Episodios

  • Ep. 86 - Navigating Life with a Neurotypical & Neurodiverse Child with Arte'a

    Ep. 86 - Navigating Life with a Neurotypical & Neurodiverse Child with Arte'a
    May 6 2025
    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with the incredible Arte’a Funderburk, a 37-year-old mom of three from Maryland, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about parenting twins with different developmental journeys. Arte’a opens up about her son Aiden’s autism diagnosis in November 2023 and what it’s been like raising him alongside his neurotypical twin sister, Arie. From noticing early developmental differences during the pandemic to immersing herself in advocacy and education, Arte’a shares her experience navigating a parenting path filled with both challenges and triumphs. Arte’a’s story is honest, raw, and deeply inspiring — a must-listen for any parent walking a similar path. Connect with Arte’a on Instagram: @moon.mamma_ Follow Autism for Badass Moms: Website: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com Instagram: @theabmpodcast Facebook Group: @theabmpodcast Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs to hear this!
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Ep. 85 - How to Manage a Successful Work-From-Home Career with Richera

    Ep. 85 - How to Manage a Successful Work-From-Home Career with Richera
    Apr 29 2025
    In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Richera Jones, a dynamic mother, advocate, and entrepreneur. A native of Glen Cove and Queens, New York, now residing in New Jersey, Richera shares her powerful journey of resilience and discovery. As a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, Sahar and Merci, both diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, Richera’s life took a dramatic shift when she had to move between states and leave her career behind. But in the midst of uncertainty, she found her true calling. Richera opens up about her transition into advocacy and entrepreneurship, becoming a fiancé, long-standing E-commerce business owner, WOSEPAC Co-Chair, and fierce advocate for inclusivity. She highlights the importance of collaboration, networking, and creating space for families like hers in broader conversations about special needs. Her story is a true testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and community connection. In This Episode, We Discuss: -Richera’s personal journey balancing motherhood and advocacy -The emotional impact of navigating autism diagnoses as a parent -Leaving a traditional career to pursue passion-driven work -How E-commerce became a bridge to empowerment -Building community partnerships to amplify voices in the special needs community -Why collaboration is essential for lasting change Connect with Richera: Instagram: @_closet12812 Don't forget to like, follow, and share with another badass mom, provider, loved one, or someone who would benefit in your life! Join the Community and Follow Us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other badass moms who get it.
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    48 m
  • Ep. 84 - Finding Grace in the Autism Journey with Jenelle

    Ep. 84 - Finding Grace in the Autism Journey with Jenelle
    Apr 22 2025
    In this powerful and faith-filled episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jenelle Thompson—a dynamic wife, mother, Pastor, author, advocate, coach, and autism mom. Jenelle shares her journey raising her 17-year-old son, Nazir, who was diagnosed with autism at age 5 and is considered verbal. As the Pastor of a church, Jenelle brings a unique and courageous perspective on navigating faith, ministry, and autism. She opens up about the importance of transparency with her congregation, especially when her son experiences meltdowns during Sunday service or Bible study. Rather than stopping worship, Jenelle and her husband choose to embrace their son in the moment, modeling love and inclusion over perfection. Connect with Jenelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenellethemodel/ If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with another badass autism mom, provider, loved one, or someone who would benefit in your life. Join the Community and Follow Us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other badass moms who get it!
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    37 m
  • Ep. 83 - Facing the Unknown with Evy

    Ep. 83 - Facing the Unknown with Evy
    Apr 15 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with the incredible Evy Soto, a 36-year-old powerhouse from North Carolina and mama to her 2-year-old son, LeVian, who is on the autism spectrum. Evy opens up about the emotional rollercoaster she faced while navigating a divorce, becoming a single mom, and receiving her son’s autism diagnosis—all at once. Evy gets real about the mental and emotional toll of facing the unknown without the support of her mother, who passed away 10 years ago, and how therapy became her lifeline through the storm. Now, while working full-time in Human Resources, she’s also creating space for other minority moms to feel seen, supported, and empowered through her Facebook group, “Dear Brown Mama.” We talk motherhood, mental health, building community, and the power of redefining what strength looks like—especially as a mom raising a child with autism. You’ll Walk Away Feeling: Seen. Heard. Inspired. And reminded that you’re never alone—even when life hits hard. There is power in your story and healing in your community. Connect with Evy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofbeauty/ Follow Dear Brown Mama on Facebook and join the movement to create your own village of support! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow badass mama who needs to hear it! Join the Conversation: Follow Us on Instagram: @theabmpodcast and let us know your thoughts on this episode!
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    54 m
  • Ep. 82 - Behind the Smiles with Tiphanie

