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 It challenges outdated narratives, advocates for meaningful change, and celebrates the extraordinary strength of women who continue to show up for their children despite overwhelming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. 1d ago

    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

  2. Jul 14

    Ep. 147 - Dream Rewritten with Wendy

    Rashidah sits down with Wendy Ernzen — mom, podcaster, and fierce advocate for families raising loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wendy's daughter Nicola (Nic), 23, has profound autism and bipolar disorder. Wendy shares her decades-long journey through early diagnosis confusion, relentless school battles, a family crisis that spilled into the community, and ultimately finding Nic a safe, supported, and joyful home. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply moving — a must-listen for any parent in the thick of it.   In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 — Intro & Welcome 3:34 — Wendy Joins the Conversation 7:06 — Early Signs & The Road to Diagnosis 11:50 — School Battles & IEPs 15:48 — Watching Peers Move On 19:50 — Bipolar Disorder Enters the Picture 21:58 — First Crisis at 12: Psychiatric Units 26:40 — Planning for the Future 31:16 — Crisis Before Graduation 34:30 — Behaviors Spill into the Community 37:00 — Crisis-Trained Officers 39:54 — Securing Housing: A Two-Month Fight 42:19 — Finding Strength 44:59 — PTSD & Therapy 47:22 — The Birth of Let's Plant Houses Podcast 50:36 — Advice for the Mom Who Feels Completely Alone 55:46 — What Makes Wendy Badass? 58:11 — How to Connect with Wendy   Connect with Wendy:   Let's Plant Houses Podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933 https://open.spotify.com/show/2J8JhQUrkKrXaYxs8JF4Zh?si=0dac5a63b4174d46   Website: www.letsplanthouses.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses LinkedIn: Wendy Ernzen   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 or misunderstood   Follow Us:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

  3. Jul 7

    Ep. 146 - Built Stronger by Autism with Christina

    In this powerful episode, host Rashidah sits down withChristina Bell, a mom, special education graduate student, and fierce advocate for her 5-year-old son Joshie, who was diagnosed with autism at 3.5 years old. From the moment Christina suspected something was different, she didn't hesitate — she Googled, she asked questions, and when the diagnosis came, she met it with clarity and courage instead of fear. Christina takes us through her family's journey from thatfirst pediatrician conversation to starting ABA therapy, enrolling Joshie in preschool with full services, and watching him flourish within months. She opens up about the emotional layers of the process: the isolation of not having a local community, the learning curve of understanding sensory needs, and the mindset work required to stay grounded when the road gets hard.   Connect with Christina: Instagram: www.instagram.com/christeenaeve Facebook: Christina Araujo   In this episode, we discuss: Timestamps: 0:00 — Show intro 0:39 — "Build Stronger by Autism" 3:55 — Meet Christina Bell 4:26 — Noticing the signs & path to diagnosis 8:53 — Early intervention11:14 — Shifting the stigma 13:01 — Finding community 14:49 — How Joshie changed Christina as a person 16:30 — A career pivot into special education 20:27 — Staying positive on hard days 22:14 — Celebrating milestones & holding onto progress 26:27 — Vision for a local autism moms’ group 29:49 — Manifesting & retraining the brain 35:25 — Advice for the mom who just got the diagnosis 37:07 — Peaceful mind, peaceful heart, peaceful soul 40:33 — Learning through your child's lens 44:08 — What makes Christina a badass? 45:19 — Where to find Christina   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   Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast   Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories andinsightful discussions that empower and uplift.

