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LISTEN ON
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to Autism for Badass Moms
Autism for Badass Moms is a global advocacy and storytelling platform founded by Rashidah Cartwright that is reshaping how autism motherhood is recognized, supported, and valued.
Built from lived experience and community leadership, the platform amplifies the voices of autism mothers as advocates, professionals, and changemakers—challenging narratives that focus solely on children while overlooking the well-being of the women raising them.
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
Autism for Badass Moms exists to amplify, support, and empower autism mothers by elevating their voices, honoring their lived experience, and advocating for systems that prioritize maternal well-being alongside child-centered care.
OUR VISION
We are building a world where:
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Autism mothers are unapologetically seen as leaders, advocates, and decision-makers shaping the autism community.
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Maternal well-being is non-negotiable, recognized as essential to the health, stability, and success of families.
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Systems of care, education, and advocacy are reimagined to include mothers’ voices, lived experiences, and expertise.
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Autism moms are empowered with access to community, resources, opportunities, and platforms that fuel sustainability, growth, and purpose.
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Recognition of autism mothers becomes the norm, honoring their lifelong impact locally, nationally, and globally.
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Autism motherhood is celebrated as strength, resilience, leadership, and legacy—not sacrifice alone.
About
Rashidah Cartwright
The Badass Autism Mom
Hey badass, I am so happy you’re here!
Rashidah Cartwright is the Founder and Owner of Autism for Badass Moms (ABM), a nationally recognized media, education, and advocacy platform empowering mothers raising children with autism and other neurodivergent needs.
With over 19 years of experience in mental health and substance use services, she brings clinical expertise and systems-level leadership to her work, alongside lived experience as a mother of four, including two children with autism.
Rashidah is an award-winning podcast host of the internationally streamed Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, recognized with a Webby nomination and the 2024 Signal Award for Most Inspirational Podcast. In 2025, she and her husband were named National Parents of the Year in the Parental Empowerment category, continuing her advocacy to amplify and strengthen the voices of autism moms nationwide.
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
OUR PARTNERS