    Ep. 82 - Behind the Smiles with Tiphanie
    Apr 8 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Tiphanie McKinley, a 37-year-old powerhouse from Detroit, Michigan, and mom to 5-year-old Taryn, who was diagnosed with autism at 4 years old. Tiphanie opens up about the emotional reality behind her smiles—navigating single motherhood, letting go of her corporate career, and stepping fully into entrepreneurship and advocacy. As the founder of Thee Doll Enterprise, Tiphanie blends her drive for business with her deep passion for uplifting other mothers, especially those raising children with developmental delays. Her honesty about feeling alone in this journey, despite having family support, will resonate with so many moms out there who are trying to hold it all together. From Taryn’s early speech and language delay to a full autism diagnosis, Tiphanie shares how her daughter became the reason she pushed forward—building businesses, community, and conversations that matter. If you’ve ever masked your pain while showing up strong for your child, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Tiphanie's incredible journey. Connect with Tiphanie: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiphanietheedoll/ Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more empowering stories like Tiphanie's. Follow Us: Instagram: @theabmpodcast Facebook: @theabmpodcast
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    53 m
  • Ep. 81 - From Sibling Support to Motherhood with Anita

    Ep. 81 - From Sibling Support to Motherhood with Anita
    Mar 29 2025
    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Anita, a mother, educator, and advocate. Her journey with autism advocacy began long before her daughter, Darlene, was diagnosed with autism and a speech impairment at just three years old. Having grown up with a twin sister who has a disability, Anita understands both the struggles and the strengths that come with navigating life as both a sibling and a parent of a child with special needs. She opens up about her personal experiences—how her childhood shaped her sense of identity, the challenges of growing up in a home where generational differences played a role in her upbringing, and how those experiences now fuel her passion for supporting other families. With a degree in Communication and a certification in Special Education, Anita has spent over seven years in the educational field, working tirelessly to ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they need. Now, she’s taking her advocacy a step further by launching Limitless Learning Solutions, an online tutoring business through the Outschool platform, dedicated to helping children of all abilities thrive. This conversation is one of resilience, growth, and the power of turning personal challenges into a mission to uplift others. Tune in and be inspired! Connect with Anita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitarh1979/ Join the Conversation: Follow Us on Instagram: @theabmpodcast and let us know your thoughts on this episode!
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    59 m
  • Ep. 80 - Autism Diagnosis After Puberty with Sha

    Ep. 80 - Autism Diagnosis After Puberty with Sha
    Mar 22 2025
    This week, we sit down with the phenomenal Shá Summerlin, a powerhouse mom, entrepreneur, and former R&B/Soul recording artist, to discuss her unexpected autism journey. Shá’s youngest son, Qian, was diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, a revelation that came as puberty brought aggressive and unexpected challenges to the forefront. Before that, autism was never on their radar, leading her through a long and emotional journey of specialists, ER visits, and tests before finally getting answers. Shá’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and empowerment as she continues to build a legacy for her children and grandchildren. Tune in to hear Shá’s incredible journey. Connect with Shá: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistheshashow/ Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more empowering stories like Shá's. Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095054651586
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    45 m
  • Ep. 79 - Embracing Uncertainty with Johnnie

    Ep. 79 - Embracing Uncertainty with Johnnie
    Mar 15 2025
    In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Johnnie is an incredible mom from Bakersfield, California. Johnnie is the mother of two boys, 10-year-old Sebastian and 4-year-old Leo, who was diagnosed with autism shortly after turning three. Thanks to her background as an ABA therapist, Johnnie was able to recognize early signs of ASD in Leo before he turned two, allowing him to receive early intervention services. Johnnie openly shares her personal journey with clinical depression and anxiety, not from the daily challenges, but from the overwhelming uncertainty about the future. Despite her struggles, she is deeply passionate about working within the special needs community and is currently pursuing a degree in child psychology with a minor in special education. Connect with Johnnie: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnielynne/ If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with another badass autism mom! Join the community and Follow us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other badass moms who get it!
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    41 m
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