Autism for Badass Moms

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

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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

In this powerful and deeply raw episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with R.S. Cole, a 40-year-old mother of four from Houston, whose journey through autism parenting has been anything but ordinary.

After her youngest son, J, was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old, R.S. quickly realized the harsh reality many families face — a system that often falls short. Instead of accepting it, she chose to become the change. Driven by love and necessity, she became a Behavioral Therapist, dedicating her life to supporting families who, like her, were navigating a lack of resources and support.

R.S. speaks with honesty and courage about the full spectrum of autism parenting — the structured, “good” days… and the incredibly difficult ones marked by defiance, destruction, medication side effects, and emotional exhaustion. Even now, as her son is 14, the fight for appropriate care and support continues.

Beyond her lived experience, R.S. has transformed her pain into purpose. As a Holistic Practitioner with multiple certifications, she is the founder of A Beautiful Mind — a nonprofit and private community created to be a beacon of hope for families navigating life after a neurodiversity diagnosis.

Her impact doesn't stop there.

R.S. is also:

`-Author of 14 books

-Creator of a transformative course blending Behavioral Therapy, Metaphysics, and Energetic Healing

-Currently in Clinical Admission for a renowned ABA therapy organization, using her voice and presence to push for meaningful change

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

00:40 Episode Topic CPS Trauma

02:25 Meet RS Cole

04:10 Dog Talk

05:54 Early Regression Signs

07:11 Therapy Daycare Wake Up

08:36 Home Support Breakthrough

11:47 Diagnosis Delays System Gaps

14:29 School Moves Behavior Escalation

21:24 Day Treatment COVID Homeschool

23:15 Medication Struggles Bestie Support

28:08 School Pressure Door Visit

31:05 CPS Well Check Shock

33:00 False Report Debunked

34:30 School Blocks Withdrawal

35:08 Truancy Threats Escalate

36:21 IEP Showdown With Backup

39:29 Homeschool Reset and SSDI Tip

41:03 ABA Aging Out and Texas Move

42:24 Family Rally and Community Support

45:19 Building NeuroSpirits Mission

48:49 Protocols and Holistic Tools

52:10 Caregiver Grief and Regulation

56:45 Know Your Rights Advice

01:00:26 Badass Wrap and Callouts

Connect with R.S. Cole:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/holisticministries

Website: www.holisticministries.org

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 powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Stephanie Williams, engaging in conversation that dives into the reality of parenting multiple children with autism. Stephanie Williams is a 38-Year-Old social work professional, entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Fostering ConNeEXTions Inc.

Stephanie is a single mom raising three sons, ages 15, 13, and 11-all on the autism spectrum. Her journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and purpose.

She shares how her oldest son experienced early regression, leading her to fight for answers, diagnosis, and services. Her middle son's early aggression and his transformation into academic success. and her youngest son's later diagnosis and use of 504 accommodations. With limited support, Stephanie had to teach herself how to navigate systems-including learning to drive just to access specialists.

Stephanie speaks candidly about faith, alignment, and resilience-and how she turned pain into purpose through her nonprofit and entrepreneurial platforms.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

01:03 Parenting Multiple Autistic Kids

02:01 Meet Stephanie Williams

04:45 JJ Early Signs and Diagnosis

09:14 Pushing For Answers and Services

11:12 Learning To Drive For Care

13:59 Trauma Safety and Support

17:57 Advocacy as a Legacy

19:18 Raj Teen Years and Growth

22:53 Meltdowns Elopement and Finding Help

29:25 School IEP Battles and Wins

32:19 Introducing the Youngest

32:27 Texas Move Miracle

34:32 Youngest Diagnosis Talk

36:59 504 Plan Breakthrough

39:47 Honor Roll Advocacy

43:44 Writing Autism Story

46:56 Pain to Purpose

49:52 Fostering ConNEXTions Mission

53:06 Alignment Over Balance

54:32 Find Her Online

57:29 Merch with a Message

59:30 Advice for Moms

01:02:28 Audacity Mic Drop

01:03:19 Final Wrap and Guest Call

Connect with Stephanie:

Be sure to follow and stay connected.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniespeakspurpose

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fosteringconnextions

Tik Tok: Steph.Speaks

Substack: stephaniespeakspurpose.substack.com

Virtual Support Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GT1e8H3GSVD31GpfdPt7kL?mode=gi_t

Make sure to check out her Merch: www.destinedtoconquer.com

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 sits down with Evonne Rooks, an autism mom from Richmond, Virginia, who shares her son AJ’s autism diagnosis in January 2023 following speech regression after COVID, her initial shock, and how ABA therapy helped her move forward.

Six months later, Evonne sought ER care for what she thought was a severe migraine; imaging revealed major brain swelling and an MRI confirmed a massive left cerebellum stroke that had occurred two days earlier and covered about 75% of the region, nearly costing her life.

She describes hospitalization, ongoing therapies, stress, the need to advocate for herself, building community support, and encouraging moms to decompress, spread responsibilities out, and take symptoms seriously.
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Badass Moms Welcome
00:54 When Your Body Breaks
01:55 Meet Evonne Rooks
03:57 AJ Diagnosis Journey
07:51 Therapy and Survival Mode
10:26 Headache Warning Signs
14:06 ER Scan and Transfer
15:58 Massive Stroke Reality
19:53 Recovery No Breaks
23:52 Work, Therapy and Limits
28:51 Stress Lessons and Healing
31:24 Living Not Surviving
31:46 Mental Therapy and Trauma
32:36 Time Critical Stroke Care
34:21 Headaches and Hospital Visits
36:30 Autism Stress and Support
37:33 Building Mom Community
41:57 Self Care and Decompression
47:17 Single Mom Resource Tips
50:08 Finding Yvonne Online
51:08 AJ Confidence and Joy
55:56 Advocating in Healthcare
01:00:26 Final Takeaways
Connect with Evonne:
Be sure to follow Evonne and stay connected.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/xo_vonne
Facebook: Evonne Rooks
TikTok: itsvonnieee
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 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 episode 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

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