  4. Jun 30

    Ep. 145 - Stage 4 Cancer Tried to Take Her - Motherhood Kept Her Here with Kecia

    In this deeply moving episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah welcomes Kecia Johnson, a 42-year-old mother, 5-year colorectal cancer survivor, autism advocate, and an eight-time author from Denver, Colorado. She shares a journey that is almost impossible to imagine. Kecia shares the unimaginable journey that began in early 2020 when severe rectal pain was repeatedly dismissed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—until an emergency biopsy revealed colorectal cancer. What followed was months of chemotherapy, radiation, severe treatment complications, second-degree burns, isolation, and a fight to survive. But surviving cancer was only the beginning. Kecia opens up about the lasting effects of treatment, including radiation toxicity, nerve damage, brittle bones, early menopause, chronic pain, and mobility challenges. As she struggled to rebuild her own health, she also began recognizing developmental and sensory differences in her daughter, Journei. Kecia pursued evaluations that ultimately led to an autism diagnosis. About Our Guest Kecia Johnson is the creator of the Cancer Could NEVA healing movement. Her journey is rooted in resilience, faith, and transformation. She uses her voice to break stigmas around trauma, chronic illness, and neurodiversity; creating safe spaces where women can heal, be seen, and rise boldly in their truth. Kecia also founded Kolourful MUVA to empower mothers of children with autism and special needs. Providing emotional support, resources, and income tools, she helps women move from survival to purpose. Through international speaking, podcasting, and community work, Kecia demonstrates how to rebuild and thrive with impact, even in the hardest seasons. Kecia resides in Colorado with her family. Connect with Kecia: Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamkeciaj Facebook: iamkeciaj Tik Tok: iamkeciaj In this episode we discuss: 00:00 Badass Moms Welcome 00:57 Global Community Thanks 01:57 Meet Keisha Johnson 05:49 Early Symptoms Dismissed 08:29 Cancer Diagnosis Shock 11:14 Chemo and Radiation 15:50 Isolation 20:48 Natural Remedies Turning Point 30:11 New Setbacks 35:24 Advocacy and Sensory Clues 40:06 Back To California 41:51 Autism Diagnosis 44:45 Moving to Colorado 45:58 Mom Support System 48:27 Cancer Recovery Reality 49:45 Advocacy Awakening 53:00 Judgment and Stigma 01:01:07 School Readiness Plan 01:02:38 Ignorance 01:06:39 Kolourful MUVA Mission 01:08:59 Launching and Resources 01:13:54 Badass Advice 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 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.

  5. Jun 23

    Ep. 144 - Autism Acceptance in African Communities with Karidiatou

    In this powerful episode, host Rashidah sits down with Karidiatou Coulibaly (known as Kadi), founder of Moussa Unfolded Hope Initiative (MUHI), to discuss her family's autism journey and the unique challenges many African families face when navigating disability, stigma, and cultural expectations. Raised in an African community where autism was rarely discussed, Karidiatou found herself searching for answers after her son, Moussa, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. What followed was a journey of learning, advocacy, and a commitment to changing how autism is understood within African communities. Together, they explore the impact of cultural beliefs, the silence that often surrounds disability, and the importance of representation, awareness, and acceptance. About Our Guest Karidiatou Coulibaly is the founder of Moussa Unfolded and the Moussa Unfolded Hope Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and transforming how autism is understood within African communities. Originally from Ivory Coast (West Africa), Kadi came to the United States with little knowledge of autism — because in her community, it simply wasn't talked about. She holds a bachelor's degree in agribusiness economics and a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is also developing a children's animated series titled, "The Land Where We Speak", designed to represent children with diverse disabilities and teach inclusivity through storytelling. Karidiatou resides in Georgia with her family Connect with Karidiatou: Instagram: www.instagram.com/moussa_unfolded TikTok: moussa_unfolded13 In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 – Welcome 0:42 – Episode Overview 1:12 – Autism Stigma in African Communities 2:06 – Meet Karidiatou Coulibaly 3:31 – The Conversation Begins 4:08 – Musa Turns 13 5:11 – Karidiatou's Story 5:28 – Moussa's Early Diagnosis 7:18 – Cultural Barriers: being from the African diaspora 8:30 – Karidiatou Never Hides Autism 14:19 – Karidiatou's Hearing Loss Journey 20:49 – Moussa's Growth & Independence 22:56 – Building Daily Life Skills 27:45 – Returning to School 30:05 – The Story Behind Moussa Unfolded 34:03 – Supporting Other Moms 47:14 – What makes Karidiatou a Badass Mom? If this episode resonated with you: -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on your favorite platform -Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community -Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstood Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.

