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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

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

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: [email protected] 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

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.

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

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

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: [email protected]   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

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

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

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.

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: [email protected] 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

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

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.

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.

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.