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Unapologetically Whole
Unapologetically Whole episodes
- Access to Reproductive Health Care: Autism and Intellectual Disability Edition
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SummaryIn this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband, Tosan Olley, discuss the complexities of navigating reproductive healthcare for their daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their journey from recognizing the onset of puberty to preparing for their daughter's first period, emphasizing the importance of communication, family support, and collaboration with healthcare providers. The couple reflects on the emotional challenges and milestones they encountered, as well as the long-term considerations for their daughter's reproductive health.
Takeaways- Navigating reproductive healthcare is crucial for children with autism.
- Communication about puberty can be challenging but necessary.
- Dads play an important role in discussions about reproductive health.
- Preparation for menstruation involves multiple therapy disciplines.
- Understanding sensory challenges is key in healthcare planning.
- Access to reproductive healthcare can significantly impact quality of life.
- Long-term planning is essential for children with special needs.
- Collaboration with healthcare providers is vital for effective care.
- Celebrating milestones is important in the parenting journey.
- Pre-decisioning helps in managing future healthcare needs.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Reproductive Healthcare for Our Daughter02:51 Understanding Puberty and Its Implications11:10 Preparing for the First Period16:25 The Day It Happened20:14 Long-Term Considerations for Reproductive Health25:03 Celebrating Milestones and Future Planning
Transcript
Lola Dada-Olley (00:01.395)
Welcome, welcome everyone to the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast. I am back yet again with the hubster, the hubby, Tosan Olley. We are talking about a not so light topic about our daughter's reproductive healthcare and the decisions we are starting to make for her in hopes of
her living the highest quality of life possible. For those new to the podcast, we have an 11 -year -old daughter who's minimally verbal, on the autism spectrum, and intellectually disabled. So, this episode will walk through some traditionally seen as uncomfortable topics, things like periods, things like cramps.
things like talking it through as a family for a child who has communication challenges. This is naturally a difficult conversation, whether or not your child can traditionally communicate or not. So, our daughter has a history of some sensory challenges associated with the way her autism manifests. So, once she turned 10,
And we knew that that next phase was right around the corner. We had to really sit down and think about the type of options she would have, not only based on her autism, but quite frankly, based on her family history that we know of at least when it comes to reproductive health, our family on my side, at least part of my side of the family, we've had a history of fibroids, PCOS, difficult periods.
how could that potentially look in a growing child who will one day become a young woman who may not be able to communicate things like pain in a traditional way. So, we are pulling back the covers on this so you all could see some of the conversations my husband and I have had, some of the conversations we've had with her healthcare providers and hopes.
Lola Dada-Olley (02:24.707)thSupport the show
www.loladadaolley.com
30 min - Advocacy in Action: A Talk with Ms. Texas 2024 Annette Addo-Yobo
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In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Annette Addo-Yobo, the first immigrant-born Miss Texas, about her journey from Ghana to the U.S., her advocacy for autism awareness, and the importance of representation. Annette shares her personal experiences as a sibling caregiver, the cultural stigma surrounding autism, and her aspirations to influence policy and support families navigating the challenges of autism. The conversation highlights the need for better resources, early intervention, and community support for families affected by autism.
Takeaways- Annette's journey from Ghana to becoming Miss Texas is inspiring.
- Representation in media and pageantry is crucial for marginalized communities.
- Cultural stigma around autism can hinder family support and understanding.
- Advocacy is a lifelong commitment, often born from personal experiences.
- The SPAR Project aims to bridge gaps in autism awareness and resources.
- Parentification can significantly impact the identity of sibling caregivers.
- Mental health support is essential for caregivers navigating their roles.
- Early intervention can change the trajectory of a child's development.
- Advocacy in Washington, D.C. can lead to meaningful policy changes.
- Community support is vital for families affected by autism.
