In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidahwelcomes Meagan, a special education teacher and mother of an autistic daughter, to share her family's journey with neurodivergence. They discuss the importance of early autism diagnosis, Meagan's personal and professionalexperience navigating the educational system and how understanding her own neurodivergence has impacted her life. Meagan also talks about her nonprofit, Love Over Labels Advocacy, which focuses on IEP support, community outreach,and training law enforcement to better understand disabilities. This episode highlights the value of self-discovery, understanding neurodivergent traits, and fostering supportive communities for autistic individuals and their families.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Introduction to Autism for Badass Moms

00:43 Meet Megan: A Neurodivergent Mom's Journey

01:25 Early Diagnosis and Family Realizations

03:55 Navigating the Education System

05:23 Challenges and Emotional Struggles

07:03 The Importance of Community and Support

08:57 Balancing Family Dynamics

20:54 Advocacy and Nonprofit Work

26:10 Innovative Teaching Approaches

30:32 Challenges in Psychiatric Emergency Rooms

31:30 Transformative Urgent Care Experience

32:34 AAC Boards in Parks Initiative

37:17 Love Over Labels: IEP Advocacy and Community Outreach

38:32 Blue Envelope Program for Police Interactions

44:49 Managing ADHD and Personal Well-being

50:09 Encouragement for Moms Seeking Diagnosis

55:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Meagan:

Website: Love Over Labels Advocacy | special needs advocacy

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/loveoverlabelsadvocacy

https://www.instagram.com/meaganadvocates

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/loveoverlabels

 Threads:

https://www.threads.com/@loveoverlabelsadvocacy

If this episode resonated with you:

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Tik Tok: autismforbadassmoms

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In this episode, Danielle shares her emotional journey of raising her son Chandler, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She discusses the challenges and fears she faced, especially as a Black mother, and the vital support system she relied on, including her family and close friends. Danielle also recounts her own experiences of feeling a connection to her son's symptoms, leading to her ADHD diagnosis. Emphasizing the importance of community and resources, Danielle introduces her upcoming nonprofit, The Sunshine Circle, aimed at supporting other parents of children with autism. Through her story, Danielle offers encouragement to other mothers navigating similar paths.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:09 Chandler's Early Years and Diagnosis

03:08 Emotional Impact of the Diagnosis

06:58 Support Systems and Therapy

14:00 Personal Reflections and Similarities

16:53 Navigating Autism in the Black Community

24:38 Advocacy and Awareness

28:07 Building a Support Network for Autism Moms

28:47 Introducing the Sunshine Circle Nonprofit

30:05 Challenges and Delays in Launching the Nonprofit

30:44 Navigating Resources and Support Systems

32:43 Balancing Personal Health and Parenting

34:16 The Importance of Community and Support

37:47 Mental Health Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

42:13 Encouragement and Advice for Struggling Moms

45:36 Connecting with Danielle and Final Thoughts

Connect with Danielle:

If Danielle’s story resonated with you and you want to continue the conversation, be sure to connect with her and follow her journey. Her voice and lived experience offer validation, insight, and community for women navigating similar paths.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dannytheephantomm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/danielleparker

Email: [email protected]

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another mom who might be quietly connecting the dots. Subscribe, leave a review, and remember—you are not late, broken, or imagining things. You are learning more about yourself, and that matters.

Website:

www.autismforbadassmoms.com

Follow Us on Social Media:

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@AutismForBadassMoms

In this episode, Rashidah interviews Susanna, who shares herdeeply personal journey of parenting a daughter diagnosed with autism at a young age. Susanna discusses the emotional challenges and the process of seeking a diagnosis while advocating for her child. She highlights the culturalnuances of dealing with autism within her Taiwanese and American family dynamics, as well as the lessons she's learned about self-care, advocacy, and authenticity. Susanna also talks about her book, 'Your True Self Is Enough,' which details her experiences and offers advice to other parents navigatingsimilar journeys. Throughout the conversation, Susanna emphasizes the importance of being present, embracing one's true self, and speaking one's truth.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Susanna

01:14 Discussing Self-Care and Sephora

02:00 Arizona's Diagnosis Journey Begins

02:22 Early Challenges and Realizations

07:02 Navigating the Healthcare System

12:03 Diagnosis Day and Emotional Impact

20:00 Cultural and Family Dynamics

23:09 Self-Care and Family Support

24:12 Journey of Self-Discovery

25:47 Cultural Expectations and Parenting

27:38 Embracing a New Career Path

30:24 Writing and Publishing the Book

37:28 Advice for Moms on Acceptance

42:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 

We are grateful to Susanna for sharing her profound insightsand hope that her story will inspire many others navigating similar paths.

