Autism for Badass Moms

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Eugenia Woods, a mother, grandmother, and advocate from Long Island, New York, whose autism parenting journey was shaped by bullying, grief, homeschooling, and a difficult encounter with Child Protective Services.After her son Juan received an autism diagnosis at age 9,Eugenia found herself fighting for his educational needs while navigating multiple personal and family challenges. When the school system failed to provide the support he needed, she made the courageous decision to homeschool him for six years—despite facing scrutiny and resistance along the way.Eugenia shares her story of resilience, advocacy, anddetermination, offering hope to parents who are fighting for their children while trying to hold themselves together. In this episode, we discuss:0:00 – Intro & welcome 0:50 – Being a parent of color in the autism space2:20 – Stigma in Black & Brown communities 3:40 – Sensory tools & educating family 4:58 – Early signs at ages 2–3 6:05 – Juan's late diagnosis at age 9 6:40 – Fighting for a neuropsych eval 10:20 – Navigating IEP meetings 11:35 – Bias from school professionals 13:10 – Your right to record meetings 14:20 – Being dismissed as a Black mother 17:57 – CPS called by the school 18:41 – Going to court against the district 19:15 – When did the signs first appear? 23:20 – The pediatrician who actually listened 26:00 – School anxiety, regression & bullying 28:10 – "I'm sad and no one cares" 31:45 – CPS case resolved 32:50 – Homeschooling begins 34:41 – 6 years of homeschooling 38:00 – Finding resources at the library 41:33 – 18 rejections; Gersh Academy says yes 42:48 – Juan thrives; the teacher who changed everything 45:40 – Pursuing Juan's GED during COVID 47:13 – Waiting for the results 48:44 – He passed! 49:40 – Loss & grief during the pandemic 51:21 – Juan's suicidal ideation 53:20 – A mother's heartbreak 53:51 – Eugenia's COVID hospitalization & kidney failure56:20 – "Mom, who will care for me when you'regone?" 57:15 – Healing through community & faith 59:40 – Juan's gift: tech skills & purpose 1:00:12 – Eugenia's liturgical dance ministry 1:02:20 – Laughing with Juan now 1:04:50 – Hiding her illness from her kids 1:07:10 – Give yourself 5 minutes 1:09:15 – Finding herself again at 50 1:10:30 – Becoming a grandmother 1:11:05 – First college grad in the family 1:14:31 – How to connect with Eugenia 1:15:10 – Eugenia's published book 1:17:00 – Women's empowerment organizations 1:18:27 – Emmy-winning play & acting work 1:19:20 – You can't tell God what you won't do 1:23:20 – What being a badass means to Eugenia 1:24:15 – Encouragement for struggling parents 1:25:35 – Outro Connect with Eugenia:Instagram: www.instagram.com/genias_gemsFacebook: Genia Lin Connect with Autism for Badass Moms:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:-Follow the podcast-Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform-Leave a review to help us reach more autism moms across the globe-Share this episode with a mom who needs to hear this

In this solo episode of 'Autism for Badass Moms', host Rashidah Cartwright explores the myriad challenges faced by mothers of children with autism, including the impact of social media, anxiety, and the mental load of parenting. She discusses the importance of community support, coping strategies for stress, and the ongoing journey of managing personal health and family dynamics. Rashidah emphasizes the need for self-care, grounding techniques, and finding moments of joy amidst the chaos, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.In this episode, Rashidah talks about:00:00 Introduction: A Solo Episode for Badass Moms01:25 The Current State of Our Lives04:31 Navigating Uncertainty and Anxiety10:14 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health16:20 Managing Personal and Family Challenges20:50 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Effects24:09 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care30:11 Coping Strategies for Stress and Anxiety39:05 Finding Community and Support46:04 Conclusion: Staying Fierce and TogetherIf this episode resonated with you:• Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on your favorite platform• Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community• Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstoodInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastTik Tok: autismforbadassmomsYouTube: autismforbadassmomsJoin us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.

In this episode of 'Autism for Badass Moms,' host Rashidahwelcomes Chantel, a resilient mother from Maryland, who shares her heartfelt journey of raising Mulan, her 7-year-old daughter diagnosed with autism. Chantel talks openly about the initial guilt and emotional struggles followingMulan's diagnosis, her advocacy efforts, and how she transformed her challenges into purpose, eventually embracing entrepreneurship. The conversation is apowerful reminder that acceptance of an autism diagnosis is a process and that resilience, coupled with the right support system, can lead to incredible personal growth and empowerment. Chantel's story is a source of hope and inspiration for other mothers navigating similar paths. In this episode, we talk about:00:00 Introduction to Autism for Badass Moms01:19 The Emotional Journey of Autism Diagnosis02:45 Meet Chantel: A Story of Resilience04:28 Chantel's Early Signs and Diagnosis Journey07:52 Navigating Guilt and Acceptance10:14 Finding Support and Community21:31 Balancing Work and Parenthood21:57 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins24:12 Therapy and Support Systems25:52 Becoming an Advocate29:16 Navigating Family Dynamics30:34 Advice for New Autism Moms33:21 Career Shift and Future Plans37:22 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude Connect with Chantel:Instagram: www.instagram.com/allthingsafm If this episode resonated with you:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastTik Tok: autismforbadassmomsYouTube: autismforbadassmomsJoin us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories andinsightful discussions that empower and uplift.

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidahwelcomes Meagan, a special education teacher and mother of an autistic daughter, to share her family's journey with neurodivergence. They discuss the importance of early autism diagnosis, Meagan's personal and professionalexperience navigating the educational system and how understanding her own neurodivergence has impacted her life. Meagan also talks about her nonprofit, Love Over Labels Advocacy, which focuses on IEP support, community outreach,and training law enforcement to better understand disabilities. This episode highlights the value of self-discovery, understanding neurodivergent traits, and fostering supportive communities for autistic individuals and their families. In this episode, we talk about:00:00 Introduction to Autism for Badass Moms00:43 Meet Megan: A Neurodivergent Mom's Journey01:25 Early Diagnosis and Family Realizations03:55 Navigating the Education System05:23 Challenges and Emotional Struggles07:03 The Importance of Community and Support08:57 Balancing Family Dynamics20:54 Advocacy and Nonprofit Work26:10 Innovative Teaching Approaches30:32 Challenges in Psychiatric Emergency Rooms31:30 Transformative Urgent Care Experience32:34 AAC Boards in Parks Initiative37:17 Love Over Labels: IEP Advocacy and Community Outreach38:32 Blue Envelope Program for Police Interactions44:49 Managing ADHD and Personal Well-being50:09 Encouragement for Moms Seeking Diagnosis55:21 Conclusion and Call to ActionConnect with Meagan:Website: Love Over Labels Advocacy | special needs advocacyInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/loveoverlabelsadvocacyhttps://www.instagram.com/meaganadvocates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/loveoverlabels Threads:https://www.threads.com/@loveoverlabelsadvocacy If this episode resonated with you:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastTik Tok: autismforbadassmomsYouTube: autismforbadassmoms