Support the show
www.loladadaolley.com
49 min - Navigating the High School Transition: A Talk With My Son
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In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley engages her son Fela in a heartfelt discussion about the transition from middle school to high school. They explore the various high school options available, the importance of extracurricular activities like band, and the challenges that come with academic rigor. Fela shares his personal experiences and offers advice to other students facing similar transitions, emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience. The conversation highlights the growth and development that comes with navigating educational choices and personal interests.
Takeaways- Choosing high schools is a significant decision for students.
- Middle school serves as a preparatory phase for high school.
- Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in student life.
- Students should consider their interests when selecting a high school.
- Academic rigor is important, but students should not fear challenges.
- Transitioning can be daunting, but support from family helps.
- It's normal to have concerns about moving to high school.
- Students should embrace hard work as part of their education.
- Making new friends is a key aspect of transitioning to high school.
- Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights for future transitions.
Support the show
www.loladadaolley.com
18 min - Workplace Neuroinclusion Strategy: Some Lessons Learned
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In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, LolaDada-Olley interviews Danielle Meadows, an executive director at JPMorganChase, about the importance of disability employment and the initiatives takenby the Business Solution Team (BEST) to promote neuro-inclusion. They discussthe evolution of the BEST program, common misconceptions about disabilityinclusion, the challenges faced in the employment landscape, and thesignificance of public policy in supporting individuals with disabilities. Theconversation highlights the success stories of employees and the role of jobcoaches in fostering an inclusive work environment.
Takeaways
- Disability Employment Awareness Month is crucial for promoting inclusion.
- The BEST program focuses on neuro-inclusion strategies globally.
- Misconceptions about disability often hinder employment opportunities.
- Transportation remains a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities.
- Public policy needs to adapt to support working individuals with disabilities.
- Job coaching is essential for success in the workplace.
- Collaboration among organizations enhances disability employment efforts.
- Recognition from institutions like the UN validates the program's success.
- Success stories demonstrate the potential of individuals with disabilities.
- The program has grown significantly since its inception in 2019.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Disability Employment Awareness Month
05:11 Misconceptions About Disability Inclusion
09:29 Recognition and Growth of the BEST Program
12:33 Challenges in Disability Employment
17:26 The Importance of Public Policy
21:46 The Role of Job Coaches
26:54 Success Stories and Business Outcomes
Support the show
www.loladadaolley.com
33 min - Reintegrating Our Daughter Into School Life
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In this episode, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband Tosan discuss their journey with their daughter Alero, who is on the autism spectrum.They share their decision-making process regarding Alero's education, includingthe challenges of navigating special education services, the impact of thepandemic, and the importance of adaptability in parenting. They reflect ontheir choice to temporarily withdraw Alero from school for therapy and thesubsequent decision to reintegrate her into a supportive school environment.The couple emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community andlearning from others' experiences in similar situations.
Support the show
www.loladadaolley.com
35 min - Back To School: Embracing Technology and Student-Centered Learning
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In this episode, Dr. Kim Floyd, a professor of special education and an innovator, discusses her evolution in the education space and her role in standing up a center focused on assistive technology with people with disabilities. She shares her journey into special education, the development of a multidisciplinary approach, and the importance of trauma-informed practices in education.
Dr. Floyd also highlights the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities in special education and the work of the American Council on Rural Special Education. She discusses the Center for Collaborative Assistive Technology Education Lab and the exciting projects coming out of the lab. Finally, she explores how assistive technology can level the playing field in education and therapy.
The conversation explores the importance of assistive technology in education and the challenges faced in implementing it. It highlights the need for personalized and inclusive classrooms that cater to the diverse learning needs of students. The role of AI in leveling the playing field is discussed, acknowledging both the benefits and potential drawbacks. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of historical and cultural awareness in education and the need for teachers to be resilient, empathetic, and adaptable. The American Council of Rural Special Education (ACRES) is mentioned as a resource for further information.Support the show
www.loladadaolley.com
1 hr 14 min - Addressing Daily Life Challenges with Revolutionary Tools: A Talk With Nadia Hamilton
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Growing up alongside a sibling with autism can transform your life's blueprint in the most unexpected ways. in this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Nadia Hamilton, who shares the touching saga of her brother, Troy, and how his journey on the autism spectrum has awakened a legacy of empowerment and innovation. Nadia's candid recount of the joys and hurdles they faced together unfolds into the creation of a transformative tool - Magnus cards - that now aids individuals with autism and/or cognitive disabilities to navigate the complexities of daily life with greater independence. Our conversation is a celebration of sibling love and the spirit that can give rise to social entrepreneurship with a profound purpose.
