Autism for Badass Moms

In this conversation, Brittany shares her journey as a mother of a child with autism, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced. She reflects on her son's diagnosis, the emotional toll it took on her, and the importance of advocacy and support. Brittany emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and the significance of finding peace and purpose in her life after relocating to F...

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with LaTonya Winfrey—a proud autism mom, educator, licensed professional school counselor, and founder of the nonprofit Happy: Joseph’s Journey. LaTonya shares her powerful story of transformation—from a mother receiving her son’s autism diagnosis at just 20 months, to becoming a community advocate, educato...

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Bronx native and powerhouse mom, Debbie Mercado, 47, who has faced life's toughest moments with strength, humor, and heart. Debbie is the proud mother of three beautifully unique children: a 26-year-old trans daughter, a 15-year-old autistic son named Logan, and a 12-year-old daughter who’s making moves on the basketball court. Logan...

In this powerful episode of  Autism for Badass Moms , we sit down with  Ashley Zazueta , a 29-year-old mom from California, wife, and entrepreneur who is raising two sons—one neurodivergent and one neurotypical. Her oldest son,  Sebastian , was diagnosed with  Autism at 22 months , followed by a second life-changing diagnosis:  Fragile X Syndrome . Ashley shares the emotional rollercoaster of navi...

In this powerful episode, we journey to the United Kingdom to hear from Grace Mbuthia, a devoted mother of three. Grace opens up about raising her eldest daughter, 13-year-old Lexi, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3—alongside other complex medical conditions including Selective Mutism, Hydrocephalus, and Epilepsy. Grace shares how the early years were filled with confusion, as Lexi didn’t pre...

In this week’s episode, Rashidah sits down with Danielle Desiree, a powerful voice in the neurodiversity community and a proud autism mom from Atlanta, Georgia. Danielle’s 17-year-old son, Jordan, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 7—a moment that reshaped her entire journey.  Danielle previously served in the United States Air Force, where she experienced a structured and supportive...

Jessica Burrus, a single mom of four children diagnosed with autism, joins host Rashidah to share her emotional journey of parenting on her own — while navigating four different diagnoses. From early intervention to late discoveries, Jessica talks about what it means to carry the weight alone, yet never give up. Hear how she balances motherhood, meltdowns, mental strength, and moments of doubt wit...

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with a powerhouse advocate who’s helping families shift from surviving to thriving—Sharon Webber. Sharon, 55, is a proud mother from Montclair, New Jersey. She’s a divorced mom of two: a daughter who graduated from Emerson University, and a teenage son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and lives with limited communi...

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we’re joined by Iesha Glover, a 32-year-old DMV native now living in Southern Maryland. A strong and compassionate mother of two—with a third on the way—Iesha shares her deeply personal story of navigating the complex and emotional road of parenting a child with multiple diagnoses while managing her own mental health. Iesha opens up about her son Phoenix, no...

In this inspiring episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with the phenomenal Chelsea Jackson, from New Jersey. Chelsea is a powerhouse wife, devoted mom of three, and the proud mother of 12-year-old Layla, who was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months. Chelsea opens up about her emotional journey — from moments of burnout and grief to powerful breakthroughs of release and relief. Instead...

In this inspiring episode, Rashidah sits down with  Jattu Kallon , a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of  Bold Kidswear —a UK-based modern clothing brand that uplifts children through confidence, self-expression, and inclusive representation. As the mother of a 10-year-old son, Maksimus, who was diagnosed with autism and sensory language delay in 2020, Jattu brings a deeply person...

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with the incredible Arte’a Funderburk, a 37-year-old mom of three from Maryland, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about parenting twins with different developmental journeys. Arte’a opens up about her son Aiden’s autism diagnosis in November 2023 and what it’s been like raising him alongside his neurotypical twin sister, A...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Richera Jones, a dynamic mother, advocate, and entrepreneur. A native of Glen Cove and Queens, New York, now residing in New Jersey, Richera shares her powerful journey of resilience and discovery. As a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, Sahar and Merci, both diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, Richera’s life took a dramatic shift when she had to mo...

In this powerful and faith-filled episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jenelle Thompson—a dynamic wife, mother, Pastor, author, advocate, coach, and autism mom. Jenelle shares her journey raising her 17-year-old son, Nazir, who was diagnosed with autism at age 5 and is considered verbal. As the Pastor of a church, Jenelle brings a unique and courageous perspective on nav...

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 men...

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...

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...

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 th...

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 interven...

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 st...

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, depr...

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 diagnose...

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 autist...

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 j...

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with Allysa Parker, a dedicated Certified Dental Assistant and fierce advocate for her 6-year-old son, Julian. Julian was diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (H.I.E.) just two days after birth and later received an Autism diagnosis at 4.5 years old. Navigating these diagnoses has been an emotional rollercoaster for Allysa, bringing...