Connect with Susanna

For more insights and to get Susanna’s book, visit herwebsite or connect with her on Instagram.

Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My JourneyParenting a Child with Autism by Susanna Peace Lovell

Available on Amazon:

Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My JourneyParenting a Child with Autism: Lovell, Susanna Peace: 9798989446704:Amazon.com: Books
Website: Susanna Peace Lovell | Life Coach for Special Needs Families

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamapeace

LinkedIn: Susanna Peace Lovell 

If this episode resonated with you:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

Tik Tok: autismforbadassmoms

YouTube: autismforbadassmoms

Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories andinsightful discussions that empower and uplift.

 And don’t forget to connect with Susanna PeaceLovell to learn more about her work and book.

In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Natalie Carbone, a wife, mother, and autism advocate from Union City, New Jersey, whose life took an unexpected—but deeply purposeful—turn.

After becoming a medical assistant, Natalie began to notice that her daughter, Sienna-Rose, wasn’t meeting developmental milestones. When Sienna-Rose was diagnosed with autism at age six, Natalie made a courageous decision to pivot her career and step into the role of a behavioral therapist—driven not just by profession, but by purpose.

Natalie is now the founder of Natalyze Behavior, a community-driven platform dedicated to supporting children and families navigating behavioral and developmental challenges. What began as a deeply personal journey rooted in motherhood and advocacy has evolved into a trusted space where families can find guidance, tools, and encouragement tailored to their unique needs.

Grounded in compassion, lived experience, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to be understood and celebrated, Natalie shares how advocacy can grow from pain, how purpose can be born from uncertainty, and why families walking this path are never alone.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the career we never planned for is the one we were always meant to walk.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Introduction to Autism for Badass Moms

00:55 Navigating Career Changes as an Autism Mom

01:48 Meet Natalie Carone: A Journey of Advocacy

04:22 Challenges and Triumphs in Early Diagnosis

12:48 Finding Purpose and Building a Brand

22:28 Expanding Support and Community Impact

23:00 Community Inclusivity Initiatives

23:37 Sensory Playground Transformation

25:32 Self-Care and Reading Habits

26:17 Sienna's Reading Journey

27:38 Connecting with Natalie

29:04 Advice for Moms of Special Needs Children

32:12 Natalie's Confidence and Achievements

36:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Natalie:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalyzebehavior

Tik Tok: natalyzebehavior

Facebook: Natalie Carbone

If you found Natalie's episode informative and inspiring, please don't forget to follow on this platform and share this episode with another fellow badass mom or someone who you feel would benefit!

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Tik Tok: autismforbadassmoms

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In this episode, Tanasha shares her profound journey of navigating her daughter Harmony's autism diagnosis. Relocating from New York to South Carolina, Tanasha encountered significant challenges in getting the appropriate diagnosis and support for her daughter. From facing resistance at schools to dealing with unsupportive healthcare professionals, Tanasha's story is one of relentless advocacy and resilience. Despite the adversity and lack of support from friends and family, Tanasha remains committed to helping other parents through her book, 'Making Sense of Sensory', and by spreading awareness about autism and the racial biases in the diagnosis process. Her candid account sheds light on the persistent struggle parents face in securing the necessary services for their children with special needs.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:14 Relocating to South Carolina

00:42 Harmony's Diagnosis Journey

01:43 Challenges with the School System

03:39 Navigating the Healthcare System

04:50 Facing Racial Biases

16:48 Struggles with Support Systems

19:57 Unexpected Relationship Surprises

21:46 Navigating Autism and Racial Bias

21:59 Support from the Autism Community

23:21 Challenges of Self-Care

24:30 Advocating for Services

26:08 Becoming an Author

29:53 Sharing the Journey

33:29 Advice for Struggling Moms

38:47 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

If you found Tanasha's episode informative and inspiring, please don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with another fellow badass mom or someone who you feel would benefit!