As you tune in, you'll be captivated by stories that not only pull at the heartstrings, but also spotlight the monumental shifts in accessibility and inclusivity championed by visionaries like Nadia. Discover the compelling impact of the Magnus Mode app, designed to provide free, visual, step-by-step guides for those in the neurodiverse community, and learn how the Disability Experience training program is reshaping perspectives in corporate corridors. This isn't just an episode; it's a heartfelt tribute to Troy and others like him, who inspire a world that embraces every spectrum of human diversity with open arms and minds. Join us for an episode that weaves a narrative of hope, understanding, and the tangible change that comes from one sister's unwavering devotion.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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38 min - Healthcare in America: New Year; New(ish) Expenses
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Every January, my husband Tosan and I brace ourselves for the impact of the 'January reset' on our family's finances. As parents of a child with complex medical needs, we're no strangers to the avalanche of medical bills that come with insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums starting anew. Our latest episode offers an intimate conversation where we peel back the curtain on the financial challenges that families like ours face, diving into the intricacies of insurance policies in Texas, and the relentless vigilance it takes to ensure our daughter's healthcare needs are met.
Join us for a heart-to-heart about the proactive financial strategies we've put in place, like leveraging Health Savings Accounts and planning for a multi-year safety net. As we exchange stories and strategies, Tosan and I reveal how we've navigated the stormy seas of healthcare costs and even seeking healthcare grants and exchanges when money was tight. We aim to empower and offer solace by sharing our journey, reinforcing the importance of resilience and the strength found in taking it one day at a time.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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23 min - 2023: Our Longest, Yet Shortest, Year To Date
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Our 2023 year in review episode is here. We discuss the ups and downs that is/was 2023, including a life changing family trip to Barcelona, an ice storm that prevented travel to our daughter's therapy, a short term caregiver crisis, the myth of work-life balance and so much more.
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www.loladadaolley.com
27 min - Redefining Success For Yourself After Trauma : A Talk With Addis Gonte
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In this episode, I speak with Addis Gonte, Non-Profit CEO and Disability Inclusion Advocate. We talk about how a car accident changed his life, resulting in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. We also speak on how his life changing accident led him on a new path to founding a non-profit, called Able Mindset, and many lessons learned along the way.
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39 min
About Unapologetically Whole
From the publisher's feed
Unapologetically Whole is the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt invisible while holding everyone else together. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada-Olley, this show is a…
raw, honest invitation to reclaim your story and rebuild your sense of self without abandoning your responsibilities or values. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid conversations, Lola explores the layers we carry: as caregivers, professionals, parents, partners, and cycle-breakers navigating cultural stigma, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness in a world that often asks us to disappear.
Each episode offers a practical, three-part framework for transformation: Recognize the lane you’re in, Redefine success beyond external validation, and Reimagine what it means to truly thrive. You’ll hear real lessons from lived experience—how to hold the tension between vigilance and joy, how to honor incremental progress, and how to shine your light in a world that can feel dark. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone searching for permission to exist beyond your roles, Unapologetically Whole bridges the gap between personal healing and professional reinvention, creating space for authentic community and honest growth.
This podcast is the companion to Lola’s forthcoming memoir, Unapologetically Whole: A Memoir About Autism, Caregiving, and Owning Your Story, coming June 2026. If these conversations resonate with you, help us extend the reach—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Your voice helps others find the hope, healing, and wholeness they deserve.