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

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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.

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Eugenia Woods, a mother, grandmother, and advocate from Long Island, New York, whose autism parenting journey was shaped by bullying, grief, homeschooling, and a difficult encounter with Child Protective Services.

After her son Juan received an autism diagnosis at age 9,Eugenia found herself fighting for his educational needs while navigating multiple personal and family challenges.

When the school system failed to provide the support he needed, she made the courageous decision to homeschool him for six years—despite facing scrutiny and resistance along the way.

Eugenia shares her story of resilience, advocacy, anddetermination, offering hope to parents who are fighting for their children while trying to hold themselves together.

In this episode, we discuss:

0:00 – Intro & welcome

0:50 – Being a parent of color in the autism space

2:20 – Stigma in Black & Brown communities

3:40 – Sensory tools & educating family

4:58 – Early signs at ages 2–3

6:05 – Juan's late diagnosis at age 9

6:40 – Fighting for a neuropsych eval

10:20 – Navigating IEP meetings

11:35 – Bias from school professionals

13:10 – Your right to record meetings

14:20 – Being dismissed as a Black mother

17:57 – CPS called by the school

18:41 – Going to court against the district

19:15 – When did the signs first appear?

23:20 – The pediatrician who actually listened

26:00 – School anxiety, regression & bullying

28:10 – "I'm sad and no one cares"

31:45 – CPS case resolved

32:50 – Homeschooling begins

34:41 – 6 years of homeschooling

38:00 – Finding resources at the library

41:33 – 18 rejections; Gersh Academy says yes

42:48 – Juan thrives; the teacher who changed everything

45:40 – Pursuing Juan's GED during COVID

47:13 – Waiting for the results

48:44 – He passed!

49:40 – Loss & grief during the pandemic

51:21 – Juan's suicidal ideation

53:20 – A mother's heartbreak

53:51 – Eugenia's COVID hospitalization & kidney failure

56:20 – "Mom, who will care for me when you'regone?"

57:15 – Healing through community & faith

59:40 – Juan's gift: tech skills & purpose

1:00:12 – Eugenia's liturgical dance ministry

1:02:20 – Laughing with Juan now

1:04:50 – Hiding her illness from her kids

1:07:10 – Give yourself 5 minutes

1:09:15 – Finding herself again at 50

1:10:30 – Becoming a grandmother

1:11:05 – First college grad in the family

1:14:31 – How to connect with Eugenia

1:15:10 – Eugenia's published book

1:17:00 – Women's empowerment organizations

1:18:27 – Emmy-winning play & acting work

1:19:20 – You can't tell God what you won't do

1:23:20 – What being a badass means to Eugenia

1:24:15 – Encouragement for struggling parents

1:25:35 – Outro

Connect with Eugenia:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/genias_gems

Facebook: Genia Lin

Connect with Autism for Badass Moms:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:

-Follow the podcast

-Subscribe on your favorite podcast 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

In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, hostRashidah sits down with Nykyta "Kyta" Arnold, a Georgia mom of three, to share the story of her youngest son Omry's autism journey. After the infection resulted in hearing loss, speech therapy was recommended to support his development. It was during those therapy sessions that the possibility ofautism was first raised.

Nykyta opens up about navigating the uncertainty ofdevelopmental delays, processing an unexpected diagnosis, and learning to trust her instincts as a mother. She reflects on the fears, questions, and emotional challenges that many autism moms face, while also sharing how her experienceraising two neurotypical boys helped prepare her for a path she never anticipated.

Throughout the conversation, Nykyta discusses faith,resilience, advocacy, and the importance of embracing the child in front of you rather than the expectations you once held. Her story is a reminder that while life can change in an instant, parents are often stronger than they realize.

Whether you're newly navigating a diagnosis or years intoyour journey, this episode offers encouragement, understanding, and hope from a mother who has walked a similar path.

