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WHO WE ARE
Welcome to Autism for Badass Moms
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- a powerful global movement and safe haven for mothers of children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Here, we unite to share our journeys, lift each other up, and champion one another through every triumph and challenge. This is more than a community - it's a worldwide sisterhood.
We Believe:
At Autism for Badass Moms, we know that real strength is built when we stand together.
We believe in the life-changing power of shared experiences and mutual support.
Our Mission
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CREATE A FEARLESS, JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE WHERE MOMS CAN SHARE THEIR RAW TRUTHS—THE VICTORIES, STRUGGLES, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.​
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BUILD A GLOBAL COMMUNITY THAT VALIDATES EACH CHALLENGE AND CELEBRATES EVERY HARD-EARNED WIN.
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EMPOWER MOTHERS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE, AND MENTAL WELL-BEING.
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INSPIRE OPEN CONVERSATIONS AND COLLECTIVE LEARNING TO NAVIGATE AUTISM MOTHERHOOD WITH COURAGE AND CLARITY.​
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CHAMPION SELF-LOVE, RADICAL ACCEPTANCE, AND THE POWER TO WRITE YOUR OWN STORY.
​​THIS ISN’T JUST A MISSION, IT’S A MOVEMENT. AND TOGETHER, WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE.
OUR VISION
To create a worldwide network where every autism mom—no matter where she lives—feels seen, supported, and empowered. We envision a global sisterhood that transcends borders, connecting mothers of children and young adults on the autism spectrum through mentorship, shared wisdom, and unwavering solidarity.
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Our vision is to be the go-to source of empowerment, guidance, and community for autism moms everywhere—offering the tools, encouragement, and emotional fuel they need to navigate this journey with confidence and hope. We aim to break the barriers of isolation, amplify our collective voice, and inspire lasting change in how the world sees and supports autism families.
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Because when autism moms unite, we don’t just change our own lives, we change the world.
About
Rashidah Cartwright
The Badass Autism Mom
Hey badass, I am so happy you’re here!
Hello, I'm Rashidah Cartwright, born and raised in New Jersey, a proud mother of four beautiful children, two of whom are living with autism. I'm a passionate professional who has served in the mental health and substance use field for 18 years. As a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor in NJ, I bring a unique perspective to the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with autism.
Walking the Autism Path
Being a mother to children with autism, especially when one also has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a complex journey filled with mixed emotions. I have wrestled with guilt, sadness, frustration, anger, and anxiety. The constant struggle for appropriate services in IEP meetings, dealing with medical providers, and navigating specialists has often led to anger and frustration.
Fears and Emotions
Like many autism moms, I've grappled with the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, judgment, and an uncertain future. Guilt often consumed me as I balanced multiple roles - being a mom, a wife, and working three jobs to provide for my family.
The profound sadness at not always understanding my child's needs due to their limited verbal communication was sometimes overwhelming.
Living with Loneliness
The daily challenges led to loneliness as friends struggled to comprehend my life's intricacies. It often felt like being in survival mode, waiting for the next shoe to drop, managing new behaviors, and grappling with aggression. The concept of "me time" was alien to me for the longest time, believing that self-care was selfish.
Triumph over Trials
But today, I am stronger and more empowered. While these emotions still bubble up occasionally, they no longer paralyze me. I learned to take control of my life and my emotions, metaphorically pressing "ctrl," "alt," and "del" on my emotional keyboard. My mantras are focusing on the present moment, realigning my perspective to positivity, and discarding negative thoughts.
Uniting with Hope
I found support in a sisterhood of other amazing mothers with similar experiences. These mothers gave me hope, an incredibly powerful tool that allowed me to persevere through life's challenges.
I've learned to discard the idea of perfection and embraced being a "good enough mom."
Rediscovering Strength and Self
Through this journey, I have come to appreciate my strength. I haven't merely survived; I've managed to keep my identity intact. I'm still Rashidah - the silly, quirky, untamed individual with a zest for life. I've learned to trust in my abilities and to believe in myself.
Passion and Perseverance
I serve as a clinician and supervisor at a non-profit agency while working in a Psychiatric Emergency Room. Despite the hurdles, I continue to pursue my passions with undiminished fervor. This journey has made me recognize my resilience and resolve to keep going.
Welcome to my world. It's a world filled with challenges but also immense joy, growth, and triumph. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Join me every week on the Autism for Badass Moms podcast, a space where you're not just a mom, but a person with needs, dreams, and desires.
This a space where your voice is heard, your struggles validated, and your needs are prioritized.
TESTIMONIALS
"I was fortunate enough to find your IG page while just scrolling through my feed a few weeks ago. I truly appreciate you choosing me as not only as your first “Highlight of the Month” but also for listening to my story!
Keep up the amazing work!.
Ameena
