Kicked Out of Daycare Twice: A Millennial Mom’s Autism Advocacy Story

In this episode of the Don’t Screw Up Your Kids podcast, I’m joined by Aujanee Cosey—one of my former students from Sacramento High—who is now a single mom advocating fiercely for her 3-year-old son after he was diagnosed with autism.

Aujanee shares the early signs she noticed, especially speech delays and sleep struggles, and what it was like being told to “wait” at multiple appointments while her concerns kept growing. Things intensified after moving to Houston, when her son was kicked out of two daycares, forcing her to push harder for answers—not just for peace of mind, but so her child could finally access the services he needed.

She breaks down the realities families don’t always talk about: waitlists, costs, co-pays, missing work, and getting handed bills instead of support—and why she ultimately decided to move back to California because the resources and systems felt more realistic and more humane.

If you’re a parent noticing differences and feeling dismissed, this conversation gives you practical advocacy language and a clear message: stop tiptoeing. Say what you suspect. Document everything. And make them prove your child is “fine.”