In this episode, we discuss:

0:00 – Episode Intro
0:55 – Guest bio — Nykyta Arnold
3:27 – Welcome Nykyta / getting into her story
3:48 – Omry's story begins — birthday party, high fever, urgent carevisit
7:33 – The 4 AM call: positive bacteria test, rushed back to thehospital
9:36 – How Motrin actually saved Omry's life (the anaphylactic reaction)
11:10 – Motrin allergy revealed + urticaria explained
14:10 – Nykyta’s cousin (the pediatric nurse) spots hearing loss
15:16 – Babies Can't Wait program fast-tracks Omry to speech therapy
15:48 – Speech therapist recommends autism testing
17:21 – Diagnosis around Omry’s second birthday
17:22 – Anger, guilt, and the "what ifs"
19:37 – Carrying the blame of daycare during COVID
19:38 – How is Omry doing now? ABA therapy, first words, sassy attitude
26:18 – Finding community — the power of autism mom groups
27:22 – Nykyta starts giving back (inclusive Santa experience)
29:49 – Where to find Nykyta
33:10 – Message to the mom struggling with the "what ifs"
34:08 – "Give yourself grace. You are not alone."

Connect with Nykyta:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jasmine_amore

Instagram: www.instagram.com/omar.autism.support

Connect with Autism for Badass Moms

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:

-Follow the podcast

-Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform

-Leave a review to help us reach more autism moms across theglobe

-Share this episode with a mom who needs to hear this

In this episode of the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, host Rashidah sits down with Maryland autism mom and advocate Quanisha Mitchell to discuss her family's journey to an autism diagnosis and everything that came after.

Quanisha shares how her son, Amir, was initially diagnosed with a speech delay and sensory processing disorder before receiving an autism diagnosis in October 2025. She opens up about the challenges that intensified when Amir entered kindergarten, including elopement, frequent meltdowns, behavioral concerns, and the constant calls from school that ultimately led her to make the difficult decision to leave her career in cardiology and begin homeschooling.

Together, Rashidah and Quanisha discuss the emotional complexities of receiving a diagnosis, navigating long waitlists for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA, and managing the isolation that can come when family members don't fully understand your child's needs. Quanisha also speaks candidly about sleep regression, community outings, self-care, and the mental load many autism moms carry behind the scenes.

Beyond advocacy for her own son, Quanisha has transformed her experience into purpose. She shares the inspiration behind Mom and Me Story Co., where she creates autism-friendly books and sensory tools for families, as well as her Autism Inclusion Initiative nonprofit, dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

00:43 After the Diagnosis

02:01 Meet Quanisha Mitchell

04:40 Early Signs Dismissed

05:12 Kindergarten Crisis

09:45 Mixed Diagnosis Emotions

10:36 Community Outings Meltdowns

12:01 Family Reactions Support

14:08 Daily Struggles Sleep

15:56 Homeschooling New Rhythm

17:27 Leaving Work Reality

19:42 Homeschool Resources

22:08 Self Care Sleep Tips

23:38 Building Online Village

23:44 Finding Your Village

25:34 Speaking Up Online

26:38 Waitlists and Early Help

29:15 Where to Connect

29:57 Sensory Printables and Books

32:58 Nonprofit and Community Events

33:58 Advice for New Moms

36:14 Badass Advocate Mindset

37:50 Small Wins and Sleep Tips

40:52 Final Signoff and Guest Call

Connect with Quanisha:

Learn more about Mom and Me Story Co., her Autism Inclusion Initiative, and the resources she is creating for autism families.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealquanisha_

Facebook: Theautisminclusioninitiative

Tik Tok: ajourneywithamir

Check out Quanisha’s Books:

Kai and the Magic Headphones

https://a.co/d/017ZsHJN

What the Animals Love Sensory: Children’s Coloring Book

https://a.co/d/09ej7FvR

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:

-Follow the podcast

-Subscribe on your favorite podcast 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

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with autism advocate and certified autism coach Roshenna “Ro” McHaney for a powerful conversation about rethinking how we support neurodivergent children. Together, they discuss the importance of shifting away from deficit-based thinking and focusing instead on children’s strengths, emotional safety, and individualized support needs.

Ro shares her son’s journey to diagnosis, including early signs of advanced learning abilities paired with social struggles, school misunderstandings, suspensions, and the difficult process of advocating for proper educational support through ARC meetings and IEP planning. She opens up about the emotional toll families experience when children are misunderstood and emphasizes the importance of persistence, research, yearly IEP revisions, and meeting children where they are.

