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

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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!

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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

In this powerful episode, host Rashidah sits down with Erica Johnson, a remarkable mother, advocate, and law school graduate whose story embodies strength, perseverance, and purpose.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Erica became a mom during her final year of college. Her son, Sean, was diagnosed with autism at just 3 years old — a moment that forever changed the direction of her life. Balancing single motherhood, full-time work, and law school at night, Erica refused to give up on her dreams.

Through every obstacle, she found her “why” in her son. Her determination led her to earn both her Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree, turning her personal challenges into a powerful mission of advocacy.

Today, Erica is the founder of the Speak 4 Me Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families and individuals with special needs. Her journey is a testament to courage, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of mothers who refuse to be defined by circumstance.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to connect with Erica:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chill_mamabear

Website: https://www.speak4me.net

As discussed in episode, check out upcoming workshop on "Early Intervention" being held on November 13th and presented by Northern LA County Regional Center.

Head to Instagram: www.instagram.com/speak4me_foundation to learn more.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they're not alone.

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In this week’s powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Emely Vanessa Zavala, a proud Latina mom from Los Angeles whose story will touch your heart.

At just 2 years old, Emely’s son Justin was diagnosed with autism — and like so many of us, she thought the hardest part was behind her. But when Justin turned 8, his aggressive meltdowns and self-injurious behavior became more than Emely could manage alone. As a single mother without a support system, she faced one of the most painful decisions a parent can ever make: finding a home away from home for her child.

In this heartfelt conversation, Emely opens up about the quiet grief that followed, the strength it took to keep going, and how she turned her pain into purpose by advocating for other parents walking similar paths. Today, she continues her journey — balancing motherhood, advocacy, and her studies in Sociology — determined to be a voice for those who feel unseen and unheard.

Tune in and be inspired by Emely’s story of love, loss & advocacy.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to connect with Emely:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmyinla

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Follow us on Instagram @theabmpodcast and our community page @theabmcommunity, plus catch more on TikTok and YouTube: Autism for Badass Moms.

In this powerful and transparent episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Keena White, a licensed therapist and intuitive healer, to discuss what it truly means to co-parent with grace, balance, and intention after separation.

Keena opens up about her personal journey — learning how to put her child’s needs first, even when feelings toward the other parent were complicated. Together, we unpack the real challenges that come with co-parenting after a breakup, the mindset shifts that make collaboration possible, and how healing and boundaries can lead to peace for both parents and children.

In this episode, we talk about:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

01:24 The Journey of Diagnosis

04:18 Navigating Emotions and Overdrive

08:58 Co-Parenting Dynamics

14:36 Forgiveness and Moving Forward

18:18 Creating a Healthy Environment

21:51 Self-Care and Flexibility in Co-Parenting

25:06 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics

26:33 The Journey of Self-Care and Healing

29:23 Supporting Child Development and Communication

31:47 Creating a Therapeutic Space for Healing

34:56 Empowering Moms Through Reflection and Communication

38:48 Defying Odds as a Resilient Parent

Tune in and be inspired by Keena’s story of strength, growth, and commitment to showing up for her child — no matter what.

As the founder of Relative Counseling & Suites and the visionary behind Therapy Meets Design, Keena blends mental health care, energy work, and intentional design to support those often overlooked in traditional settings.

Connect with Keena:

Website: https://www.relativesuites.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/relativecounselingsuites

Instagram: www.instagram.com/therapymeetsdesign

TikTok: therapymeetsdesign

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and share this one with someone who would benefit from this episode.

Stay connected and follow us on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast

Community Page: www.instagram.com/theabmcommunity

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In this episode, we meet Palwinder, who shares her powerful journey as a young mother navigating the intersections of cultural expectations and raising a daughter on the autism spectrum. She opens up about the deeply ingrained biases in Indian culture against having daughters, and the added complexity of dealing with her daughter's autism diagnosis. Despite facing societal and familial pressures, Palwinder emphasizes the importance of education, early intervention, and self-care. With support from her husband and her own determination, she defied cultural norms, pursued her passion for special education, and became a fierce advocate for her daughter. Her story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of not giving up, offering inspiration to mothers everywhere who face similar challenges.

What we discuss:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:27 Cultural Expectations and Gender Bias

01:29 Early Motherhood Challenges

04:09 Struggles with Education and Family Expectations

13:05 Diagnosis and Emotional Turmoil

25:09 Finding Hope and Purpose

29:51 Struggles with Child's Eating Habits

30:49 Seeking Emotional Support

32:09 Challenges with Family Expectations

34:22 Finding Support and Inspiration

36:37 Pursuing a Career in Special Education

37:46 Building Connections with Students

43:00 Self-Care and Mental Health

49:46 Advocating for Your Child

52:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you found Palwinder'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 Palwinder:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/journeyforautism

Tik Tok: @prettykaur5

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In this week’s episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Brandie Frost, a 28-year-old dedicated mom and bonus mom to three boys from Southeastern Kentucky. Her youngest son, Ruger, age 4, faced many health challenges during his first two years of life that have now mostly been resolved. At age 2, Ruger was diagnosed with Cavum Septum Pellucidum, and by age 4, he received diagnoses of Level 2 Autism and ADHD.

By the time Ruger was 3, Brandie had already suspected autism due to her experience with other loved ones who have cognitive disabilities. When the official diagnosis came, she didn’t allow it to overwhelm her. Instead, she embraced it, using her knowledge and determination to get a head start on accessing the limited resources available in her area for families of children with autism.

Outside of her role as a mom, Brandie is currently a college student on track to graduate with her Associate’s Degree in August 2025. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Beyond her passion for raising her boys, Brandie is deeply committed to mental health advocacy and victim support.

Tune in to hear Brandie’s inspiring story of resilience, acceptance, and determination as she navigates motherhood, education, and advocacy with strength and grace.

What we discuss:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:38 Ruger's Health Journey

05:22 Navigating Autism Diagnosis

08:00 Embracing the Autism Diagnosis

10:50 Accessing Services and Support

13:30 Community Challenges and Advocacy

16:25 Building a Support Network

19:01 The Role of the Internet in Support

21:55 Finding Strength in Struggles

24:39 Advice for New Autism Parents

27:14 Resilience and Empowerment

30:02 Future Aspirations and Goals

32:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you found Brandie'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 Brandie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandieenicolee

Tik Tok: Brandie Frost

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