  6. Jun 16

    Ep. 143 - When Life Didn't Let Up: Grief, Child Protective Services, and a Mother's Fight to Hold it Together with Eugenia

    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Eugenia Woods, a mother, grandmother, and advocate from Long Island, New York, whose autism parenting journey was shaped by bullying, grief, homeschooling, and a difficult encounter with Child Protective Services. After her son Juan received an autism diagnosis at age 9,Eugenia found herself fighting for his educational needs while navigating multiple personal and family challenges. When the school system failed to provide the support he needed, she made the courageous decision to homeschool him for six years—despite facing scrutiny and resistance along the way. Eugenia shares her story of resilience, advocacy, anddetermination, offering hope to parents who are fighting for their children while trying to hold themselves together.   In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 – Intro & welcome 0:50 – Being a parent of color in the autism space 2:20 – Stigma in Black & Brown communities 3:40 – Sensory tools & educating family 4:58 – Early signs at ages 2–3 6:05 – Juan's late diagnosis at age 9 6:40 – Fighting for a neuropsych eval 10:20 – Navigating IEP meetings 11:35 – Bias from school professionals 13:10 – Your right to record meetings 14:20 – Being dismissed as a Black mother 17:57 – CPS called by the school 18:41 – Going to court against the district 19:15 – When did the signs first appear? 23:20 – The pediatrician who actually listened 26:00 – School anxiety, regression & bullying 28:10 – "I'm sad and no one cares" 31:45 – CPS case resolved 32:50 – Homeschooling begins 34:41 – 6 years of homeschooling 38:00 – Finding resources at the library 41:33 – 18 rejections; Gersh Academy says yes 42:48 – Juan thrives; the teacher who changed everything 45:40 – Pursuing Juan's GED during COVID 47:13 – Waiting for the results 48:44 – He passed! 49:40 – Loss & grief during the pandemic 51:21 – Juan's suicidal ideation 53:20 – A mother's heartbreak 53:51 – Eugenia's COVID hospitalization & kidney failure 56:20 – "Mom, who will care for me when you'regone?" 57:15 – Healing through community & faith 59:40 – Juan's gift: tech skills & purpose 1:00:12 – Eugenia's liturgical dance ministry 1:02:20 – Laughing with Juan now 1:04:50 – Hiding her illness from her kids 1:07:10 – Give yourself 5 minutes 1:09:15 – Finding herself again at 50 1:10:30 – Becoming a grandmother 1:11:05 – First college grad in the family 1:14:31 – How to connect with Eugenia 1:15:10 – Eugenia's published book 1:17:00 – Women's empowerment organizations 1:18:27 – Emmy-winning play & acting work 1:19:20 – You can't tell God what you won't do 1:23:20 – What being a badass means to Eugenia 1:24:15 – Encouragement for struggling parents 1:25:35 – Outro   Connect with Eugenia: Instagram: www.instagram.com/genias_gems Facebook: Genia Lin   Connect with Autism for Badass Moms: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast   If 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 this