The conversation also explores Ro's upcoming app, Superhero Summit, launching in August. Designed to bridge communication between home, school, and community, the platform will include tools such as a “Knowledge Vault” for diagnoses and IEPs, calendars, trigger tracking, educator communication features, parent forums, and future “Superhero Certified” training for businesses seeking to create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

01:04 Episode Mission

02:36 Meet Roshenna

04:27 Diagnosis Journey Begins

07:15 Early Social Clues

09:04 Fighting for Support

12:10 Advocacy Armor On

14:17 Tailored School Plan

18:48 IEP Meetings Strategy

23:02 Pivotal ARC Moment

24:26 Superhero Summit App

26:13 Features Vault Forum

30:00 Kryptonite Triggers Tab

31:42 Teacher Access Explained

32:49 Beyond Autism Use Cases

33:46 Building the App Team

35:09 August Launch

37:28 Business Certification Tab

41:41 Scaling Global Access

44:51 Top Three Rethinks

48:12 Letting Go of Norms

50:14 Wrap Up

54:21 Guest Application

Connect with Roshenna:

Be sure to head over to the Superhero Summit website to learn more about the app and how this platform aims to better support neurodivergent children and their families.

Website: https://superherosummit.online

Instagram: www.instagram.com/superhero_summit22

Facebook: Superhero Summit

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.

In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Jessica Pereira from the Bronx, NY, about raising her daughter Ja’Niyah, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2.5. Jessica shares how her bond with her sister, Chasity, evolved into a deeply connected co-parenting partnership rooted in unconditional love, advocacy, and autism acceptance.

Together, they have created a home where stimming is welcomed, communication in all forms is honored, and Ja’Niyah is embraced exactly as she is. This heartfelt conversation explores sisterhood, support, neurodiversity, and helping autistic children thrive without forcing them into conventional molds.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

00:55 Why Moms Need Support

03:02 Meet Jessica Pereira

04:52 Bronx Beginnings

05:53 Early Signs and Referral

08:27 Diagnosis Day and Next Steps

10:44 Mom Guilt and Sister Steps Up

14:38 Single Mom Survival Mode

15:57 School Trauma and Homeschool Choice

19:04 Aggression and Communication Tools

21:51 Sister Co Parenting System

28:05 Acceptance Stimming and Public Stares

30:13 Future Fears and Big Love

33:52 Routine Changes and Respite

35:45 Sister as Lifeline

38:28 Dating and Limited Support

40:35 ADHD and Mental Health

43:45 IEP and School Struggles

46:38 Gratitude and Softening Up

49:02 Mourning Expectations

53:16 Badass Mom Reality

57:08 Advice to Keep Going

01:00:58 What Makes Her Badass

01:03:38 Closing and Call to Action

Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/crzyfantasy128

Facebook: Jessica Janette

If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to:

-Follow the podcast

-Subscribe on your favorite podcast 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

Host Rashidah celebrates Mother’s Day on “Autism for Badass Moms,” honoring the sacrifices and advocacy of autism moms, and introduces a conversation about sibling love and connection in an autism household.

Guest Brittany Saunders, from University City, St. Louis, shares her journey raising Mason (10), who is non-verbal and diagnosed with autism in 2019, and Savannah (7). After initial denial, Brittany pursued occupational, speech, and physical therapy, noting Mason’s growth, love of technology, and emerging communication.

Brittany describes how Savannah naturally built a fierce, supportive bond with Mason—encouraging him in therapy and school, defending him, and helping with routines—while Brittany also remains intentional about giving Savannah individual attention.

Brittany discusses future planning, self-care, her village, faith, and her work and baking, including social handles and a planned spectrum-friendly party offering.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

00:43 Mothers Day Tribute

02:45 Why Sibling Bonds Matter

04:17 Meet Brittany Saunders

06:10 Early Signs And Denial

08:26 Diagnosis And Therapy Grind

12:01 Finding His Voice

13:28 School During COVID

14:37 Savannah The Champion

20:03 Explaining Autism To Siblings

26:15 Future Planning And Independence

34:34 Making Savannah Feel Seen

37:33 Shout Out Grandma 

39:36 Family Village Support

42:13 Sibling Bonding Moments

44:17 Sibling Rivalry Realities

46:40 OCD Loops Meltdown

51:56 Puberty New Challenges

54:00 Self Care Quiet Time

01:00:29 Finding Brittany Online

01:04:41 Advice For Struggling Moms

01:07:44 Badass Mom Wrap Up

01:11:42 Guest Call To Action

Connect with Brittany: Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelovelifewitbrit

Facebook: Brittany Saunders Instagram: www.instagram.com/britsblessedbakedgoods

Business Email: [email protected]

If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to:

-Follow the podcast-Subscribe on your favorite podcast 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