Autism for Badass Moms

In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with the incredible Evy Soto, a 36-year-old powerhouse from North Carolina and mama to her 2-year-old son, LeVian, who is on the autism spectrum. Evy opens up about the emotional rollercoaster she faced while navigating a divorce, becoming a single mom, and receiving her son’s autism diagnosis—all at once.

Evy gets real about the mental and emotional toll of facing the unknown without the support of her mother, who passed away 10 years ago, and how therapy became her lifeline through the storm. Now, while working full-time in Human Resources, she’s also creating space for other minority moms to feel seen, supported, and empowered through her Facebook group, “Dear Brown Mama.”

We talk motherhood, mental health, building community, and the power of redefining what strength looks like—especially as a mom raising a child with autism.

You’ll Walk Away Feeling:

Seen. Heard. Inspired. And reminded that you’re never alone—even when life hits hard. There is power in your story and healing in your community.

Connect with Evy:

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

Follow Dear Brown Mama on Facebook and join the movement to create your own village of support!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow badass mama who needs to hear it!

Join the Conversation:

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In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Tiphanie McKinley, a 37-year-old powerhouse from Detroit, Michigan, and mom to 5-year-old Taryn, who was diagnosed with autism at 4 years old. Tiphanie opens up about the emotional reality behind her smiles—navigating single motherhood, letting go of her corporate career, and stepping fully into entrepreneurship and advocacy.

As the founder of Thee Doll Enterprise, Tiphanie blends her drive for business with her deep passion for uplifting other mothers, especially those raising children with developmental delays. Her honesty about feeling alone in this journey, despite having family support, will resonate with so many moms out there who are trying to hold it all together.

From Taryn’s early speech and language delay to a full autism diagnosis, Tiphanie shares how her daughter became the reason she pushed forward—building businesses, community, and conversations that matter. If you’ve ever masked your pain while showing up strong for your child, this episode is for you.

Tune in to hear Tiphanie's incredible journey.

Connect with Tiphanie:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiphanietheedoll/

Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more empowering stories like Tiphanie's.

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In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Anita, a mother, educator, and advocate. Her journey with autism advocacy began long before her daughter, Darlene, was diagnosed with autism and a speech impairment at just three years old.

Having grown up with a twin sister who has a disability, Anita understands both the struggles and the strengths that come with navigating life as both a sibling and a parent of a child with special needs. She opens up about her personal experiences—how her childhood shaped her sense of identity, the challenges of growing up in a home where generational differences played a role in her upbringing, and how those experiences now fuel her passion for supporting other families.

With a degree in Communication and a certification in Special Education, Anita has spent over seven years in the educational field, working tirelessly to ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they need. Now, she’s taking her advocacy a step further by launching Limitless Learning Solutions, an online tutoring business through the Outschool platform, dedicated to helping children of all abilities thrive.

This conversation is one of resilience, growth, and the power of turning personal challenges into a mission to uplift others. Tune in and be inspired!

Connect with Anita:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitarh1979/

Join the Conversation:

Follow Us on Instagram: @theabmpodcast and let us know your thoughts on this episode!

This week, we sit down with the phenomenal Shá Summerlin, a powerhouse mom, entrepreneur, and former R&B/Soul recording artist, to discuss her unexpected autism journey.

Shá’s youngest son, Qian, was diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, a revelation that came as puberty brought aggressive and unexpected challenges to the forefront. Before that, autism was never on their radar, leading her through a long and emotional journey of specialists, ER visits, and tests before finally getting answers.

Shá’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and empowerment as she continues to build a legacy for her children and grandchildren.

Tune in to hear Shá’s incredible journey.

Connect with Shá:

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

Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more empowering stories like Shá's.

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In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Johnnie is an incredible mom from Bakersfield, California. Johnnie is the mother of two boys, 10-year-old Sebastian and 4-year-old Leo, who was diagnosed with autism shortly after turning three. Thanks to her background as an ABA therapist, Johnnie was able to recognize early signs of ASD in Leo before he turned two, allowing him to receive early intervention services.

Johnnie openly shares her personal journey with clinical depression and anxiety, not from the daily challenges, but from the overwhelming uncertainty about the future. Despite her struggles, she is deeply passionate about working within the special needs community and is currently pursuing a degree in child psychology with a minor in special education.

Connect with Johnnie:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnielynne/

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with another badass autism mom!

Join the community and Follow us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other badass moms who get it!

