EPISODE · Jun 2, 2026 · 41 MIN
Ep. 141 - Finding My Footing in a World I Never Planned to Enter with Quanisha
from Autism for Badass Moms · host Rashidah Cartwright
In this episode of the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, host Rashidah sits down with Maryland autism mom and advocate Quanisha Mitchell to discuss her family's journey to an autism diagnosis and everything that came after.Quanisha shares how her son, Amir, was initially diagnosed with a speech delay and sensory processing disorder before receiving an autism diagnosis in October 2025. She opens up about the challenges that intensified when Amir entered kindergarten, including elopement, frequent meltdowns, behavioral concerns, and the constant calls from school that ultimately led her to make the difficult decision to leave her career in cardiology and begin homeschooling.Together, Rashidah and Quanisha discuss the emotional complexities of receiving a diagnosis, navigating long waitlists for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA, and managing the isolation that can come when family members don't fully understand your child's needs. Quanisha also speaks candidly about sleep regression, community outings, self-care, and the mental load many autism moms carry behind the scenes.Beyond advocacy for her own son, Quanisha has transformed her experience into purpose. She shares the inspiration behind Mom and Me Story Co., where she creates autism-friendly books and sensory tools for families, as well as her Autism Inclusion Initiative nonprofit, dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:43 After the Diagnosis02:01 Meet Quanisha Mitchell04:40 Early Signs Dismissed05:12 Kindergarten Crisis09:45 Mixed Diagnosis Emotions10:36 Community Outings Meltdowns12:01 Family Reactions Support14:08 Daily Struggles Sleep15:56 Homeschooling New Rhythm17:27 Leaving Work Reality19:42 Homeschool Resources22:08 Self Care Sleep Tips23:38 Building Online Village23:44 Finding Your Village25:34 Speaking Up Online26:38 Waitlists and Early Help29:15 Where to Connect29:57 Sensory Printables and Books32:58 Nonprofit and Community Events33:58 Advice for New Moms36:14 Badass Advocate Mindset37:50 Small Wins and Sleep Tips40:52 Final Signoff and Guest CallConnect with Quanisha:Learn more about Mom and Me Story Co., her Autism Inclusion Initiative, and the resources she is creating for autism families.Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealquanisha_Facebook: TheautisminclusioninitiativeTik Tok: ajourneywithamirCheck out Quanisha’s Books:Kai and the Magic Headphones https://a.co/d/017ZsHJNWhat the Animals Love Sensory: Children’s Coloring Bookhttps://a.co/d/09ej7FvRIf 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 thisInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast
What this episode covers
In this episode of the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, host Rashidah sits down with Maryland autism mom and advocate Quanisha Mitchell to discuss her family's journey to an autism diagnosis and everything that came after.Quanisha shares how her son, Amir, was initially diagnosed with a speech delay and sensory processing disorder before receiving an autism diagnosis in October 2025. She opens up about the challenges that intensified when Amir entered kindergarten, including elopement, frequent meltdowns, behavioral concerns, and the constant calls from school that ultimately led her to make the difficult decision to leave her career in cardiology and begin homeschooling.Together, Rashidah and Quanisha discuss the emotional complexities of receiving a diagnosis, navigating long waitlists for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA, and managing the isolation that can come when family members don't fully understand your child's needs. Quanisha also speaks candidly about sleep regression, community outings, self-care, and the mental load many autism moms carry behind the scenes.Beyond advocacy for her own son, Quanisha has transformed her experience into purpose. She shares the inspiration behind Mom and Me Story Co., where she creates autism-friendly books and sensory tools for families, as well as her Autism Inclusion Initiative nonprofit, dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:43 After the Diagnosis02:01 Meet Quanisha Mitchell04:40 Early Signs Dismissed05:12 Kindergarten Crisis09:45 Mixed Diagnosis Emotions10:36 Community Outings Meltdowns12:01 Family Reactions Support14:08 Daily Struggles Sleep15:56 Homeschooling New Rhythm17:27 Leaving Work Reality19:42 Homeschool Resources22:08 Self Care Sleep Tips23:38 Building Online Village23:44 Finding Your Village25:34 Speaking Up Online26:38 Waitlists and Early Help29:15 Where to Connect29:57 Sensory Printables and Books32:58 Nonprofit and Community Events33:58 Advice for New Moms36:14 Badass Advocate Mindset37:50 Small Wins and Sleep Tips40:52 Final Signoff and Guest CallConnect with Quanisha:Learn more about Mom and Me Story Co., her Autism Inclusion Initiative, and the resources she is creating for autism families.Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealquanisha_Facebook: TheautisminclusioninitiativeTik Tok: ajourneywithamirCheck out Quanisha’s Books:Kai and the Magic Headphones https://a.co/d/017ZsHJNWhat the Animals Love Sensory: Children’s Coloring Bookhttps://a.co/d/09ej7FvRIf 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 thisInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast
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Ep. 141 - Finding My Footing in a World I Never Planned to Enter with Quanisha
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