Connect with Tanasha:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ausomemom1991

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ausomemom91

Tik Tok: ausomemom

YouTube: ausomemom

To purchase Tanasha's book on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Sense-Sensory-Parents-Spectrum-ebook/dp/B0FHKZ6LVK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P4OEQQ3ATLWV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XGQmR0r9RqwNPl_ByTiYzQ.u9Tdym2TqEITUvzf8WnExI0RUuR59ZXiemGVhsx0XiE&dib_tag=se&keywords=making+sense+of+sensory+tanasha&qid=1765845306&sprefix=making+sense+of+sensory+tanasha%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1

FOLLOW US:

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In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tawana Chealy, a mother of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. They discuss the unique challenges of finding love as a single mom, the emotional toll of raising a child with autism, and the journey of healing and hope after heartbreak. Tawana shares her personal experiences, including the struggles of processing her son's diagnosis, the impact on her relationships, and the importance of finding a supportive partner. The episode emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and the belief that love is possible, even in the face of adversity.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Empowering Moms: A Journey Begins

00:48 Finding Love Again: The Unique Struggles of Autism Moms

02:39 Tawana's Story: Love, Healing, and New Beginnings

05:33 The Diagnosis Journey: Understanding Autism

11:40 Navigating Emotions: Parents' Perspectives on Autism

17:28 The Weight of Expectations: Coping with Public Perception

23:17 Life as a Single Mom: Challenges and Resilience

29:09 Reclaiming Joy: The Path to New Relationships

29:38 A Unique Love Story Begins

35:41 Navigating Relationships as a Special Needs Parent

43:14 The Importance of Male Presence in Parenting

46:47 Building a Business and Writing Books

51:58 Advice for Moms Entering New Relationships

If you found Tawana's episode informative and inspiring, please don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with another fellow badass mom or someone who you feel would benefit!

Connect with Tawana:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrschealey

Tik Tok: Tawana Chealey

FOLLOW US:

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Tik Tok: autismforbadassmoms

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In this episode Julie M. Green discusses her experiences as a mother and a writer. Julie shares her journey of discovering that both she and her son are autistic, discussing the challenges and the learning curve involved with raising an autistic child in a time when information and resources were limited. She touches on her diagnosis process, the isolation she felt, and the eventual realization that understanding her own autism helped her better parent her son.

Julie also discusses her book 'Motherless,' which provides a raw portrayal of her life, parenting, and navigating a world not always accommodating neurodivergent individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, advocacy, and the nuanced understanding of autism, touching on themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding. 

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00  Welcome and Coffee Talk

00:50  Journey to Diagnosis

01:12  Mother and Son's Early Challenges

02:03  Navigating Autism in the Early Years

03:17  Personal Reflections and Realizations

05:23  The Impact of Diagnosis

08:59  Parenting and Advocacy

20:52  Community and Support

23:26  Family Dynamics and Acceptance

26:31  Advice for Moms Seeking Diagnosis

27:31  Dealing with Ignorance and Expectations

28:36  The Journey of Writing a Memoir

30:07  Parenting and Isolation in the Autism Community

32:07  Balancing Personal and Public Life

32:49  Teenage Reactions and Identity

35:27  The Cathartic Process of Writing

36:39  Hopes for the Book's Impact

44:30 Navigating Publicity as an Introverted Author

45:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If you found Julie's episode informative and inspiring, please don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with another fellow badass mom or someone who you feel would benefit!

Connect with Julie: Instagram: www.instagram.com/

Website: https://juliemgreen.ca

The Autistic Mom | Julie M Green | Substack

Julie is the author of Motherness, A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance which was recently named one of Audible's #BestOfTheYear for 2025.

Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Globe and Mail, Huffpost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, Today's Parent, and more.

Julie has appeared on various shows and podcasts, including CTV, BBC Radio, Sirius XM, Global News, CBC Radio, HuffPost Live, and more. 

Make sure to subscribe so that you never miss an episode.

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In this episode, Rashidah welcomes Sierra, a mother who shares her personal journey of raising her son, Christian, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and also exhibits signs of Pica. Sierra explains the early signs, including tiptoe walking and delayed speech, that led to his autism diagnosis. She discusses the challenges of managing Pica, a condition where Christian has an urge to eat non-food items like lotion and hand sanitizer. Sierra also highlights the impact of sensory processing disorder on Christian's behavior and the steps they've taken to manage these behaviors. Additionally, she talks about her support system, her advocacy through social media and her publications, and her new podcast aimed at providing a safe space for other autism parents.