  7. Jun 9

    Ep. 142 - How an Infection Led Us to Autism with Nykyta

    In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, hostRashidah sits down with Nykyta "Kyta" Arnold, a Georgia mom of three, to share the story of her youngest son Omry's autism journey. After the infection resulted in hearing loss, speech therapy was recommended to support his development. It was during those therapy sessions that the possibility ofautism was first raised. Nykyta opens up about navigating the uncertainty ofdevelopmental delays, processing an unexpected diagnosis, and learning to trust her instincts as a mother. She reflects on the fears, questions, and emotional challenges that many autism moms face, while also sharing how her experienceraising two neurotypical boys helped prepare her for a path she never anticipated. Throughout the conversation, Nykyta discusses faith,resilience, advocacy, and the importance of embracing the child in front of you rather than the expectations you once held. Her story is a reminder that while life can change in an instant, parents are often stronger than they realize. Whether you're newly navigating a diagnosis or years intoyour journey, this episode offers encouragement, understanding, and hope from a mother who has walked a similar path.   In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 – Episode Intro 0:55 – Guest bio — Nykyta Arnold3:27 – Welcome Nykyta / getting into her story3:48 – Omry's story begins — birthday party, high fever, urgent carevisit7:33 – The 4 AM call: positive bacteria test, rushed back to thehospital9:36 – How Motrin actually saved Omry's life (the anaphylactic reaction)11:10 – Motrin allergy revealed + urticaria explained14:10 – Nykyta’s cousin (the pediatric nurse) spots hearing loss15:16 – Babies Can't Wait program fast-tracks Omry to speech therapy15:48 – Speech therapist recommends autism testing17:21 – Diagnosis around Omry’s second birthday17:22 – Anger, guilt, and the "what ifs"19:37 – Carrying the blame of daycare during COVID19:38 – How is Omry doing now? ABA therapy, first words, sassy attitude26:18 – Finding community — the power of autism mom groups27:22 – Nykyta starts giving back (inclusive Santa experience)29:49 – Where to find Nykyta33:10 – Message to the mom struggling with the "what ifs"34:08 – "Give yourself grace. You are not alone."   Connect with Nykyta: Instagram: www.instagram.com/jasmine_amore Instagram: www.instagram.com/omar.autism.support   Connect with Autism for Badass Moms Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast   If 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 theglobe -Share this episode with a mom who needs to hear this

  8. Jun 2

    Ep. 141 - Finding My Footing in a World I Never Planned to Enter with Quanisha

    In this episode of the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, host Rashidah sits down with Maryland autism mom and advocate Quanisha Mitchell to discuss her family's journey to an autism diagnosis and everything that came after. Quanisha shares how her son, Amir, was initially diagnosed with a speech delay and sensory processing disorder before receiving an autism diagnosis in October 2025. She opens up about the challenges that intensified when Amir entered kindergarten, including elopement, frequent meltdowns, behavioral concerns, and the constant calls from school that ultimately led her to make the difficult decision to leave her career in cardiology and begin homeschooling. Together, Rashidah and Quanisha discuss the emotional complexities of receiving a diagnosis, navigating long waitlists for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA, and managing the isolation that can come when family members don't fully understand your child's needs. Quanisha also speaks candidly about sleep regression, community outings, self-care, and the mental load many autism moms carry behind the scenes. Beyond advocacy for her own son, Quanisha has transformed her experience into purpose. She shares the inspiration behind Mom and Me Story Co., where she creates autism-friendly books and sensory tools for families, as well as her Autism Inclusion Initiative nonprofit, dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Moms Welcome 00:43 After the Diagnosis 02:01 Meet Quanisha Mitchell 04:40 Early Signs Dismissed 05:12 Kindergarten Crisis 09:45 Mixed Diagnosis Emotions 10:36 Community Outings Meltdowns 12:01 Family Reactions Support 14:08 Daily Struggles Sleep 15:56 Homeschooling New Rhythm 17:27 Leaving Work Reality 19:42 Homeschool Resources 22:08 Self Care Sleep Tips 23:38 Building Online Village 23:44 Finding Your Village 25:34 Speaking Up Online 26:38 Waitlists and Early Help 29:15 Where to Connect 29:57 Sensory Printables and Books 32:58 Nonprofit and Community Events 33:58 Advice for New Moms 36:14 Badass Advocate Mindset 37:50 Small Wins and Sleep Tips 40:52 Final Signoff and Guest Call Connect with Quanisha: Learn more about Mom and Me Story Co., her Autism Inclusion Initiative, and the resources she is creating for autism families. Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealquanisha_ Facebook: Theautisminclusioninitiative Tik Tok: ajourneywithamir Check out Quanisha’s Books: Kai and the Magic Headphones https://a.co/d/017ZsHJN What the Animals Love Sensory: Children’s Coloring Book https://a.co/d/09ej7FvR If 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 this 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
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rashidah Cartwright
  • Show Website
    Autism for Badass Moms

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