Autism for Badass Moms Podcast Por Rashidah Cartwright arte de portada

Autism for Badass Moms

Autism for Badass Moms

De: Rashidah Cartwright
Escúchala gratis

Are you a mother of a child with autism, struggling to maintain balance, feeling overwhelmed, and frequently second guessing your decisions? Do you often feel like you're navigating a maze with no map, grappling with feelings of isolation, anxiety and exhaustion? Are you seeking ways to manage your stress, regain your strength, and find joy and fulfillment. "Autism for Badass Moms" is the podcast you've been waiting for. This show is your guide to becoming that badass, mentally and emotionally strong mother you know you can be. I am your host, Rashidah Cartwright, a fellow autism mom, personal development coach, and experienced mental health and substance use professional with over 18 years of dedicated service in the field. I am also a proud mother of four beautiful children, two of whom have been diagnosed with autism. One of my children also has a diagnosis of ADHD. Each week is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. We shed light on the often unseen emotional journey through heartfelt conversations with autism moms, we uncover the raw and authentic experiences that shape your life. In each episode, we discuss everything from finding balance in the chaos, mind shifts, regulating your nervous system, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll not only find a supportive community that understands your struggles, but you'll also equip yourself with the tools to become a more confident, resilient, and empowered autism mom. Step into your power. Unleash your inner badass. Start listening now and transform your struggles into strengths. Welcome to "Autism for Badass Moms" - the space for autism moms who want to become unapologetically badass. * * * *The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of anything you have seen or heard from RASHIDAH CARTWRIGHT, PODCAST GUESTS OR THIS PODCAST.All rights reserved Higiene y Vida Saludable
Episodios
  • Finding Your People in the Middle of Autism with Julianna

    Finding Your People in the Middle of Autism with Julianna
    Apr 14 2026
    In this powerful and informative episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Julianna Scott, a mom from San Jose and mother of two adult sons, one of whom is autistic. Julianna shares her journey of early diagnosis at just two years old—following prematurity, speech delays, and intense meltdowns—and what it looked like to navigate those early years. From diving deep into research to utilizing therapy and focusing on her son’s specific needs, she opens up about the reality behind advocating while still trying to understand it all. But this conversation goes even deeper. Julianna reflects on the moment that changed everything—meeting her long-time friend Kelley Jensen in a gymnastics class. What started as a simple connection turned into a lifelong friendship rooted in honesty, humor, and zero judgment. Together, they built something bigger: the Refrigerator Moms Podcast and a resource-rich platform aimed at challenging outdated narratives and empowering parents to think critically. They also tackle the history and harm behind the “refrigerator mother” theory—reclaiming the narrative, unpacking guilt, and confronting misinformation that once blamed mothers for their child’s autism. This conversation is a reminder that while this journey can feel isolating, finding your people can change everything. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Mom Welcome 01:18 Finding Your People 02:19 Meet Julianna Scott 03:37 Small Talk Warmup 04:45 Friendship with Kelly 06:15 Early Signs and Diagnosis 09:13 Action Mode Research 11:35 Hard Years and Progress 12:40 Searching for Support 14:52 Autism Community Hierarchy 17:02 Losing Friends and Shrinking World 24:22 Keeping Friendships Healthy 27:41 Friendship Expectations Plane 29:25 Grace Through Friend Loss 30:17 Safer Autism Spaces 31:33 Refrigerator Mom Origins 35:08 Reclaiming Mom Guilt 37:13 Finding Real Community 39:37 Podcast Format Resources 44:30 Advice for New Moms 46:38 What Makes You Badass 49:53 Closing and Guest Call Connect with Julianna Be sure to follow Julianna and stay connected to her work and community. Check out the Refrigerator Moms Podcast for more real, honest conversations and valuable resources for autism families. Instagram: www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms Facebook: www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms TikTok: refrigeratormoms Stay Connected with Autism for Badass Moms If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to: Follow the podcast -Subscribe on your favorite 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
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • Ep. 133 - Becoming His Voice When I Was Still Finding Mine with Chanel