The episode sheds light on the importance of community support, the trials of raising a child with special needs, and the resilience and strength found in advocacy and sharing one's story.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:37 Early Signs and Diagnosis of Autism

02:39 Challenges During COVID-19

03:11 Discovering and Managing Pica

04:37 Sensory Processing and Daily Life

12:23 Concerns and Future Outlook

17:28 Reflecting on the Journey

17:44 Moving to a New Place

18:11 First Encounters with Autism

19:44 Support System and Family Dynamics

21:55 Encouraging Independence in Children

23:50 Becoming an Author and Advocate

26:39 Launching a Podcast

29:27 Advice for Moms Dealing with Pica

32:42 Embracing Your Inner Badass

If you liked this episode and want to connect with Sierra:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/s.e_coleman

Tik Tok: Sierra C. (si.so.helpful)

Website: https://www.elizabethkellers.com

YouTube: EmbraceTheImpact (Podcast)

If you enjoyed this episode and found it informative, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review or share it with a friend who might need it!

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Find more information at: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com

In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms,Rashidah sits down with Chanel Grant, an educator, advocate, and the fierce force behind Rise of the Phoenix: The M.O.D.Y. Manifesto. From the sunny state of California, Chanel opens up about her deeply personal journey—one shaped by resilience, advocacy, and an unshakable love for her son,(“Lex”), who was diagnosed with autism and a language impairment at age three.

When Chanel’s life took an unexpected turn into the familycourt system, she found herself in a grueling three-year custody battle while managing her son’s growing developmental needs and her own medical challenges.Through every setback, she refused to be silenced. What could have broken her instead became the foundation of her movement—The M.O.D.Y. Manifesto (Mom of the Damn Year)—a bold call to action for mothers reclaiming their poweramid chaos and injustice.

Chanel unpacks the emotional, systemic, and spiritual layersof navigating motherhood in the face of adversity—how to rise when life tries to burn you down, why advocacy begins with self-belief, and what it truly means to build something powerful from the ashes.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:21 Meet Chanel Grant: A Journey from California

00:48 Autism Advocacy and the Broken Legal System

01:56 Chanel's Early Intuition and Diagnosis Journey

05:26 Navigating Divorce and Custody Battles

07:23 Fighting for Early Intervention and Services

13:04 Challenges of Co-Parenting and Legal Struggles

16:56 Personal Sacrifices and Health Struggles

20:45 The Importance of Early Diagnosis andIntervention

24:17 Overcoming Legal and Systemic Barriers

36:30 The Rise of Autism and MS

36:51 Challenges in the Court System

38:19 Creative Solutions for Co-Parenting

40:07 The Importance of Informed Professionals

40:59 Financial Struggles and Custody Battles

42:57 Advocating for Neurodivergent Children

53:10 The Birth of Rise of the Phoenix

56:26 Resources and Support for Moms

01:02:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you liked this episode and want to connect with Chanel:

Website: https://www.themodymanifesto.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/momofthedamnyear

Instagram: https://instagram.com/modymanifesto

Facebook: https://facebook.com/momofthedamnyear

LinkedIn: Chanel Crawford-Grant

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate,and leave a review or share it with a friend who might need it!

Follow Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on social platforms:

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Find more information at:

https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com

In this episode, Alicia Renee, founder of the IEP Files and advocate for neurodivergent children, shares her personal journey of raising her son, including her struggles and triumphs in navigating the special education system. She discusses the diagnosis process, her relentless pursuit of appropriate services, and her fight against systemic failures in education. Alicia emphasizes the importance of advocacy, both personally and professionally, and offers guidance to other parents facing similar challenges. Her resilience and commitment to ensuring that no parent walks alone into an IEP meeting shine through in this inspiring conversation.

What we discuss:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:42 Parenting a Teenager

01:27 Journey with Autism Begins

02:55 Early Signs and Diagnosis

03:50 Navigating the IEP Process

06:37 Challenges and Advocacy

13:00 Support Systems and Personal Struggles

18:58 Fighting for Services and Rights

22:52 Balancing Personal Health and Advocacy

30:02 Challenges with the School District

30:59 Growing into Advocacy

32:05 Filing Grievances and Complaints

34:17 Understanding My Son's Challenges

36:28 Fighting for Individualized Support

41:33 Becoming an Advocate for Others

50:38 Advice for Struggling Parents

55:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you liked this episode and want to connect with Alicia:

Website: https://www.theiepfiles.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_iep_files

Tik Tok: theiepfiles

Resources provided by Alicia:

Parent Power: My Amazon Book & Tool List for Advocacy, Boundaries & Support

Why Families of Color Need to Know About the Endrew F. Case

The Top 4 Wrightslaw Books Every Special Needs Parent Should Own

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education | The Office of Civil Rights

Client Assistance Program (CAP) | Rehabilitation Services Administration

Home | Rehabilitation Services Administration

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review, or share it with a friend who might need it!

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Find more information at:

https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com