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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 CEO of Autism for Badass Moms, a nationally and internationally recognized media, education, and advocacy platform dedicated to empowering mothers raising children with autism and other neurodivergent needs.
With more than 19 years of professional experience in the mental health and substance use disorder field, Rashidah brings extensive clinical knowledge and systems-level leadership to her work. She currently serves in a senior leadership role at CPC Integrated Health, overseeing adult crisis behavioral health services and community-based crisis response, supporting individuals and families during moments of acute vulnerability.
Rashidah is an award-winning podcast host and media personality, leading the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast, an internationally streamed platform amplifying lived experience, resilience, and advocacy. Her work has earned national and international recognition, including a Webby Award nomination and a Signal Award win for excellence in impactful storytelling. She has also made history as the host and creator of the first International Global Autism Mom Awards, celebrating autism mothers worldwide for their leadership, advocacy, and resilience.
Her work and leadership have been featured in prominent publications including Women Who Podcast Magazine, Becoming Her Magazine, and Magnate View Magazine, where she was named one of the “Top 5 Pioneering Leaders Shaping the Future in 2025.” Rashidah has also been recognized globally, receiving the Canadian Global Award for Top 20 Community Hero in 2025, and being featured on Humble Beginning Stories, a Canadian media platform highlighting changemakers making global impact.
In recognition of her advocacy and leadership, Rashidah has received the HerStory Award from the Women’s Federation for World Peace of New Jersey, the 2025 National Parents of the Year Award for Parental Empowerment presented by Universal Peace Federation USA and was formally presented with an award by Congressman Christopher Smith of New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District.
As a mother of four, including two children diagnosed with autism—one with co-occurring ADHD and another with an eye impairment—Rashidah founded Autism for Badass Moms from lived experience. Navigating complex educational, healthcare, and social service systems firsthand, she identified a critical gap: the need for spaces that not only validate the emotional realities of autism motherhood, but also equip women with practical tools, confidence, and leadership skills.
Through her work, Rashidah Cartwright has transformed lived experience into systemic advocacy, community empowerment, and international impact, ensuring that autism mothers are not only seen—but heard, supported, and celebrated.
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