    Ep. 133 - Becoming His Voice When I Was Still Finding Mine with Chanel
    Apr 7 2026
    In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Chanel, a 36-year-old mom from New York, who shares her powerful journey of becoming a voice for her son while still finding her own. Chanel is a mother of two—her 15-year-old daughter and her 5-year-old son, Curtis, who was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. Curtis is non-speaking and communicates using an AAC device. From early on, Chanel knew something was different—but like so many moms, she was told to wait. And that waiting turned into fighting—fighting to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to get her son the diagnosis and support he needed. Once the diagnosis came, everything changed. Chanel found herself thrown into a world of therapies, services, and systems that required her to step up in ways she never expected. Advocacy didn’t come naturally at first—but this journey doesn’t give you the option to stay quiet. Chanel’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to show up for your child. Sometimes, becoming their voice… is how you finally find your own. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Moms Welcome 00:47 Finding Your Voice 02:00 Meet Chanel and Curtis 03:05 Purple Vibes and Buffalo 03:54 Curtis Birth Story 06:31 Early Signs and Google 08:21 Pushing for Diagnosis 10:29 Diagnosis and Numbness 11:54 Anxiety and Support Gaps 14:29 Building Community 19:07 Curtis Progress Updates 19:54 Balancing Work and Autism 20:17 Managing Anxiety Together 20:52 Self Care Without Guilt 22:08 Grief Comes in Waves 23:01 Letting Go of Norms 27:44 Advocating at School 29:22 Hearing Mom in New Ways 32:27 Finding Your Voice 34:40 Advice for New Moms 37:09 Stay Fierce Closing 40:36 Guest Call to Action Connect with Chanel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionofaautismmom 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
    Más Menos
    41 m
  • Ep. 132 - Divorce. Twin Loss. Autism. And I'm Still Standing with Jennifer

    Ep. 132 - Divorce. Twin Loss. Autism. And I'm Still Standing with Jennifer
    Mar 31 2026
    In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jennifer Amoako, a devoted mother, autism advocate, and a true example of resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Jennifer is raising her 4-year-old daughter, Saiylor, who was diagnosed with autism at just two years old. But her journey didn’t begin — or end — there. In the same year as her daughter’s diagnosis, Jennifer endured the heartbreaking loss of one of her twins during pregnancy, all while navigating the emotional weight of a divorce. Layers of grief, change, and uncertainty collided — yet she found a way to keep going. Through honesty, strength, and unconditional love, Jennifer turned her pain into purpose. Today, she uses her platform to document her family’s autism journey, offering a real, unfiltered look into everyday life — the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:58 Episode Stakes 02:10 Meet Jennifer 04:20 Early Signs Noticed 07:02 Diagnosis Push 08:35 Reframing Autism 10:11 Hospital Wake Up 11:35 Faith and Support 15:35 Finding Advocacy Voice 20:00 Sharing Online 25:54 Bright Family Content 28:55 Media and Mission 31:59 Raising Self Advocates 32:36 Adult Services Reality Check 33:29 Workplace Inclusion Goals 35:46 AAC Breakthroughs 37:33 Build Your Support Tribe 39:39 Therapy Team Routine 41:03 Let Kids Lead Socially 44:35 Safety Versus Independence 45:04 Find Jen Online 48:14 Advice After Diagnosis 51:09 The Work Behind Progress 55:03 Unapologetically Me 56:26 Final Thanks and Call to Share 57:32 Apply to Be a Guest Connect with Jennifer Amoako International Panel Contributor ~ Speaker ~ Parent Advocate Jennifer’s impact doesn’t stop at her personal story. She has taken her advocacy to a global level, serving as a Panel Contributor for the international session, “Let’s Learn About Autism,” where she represented the United States as a parent advocate. Alongside African doctors in the diaspora across the UK, Germany, Spain, and the U.S., Jennifer shared her lived experience — from diagnosis to early intervention and advocacy — while also speaking on emotional resilience as a mother navigating autism. She contributed to a global Q&A discussion for a diverse Twi and English-speaking audience during this internationally hosted Zoom event. Jennifer has also been featured across multiple media platforms, amplifying awareness and education around autism: • Frederick Lifestyle Magazine — where she shared her powerful story, “Learning to Hear My Daughter” • WTOP News — interviewed as a parent advocate discussing early diagnosis and family support • Good Morning Frederick Podcast — where she spoke on autism awareness and community advocacy Her voice has also reached academic spaces. As a guest speaker at Frederick Community College, Jennifer has educated future professionals by sharing what it truly means to raise a child with autism — offering real-life insight into therapies, diagnosis, and advocacy from a parent’s perspective. Jennifer’s advocacy focuses on: • Early autism identification • Parent empowerment and advocacy • Navigating therapies (OT, Speech, ABA) • Neurodiversity education • Cultural conversations around autism • Building community awareness and support Instagram: www.instagram.com/saiylor_rose 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 YouTube: autismforbadassmoms Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.
    Más Menos
    58 m
Todas las estrellas
Más relevante
I just found your podcast and even though I have only listened to the introductory show I enjoyed hearing your stories and now I know my son is not the only one. Thank you.

Thank you

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.