing to Children's Books 35:07 — Loving Pieces Book 42:47 — Traveling with Autistic Kids 51:40 — Dalisse's Own Autism Diagnosis & Healing Her Inner Child 54:32 — Advice for the New Autism Mom55:30 — What Makes Dalisse a Badass Mom? Connect with Dalisse: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingpiecesbooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovingpiecesbooks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loving-pieces-books-autism-childrens-books/posts/?feedView=all Website: lovingpiecesbooks.com About Loving Pieces Books Dalisse and her husband created Loving Pieces Books — a series of illustrated children's books written for autistic kids and their families, available in 4 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese & Catalan). Books mentioned: Autism: My Invisible BackpackAutism: This is How I PartyAutism: A New School YearAutism: Calming the ChaosAutism: Confidence Starts Here(Coming soon) Autism: Our Travel Adventure Purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0iRC3eRC Autism for Badass Moms is the award-winning podcast where no autism mom is left behind. Each week, host Rashidah shares honest conversations with mothers around the world about autism, advocacy, resilience, and the realities of raising neurodivergent children. Website: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com Follow Autism for Badass Moms: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another autism mom, caretaker, or provider. Together, we're building a global community where every mom feels seen, heard, and supported.

  8. Jul 21

    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 Florida 0:26 Kaylyn's background: Puerto Rican, Dominican & her daughter's Jamaican heritage 1:18 Early signs she noticed — tippy-toeing, delayed milestones, limited verbal communication 2:01 Who first said "autism"? Kaylyn did — and why she already knew 2:40 Cultural pushback: "She'll grow out of it" 4:26 Getting the diagnosis — pushback from the pediatrician AND the preschool 10:02 Finding peace in the diagnosis and mourning the "planned" future 14:01 How Kaylyn's daughter is thriving today — speech, swimming, meditation 15:27 Running a "tight ship" when family babysits 20:13 Navigating insurance & the out-of-pocket diagnosis — what moms need to know 22:37 Going back to school: psychology major, health insurance, and RBT certification 26:13 Kaylyn's vision: an autism wellness advocacy business 27:56 Self-care, a supportive partner, and guided meditation with her daughter 29:22 How to reach Kaylyn 29:42 Advice for moms struggling with family and cultural barriers 31:17 What makes Kaylyn a badass? Her voice Connect with Kaylyn: Instagram: www.instagram.com/kayykulture._ Email: kaylynvega58@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
37 Ratings

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
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rashidah Cartwright
  • Show Website
    Autism for Badass Moms

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