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Shelly Abdy, a School Shop Coordinator from North Yorkshire, to discuss the emotional rollercoaster of raising children on the autism spectrum. Shelly is a mother of two—Tynisha, 21, who received a late autism diagnosis at 12, and Tyreece, 17, who was one trait short of an official diagnosis in the UK.

Shelly opens up about the struggles of navigating motherhood as a teen mom, the challenges of delayed diagnosis, and the emotional toll it has taken on her family. She shares how years of exhaustion and feeling alone led her to distance herself as a form of self-protection. But after two decades of growth, learning, and professional development, Shelly is now in a place where she’s ready to share her story in hopes of helping other young mothers who may be facing similar challenges.

Connect with Shelly:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chellabdy/

Check out Visible Autism LTD founded by Tynisha: https://www.instagram.com/visibleautism_ltd/

Don't miss this heartfelt conversation!

Join the Community: Follow us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other moms who get it!

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Charbonnae Evans, a 25-year-old single mom from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, who shares her powerful journey of raising her 4-year-old son, Caiden, who was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old.

Before receiving an official diagnosis, Charbonnae had a gut feeling—but that didn’t make it any easier. She was overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, and self-blame, struggling to navigate the emotions that came with the journey. At first, she was hesitant to seek help, but that changed during the first year of Caiden’s diagnosis when she turned to therapy to help her cope.

Now, Charbonnae is still in therapy and encourages other autism moms to seek support for their emotional well-being. While she never imagined this would be her life, she wouldn’t want it any other way now.

Connect with Charbonnae:

-Instagram: @charbssss_

Listen Now & Subscribe: Don't miss this heartfelt conversation! Follow Autism for Badass Moms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, UK Podcasts, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.

Join the Community: Follow us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other moms who just get it.

In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Susie Thomas, a dedicated mother, cosmetologist of 21 years, and licensed massage therapist of 14 years, balancing work and family life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Susie and her husband, Gerard, are parents to three children—Caydell (19), diagnosed with ADD; Mugen (7), who has sensory processing disorder; and Saya (4), who was diagnosed with autism at just 22 months.

Susie opens up about how their journey into autism began in the middle of COVID, a time filled with uncertainty and struggles. With Caydell navigating mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and both Mugen and Saya requiring different levels of support, Susie often felt pulled in multiple directions, trying to ensure each of her children received the attention and care they needed.

Through all the challenges, Susie has gained a profound perspective on life and parenting, learning to see the world through Saya’s eyes. She shares how this experience has strengthened their family and shaped her belief that in order to truly understand autism, we must learn to “hear what isn’t said.”

This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating multiple diagnoses, mental health struggles, and the emotional weight of advocating for their children. Susie’s story is raw, real, and filled with wisdom that will inspire and empower other badass autism moms on their own journeys.

Connect with Susie:

-Instagram: @sayautism (Saya’s journey) | @famugen

Listen Now & Subscribe: Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation! Follow Autism for Badass Moms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Join the Community: Follow us on IG @theabmpodcast and connect with other moms who just get it.

In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Dr. Alexis Bromley, an Emergency Room Doctor, wife, and mother of three boys, including Julius, her 5-year-old son diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 3.

Alexis shares her journey as a medical professional and autism mom, shedding light on the urgent need for improved education, awareness, and accommodations for autistic individuals in emergency room settings. She is currently conducting a quality research project on Sensory Accommodations in the ER and their impact on patient care, advocating for real change in how medical professionals interact with neurodivergent patients.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Alexis' journey as a mom and doctor navigating the world of autism

-The challenges autistic individuals face in the ER

-How sensory accommodations can improve patient care

-Ways parents can advocate for their children in medical settings

Join us for this insightful and inspiring conversation with a badass autism mom who is making a difference in both the medical field and the autism community!

Follow her journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexis_bromley and https://www.instagram.com/lexiidbromley

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe!

Tag a fellow autism parent or medical professional who needs to hear this!

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In this episode, we talk with Shamaya Burks, a 34-year-old mother from Georgia, about her experiences raising three children on the autism spectrum. Her son, Xolani, 5, is moderately verbal, while her twin daughters, Nyjah and Najari, 2, are non-verbal; Nyjah also has Cerebral Palsy, and Najari faces more severe challenges. Shamaya shares her initial lack of knowledge about autism, the emotional journey following her children's diagnoses, and how she has found strength and purpose in advocating for them. Now, as a stay-at-home mom, she also supports other parents navigating similar paths.

Tune in to hear Shamaya's incredible journey.

Follow her journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themanevibez/

Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more empowering stories like Shamaya's.

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

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