In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kaylyn Vega — a Puerto Rican-Dominican mom from the Bronx, now raising her four-year-old autistic daughter in Florida alongside her Jamaican husband. Kaylyn opens up about spotting the early signs of autism, pushing back against family denial rooted in cultural stigma, navigating a resistant pediatrician, and ultimately becoming a fierce advocate for her daughter and other families on the same journey. Her story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring.
In this episode, we discuss:
0.00 Welcome & introducing Kaylyn — from the Bronx to Florida
0:26 Kaylyn's background: Puerto Rican, Dominican & her daughter's Jamaican heritage
1:18 Early signs she noticed — tippy-toeing, delayed milestones, limited verbal communication
2:01 Who first said "autism"? Kaylyn did — and why she already knew
2:40 Cultural pushback: "She'll grow out of it"
4:26 Getting the diagnosis — pushback from the pediatrician AND the preschool
10:02 Finding peace in the diagnosis and mourning the "planned" future
14:01 How Kaylyn's daughter is thriving today — speech, swimming, meditation
15:27 Running a "tight ship" when family babysits
20:13 Navigating insurance & the out-of-pocket diagnosis — what moms need to know
22:37 Going back to school: psychology major, health insurance, and RBT certification
26:13 Kaylyn's vision: an autism wellness advocacy business
27:56 Self-care, a supportive partner, and guided meditation with her daughter
29:22 How to reach Kaylyn
29:42 Advice for moms struggling with family and cultural barriers
31:17 What makes Kaylyn a badass? Her voice
Connect with Kaylyn:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kayykulture._
Email: kaylynvega58@gmail.com
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