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 Welcome
00:43 After the Diagnosis
02:01 Meet Quanisha Mitchell
04:40 Early Signs Dismissed
05:12 Kindergarten Crisis
09:45 Mixed Diagnosis Emotions
10:36 Community Outings Meltdowns
12:01 Family Reactions Support
14:08 Daily Struggles Sleep
15:56 Homeschooling New Rhythm
17:27 Leaving Work Reality
19:42 Homeschool Resources
22:08 Self Care Sleep Tips
23:38 Building Online Village
23:44 Finding Your Village
25:34 Speaking Up Online
26:38 Waitlists and Early Help
29:15 Where to Connect
29:57 Sensory Printables and Books
32:58 Nonprofit and Community Events
33:58 Advice for New Moms
36:14 Badass Advocate Mindset
37:50 Small Wins and Sleep Tips
40:52 Final Signoff and Guest Call
Connect 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: Theautisminclusioninitiative
Tik Tok: ajourneywithamir
Check out Quanisha’s Books:
Kai and the Magic Headphones
https://a.co/d/017ZsHJN
What the Animals Love Sensory: Children’s Coloring Book
https://a.co/d/09ej7FvR
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