Ep. 126 - Who I Told - And Why Everyone Else Had to Wait with Kanisha

In this episode of 'Autism for Badass Moms,' host Rashidah welcomes Kanisha, a 40-year-old registered nurse in Houston and mom to five-year-old Zoë (diagnosed at 2.5, verbal with limited communication), shares her journey from early concerns and self-referral for evaluation to an ADOS-based diagnosis and the therapies that followed. She opens up about balancing full-time work, navigating limited support, starting full-day ABA, and witnessing Zoë’s significant progress.At the heart of the conversation is disclosure. Kanisha explains why she told only a small circle at first, choosing privacy over overwhelm and commentary. She reflects on finding community online and encourages moms to move at their own pace, trust their discernment, and protect their peace.In this episode, we talk about:00:00 Welcome to Autism for Badass Moms (Show Intro)00:46 Today’s Topic: Who Do You Tell First After an Autism Diagnosis?02:18 Meet Kisha & Zoe: A Diagnosis That Changed Everything04:42 Early Red Flags: 12–18 Months, Speech Concerns & Being Dismissed07:58 Two-Year Turning Point: Sensory Signs & Suspecting Autism11:22 The Daycare Wake-Up Call: Social Struggles & “Final Piece” Moment13:52 Taking Control: ECI, Child Find & Getting Evaluated Without Waiting16:45 Diagnosis & Insurance Hurdles: Fighting for Speech/OT Services20:03 School vs. Daycare Reality: When Half-Day Support Isn’t Enough21:44 Choosing ABA: Fear, First Days, and Finally Seeing Progress24:26 Breakthroughs & Reframing the Future: From Level 3 to New Milestones26:16 The Grief After Diagnosis: Mourning Dreams, Milestones, and the Unknown32:27 Who We Told (and Who We Didn’t): Processing the Diagnosis35:34 Grief, “What Ifs,” and Preparing for Every Outcome36:53 Protecting Your Child: Privacy, Boundaries, and Unwanted Advice38:56 Finding Your Tribe: Podcasts, Threads, and Support Groups That Get It44:14 Real-Life Logistics: Summer Break, Programs, and Working Full-Time47:36 Advice to New Autism Moms: Tell People at Your Own Pace51:48 What Makes Her Badass + Closing Reflections and How to Connect56:58 Final Takeaway: Discernment, Peace Over Pressure, and Guest Call-OutConnect with Kanisha:Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamanish20Resource shared:YouTube: confessionsofanautismmomIf 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/theabmpodcastYouTube: autismforbadassmoms