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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Ep. 107 - Not Sad, Not Sorry: Just Grateful with Brandie

In this episode, we meet Paul Winder, 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, Paul Winder 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

Make sure to subscribe so that you never miss an episode. 

FOLLOW US:

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/theabmpodcast
Tik Tok: @autismforbadassmoms












Ep. 108 - She Was Born a Girl-Then Came Autism with Palwinder

Yes, there is good in all of us. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore red flags in a relationship because you want to see the good in people. And it certainly doesn’t mean it’s your job to make those red flags go away; to shine that diamond in the rough! When you tell yourself what an amazing person you are for seeing the good in someone, that’s your ego talking. It’s the false part of yourself seeing the false part of others. And it’s totally rooted in insecure attachment. Emotionally healthy people don’t sacrifice their own wellbeing for others.

When you believe this martyr story and ignore or excuse red flags, you sell yourself short. You do NOT deserve a “broken” person who needs rescuing. That road leads to unhappiness because it’s an impossible journey, and you’ll never find what you’re looking for. Focusing on the other person means you’re avoiding yourself. In today’s podcast we’ll explore this story we tend to create, and how to change it. Ignoring red flags doesn’t make you noble. Let’s dispel that belief so you can shift to the real work: the work that begins with you.

WISDOM NUGGET (#wisdomnugget)
You are your own red flag. Surrender to reality, stop the story and be that hero for yourself.

#822: Ignoring Red Flags Because You See the Good (REBROADCAST)

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

TikTok & YouTube: Autism for Badass Moms

Ep. 109 - Same Team, Different Households with Keena

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.



Ep. 110 - The Story Behind My Decision with Emely

A warm, accessible reflection on how growth is not linear — but spiral-shaped.

This Everyday Explanation for Section 4 of Chapter 22 explores how both humans and AI can lose direction without ongoing feedback and care.

The recording invites listeners to notice their personal spirals — returning to old challenges with deeper insight, learning again what once seemed forgotten.

Narrated in a soft Irish-accented voice (Aisling, ElevenLabs), this piece encourages a slow, compassionate view of progress and personal evolution.

Chapter 22 Section 4 Everyday Language by Aisling

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. 

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

Ep. 111 - Degrees of Courage with Erica

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: theiepfiles@gmail.com
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!

Follow Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on social platforms:

YouTube: autismforbadassmoms
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theabmpodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/theabmpodcast
TikTok: autismforbadassmoms

Find more information at:
https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com



Ep. 112 - 'Too Normal' To Be Supported with Alicia

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 family court 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 power amid chaos and injustice.

Chanel unpacks the emotional, systemic, and spiritual layers of 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 and Intervention
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!

Follow Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on social platforms:
YouTube: autismforbadassmoms
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theabmpodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/theabmpodcast
TikTok: autismforbadassmoms

Find more information at:
https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com





Ep. 113 - Autism, Advocacy, and a Broken Legal System with Chanel

Roller of Resilience

Are you a mother of a child with autism, struggling to maintain balance, feeling overwhelmed, and frequently second guessing your decisions? Do you often feel like you're navigating a maze with no map, grappling with feelings of isolation, anxiety and exhaustion? Are you seeking ways to manage your stress, regain your strength, and find joy and fulfillment. 

"Autism for Badass Moms" is the podcast you've been waiting for. This show is your guide to becoming that badass, mentally and emotionally strong mother you know you can be.

I am your host, Rashidah Cartwright, a fellow autism mom, personal development coach, and experienced mental health and substance use professional with over 18 years of dedicated service in the field. I am also a proud mother of four beautiful children, two of whom have been diagnosed with autism. One of my children also has a diagnosis of ADHD. 

Each week is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. We shed light on the often unseen emotional journey through heartfelt conversations with autism moms, we uncover the raw and authentic experiences that shape your life.

In each episode, we discuss everything from finding balance in the chaos, mind shifts, regulating your nervous system, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll not only find a supportive community that understands your struggles, but you'll  also equip yourself with the tools to become a more confident, resilient, and empowered autism mom.

Step into your power. Unleash your inner badass. Start listening now and transform your struggles into strengths. Welcome to "Autism for Badass Moms" - the space for autism moms who want to become unapologetically badass.
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*The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of anything you have seen or heard from RASHIDAH CARTWRIGHT, PODCAST GUESTS OR THIS PODCAST.

A lot of us live in our head, disconnected from our feelings and intuition. This podcast touches on releasing insecure attachment, accepting your authentic self and getting “unstuck” by connecting to how you FEEL instead of how you THINK. I’ve been there, and discuss sensitive subjects using my own experiences with a lot of laughs and even more empathy… because we’re all flawed humans.

New tracks tagged #self-improvement