Navigating Motherhood: Insights from a Mom Raising a Son with Autism
About this episode
Dr. Richelle Whittaker interviews Toya about her experiences raising a son with autism and the challenges of special needs parenting.
On this episode, Dr. Richelle Whittaker sits down with Toya, a mother of five, school psychologist, and fierce parent advocate, to share her journey navigating motherhood with a child on the autism spectrum . They discuss the unique challenges of neurodiversity , highlighting the importance of community, early intervention , and Black maternal mental health . Main topics covered: Toya’s transition from parent to school psychologist through her son’s diagnosis. The emotional journey of the evaluation process and securing an IEP . How special needs parenting differs from neurotypical parenting. Navigating racial disparities and cultural biases in the healthcare and school systems. Managing caregiver burnout through self-grace, mental health support, and vulnerability. Practical strategies for balancing ABA/OT therapy appointments , school, and a large family. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Toya and her motherhood journey 01:07 - Toya’s background as a school psychologist and mother of five 02:02 - The birth of Jackson and early developmental concerns 03:12 - Recognizing signs of autism and navigating evaluation process 04:47 - The emotional experience of diagnosis and support…
More episodes of Raising Sons with Dr. Richelle Whittaker
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- How to Maintain Your Mental Health: A Daily Plan for Busy Moms Raising Sons
- What I Wish I Knew: Real Talk on Raising a Son with ADHD
- Stop Rescuing Your Son: How to Raise Independent Men Without Enabling Them
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- How to Handle Your Son’s Anger Before He Gets Stronger Than You
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