Little Alchemies

Cheniece Patrick

Little Alchemies is the podcast for autism and special needs moms who are done just surviving their lives and are instead intentionally crafting them into magickal experiences to inhabit again. Hosted by Cheniece Patrick, a storyteller and mom of two very pretty autistic young children with special needs, each episode is an honest dispatch from the middle of a life being reclaimed as more than just the diagnosis letters, therapy schedules, the one role that quietly became the whole story, burnout, advocacy, and the love that demands everything and still asks for more. Real talk with no toxic positivity and zero Survival Mode glorification: instead, this is soft ground to offer your identity loss, acts of self-reclamation, grief mixed with love, and the small, sacred transmutations of daily life that change everything without announcement... New episodes monthly~ish, because that's the honest kind of rhythm this work moves at. (Find the full Little Alchemies world from Cheniece Patrick at cheniece.com)

Episodes

  1. Audio Diary #2: Finding Your Tribe as an Autism Mom of Two

    03/12/2025

    Audio Diary #2: Finding Your Tribe as an Autism Mom of Two

    Show NotesHey there, it’s Cheniece. I felt like I really should record an entry on the subject of community and discovering Your Tribe of people, because my own Village has been central to my success as an autism mom. This is honest, unfiltered, and straight from off my heart. Episode OverviewIn this intimate audio diary entry, Cheniece opens up about the profound isolation that often comes with raising children on the autism spectrum. Recording from her husband’s office after a particularly challenging week with both her children, she shares her personal journey from feeling completely alone—even in crowded rooms—to discovering unexpected connections that form her unconventional but essential support system. This episode resonates with any parent who has felt the sting of fading friendships, the exhaustion of constantly explaining their child's needs, and the deep longing to be understood without translation. What’s Inside:The unique isolation of autism parenting that exists even in physically crowded spacesHow traditional parent groups and “inclusive” environments often fall short for autism familiesThe grief process of watching certain friendships fade after diagnosisThe moment of connection when you find someone who intrinsically “gets it”Building a meaningful village that looks nothing like conventional support systemsFinding deep connections in unexpected places—both online and offlineThe freedom that comes from relationships where no explanations are neededListener Reflections: Share With Us!Has your autism parenting journey left you feeling isolated from traditional support systems? Where have you found your most meaningful connections? We want to hear your story. Share your experience by leaving a comment using the form below. Your message may be featured in an upcoming episode (anonymously). Your experiences matter and help other parents feel less alone. Connect With Little AlchemiesLeave a Rating or Review: Help other autism parents find this supportive space by leaving your Star-rating, or by submitting a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. The Little Alchemies podcast celebrates the complex journey of raising neurodivergent children while reclaiming our identities beyond caregiving. Hosted by Cheniece, mother of two autistic children and advocate for parent well-being. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/little-alchemies-pod/exclusive-content

    16 min
  2. Audio Diary #1: Finding Myself in the Bathroom Mirror

    02/20/2025

    Audio Diary #1: Finding Myself in the Bathroom Mirror

    Show NotesHey there, it’s Cheniece. I recorded this entry at the end of a long and trying day from my husband’s office during one of the few quiet moments I get as a mom to two autistic toddlers. This is honest, unfiltered, and straight from off my heart. What’s Inside:The reality of special needs parenting—meltdowns before 9 AM, therapy appointments, and the constant daily juggle.The disconnect between the motherhood I imagined and the one I’ve been given.Finding life inside of myself again in the bathroom mirror after everyone else is asleep.Holding space for grief while still embracing hope within the motherhood journey I’ve been given.The truth that I can love my children fiercely and still need something that’s just mine.Key Quote:“I can love my children fiercely, advocate for them relentlessly, and still need something that's just mine. I can grieve the motherhood I thought I'd have while embracing the one I've been given. I can feel broken and whole in the very same moment. And so can you.” Join the Conversation:Share your experience by leaving a comment. Your message may be featured in an upcoming episode (anonymously). Your experiences matter and help other parents feel less alone.  The Little Alchemies podcast celebrates the complex journey of raising neurodivergent children while reclaiming our identities beyond caregiving. Hosted by Cheniece, mother of two autistic children and advocate for parent well-being. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/little-alchemies-pod/exclusive-content

    9 min

About

Little Alchemies is the podcast for autism and special needs moms who are done just surviving their lives and are instead intentionally crafting them into magickal experiences to inhabit again. Hosted by Cheniece Patrick, a storyteller and mom of two very pretty autistic young children with special needs, each episode is an honest dispatch from the middle of a life being reclaimed as more than just the diagnosis letters, therapy schedules, the one role that quietly became the whole story, burnout, advocacy, and the love that demands everything and still asks for more. Real talk with no toxic positivity and zero Survival Mode glorification: instead, this is soft ground to offer your identity loss, acts of self-reclamation, grief mixed with love, and the small, sacred transmutations of daily life that change everything without announcement... New episodes monthly~ish, because that's the honest kind of rhythm this work moves at. (Find the full Little Alchemies world from Cheniece Patrick at cheniece.com)