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In this episode of the Disorderly Blondes Podcast, we step into a plastic world—where everything looks polished, curated, and camera-ready—but reality tells a very different story.
We discuss the release of Mattel’s Autistic Barbie and what autism representation means in real life versus manufactured narratives. While the doll has been celebrated for visibility, many families of individuals with high support needs feel overlooked. We talk advocacy vs. awareness, AAC devices, sugar-coated portrayals of autism, and why representation must include the full spectrum—not just what’s palatable.
At the same time, we share our own experience covering the Netflix premiere of MEMBERS ONLY: Palm Beach as podcast media...an event that felt glossy on the outside but chaotic behind the scenes. Missing media credentials, confused security, no red carpet, and being repeatedly asked to move reminded us just how artificial these worlds can be.
This episode connects the dots between perfectly packaged entertainment, symbolic representation, and the messy, real-life experiences of autism caregivers and advocates. Because life isn’t plastic—and neither is autism.
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ABOUT US
Meet Kristi
Blessed with blonde wisps at birth (that are now maintained at a cost undisclosed to her husband), Kristi’s mane role is mama to two additional golden-haired beauties- one who just so happens to have autism. Born in the 305, raised in the 954, and training boys to be men in the 561, Kristi has proven not even Dave Barry can chase her from a Florida state-of-mind. In her infinite amount of spare time (insert maniacal laugh) she pours what’s left of her Vitamin D induced energy into Puzzle Peace Now, a non-profit she founded in 2009. Finally, Kristi splits her ends between enjoying quality days in the sun with husband Tim and basking in the glow of her decade long friendship with bestie Brenda.
Meet Brenda
Cuban born, Miami & Hialeah raised, and current Broward County resident (but still 305 all day), Brenda is Dylan (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and Oliver’s (CHRNA7 duplication + Hypotonia + epilepsy) mami. In 2007, blogging about her life as a mom of two special needs kids as ASD QUEEN BEE was cheaper than therapy became a creative and therapeutic outlet. Six years later, she developed THE WHET PALETTE, a blog discussing her passion for food, wine, and travel. Brenda’s journey also includes an extensive background in interior design and dance. The perfect next step? Podcasting! Her colorful palette wouldn’t be complete without endless belly-laughs with the other rubia, Kristi.
Thanks for listening!
Brenda & Kristi
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