Ep. 137 – Let’s Talk About It: CPS, Meds, and the Truth Behind Closed Doors with R.S. Cole

In this powerful and deeply raw episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with R.S. Cole, a 40-year-old mother of four from Houston, whose journey through autism parenting has been anything but ordinary.

After her youngest son, J, was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old, R.S. quickly realized the harsh reality many families face — a system that often falls short. Instead of accepting it, she chose to become the change. Driven by love and necessity, she became a Behavioral Therapist, dedicating her life to supporting families who, like her, were navigating a lack of resources and support.

R.S. speaks with honesty and courage about the full spectrum of autism parenting — the structured, “good” days… and the incredibly difficult ones marked by defiance, destruction, medication side effects, and emotional exhaustion. Even now, as her son is 14, the fight for appropriate care and support continues.

Beyond her lived experience, R.S. has transformed her pain into purpose. As a Holistic Practitioner with multiple certifications, she is the founder of A Beautiful Mind — a nonprofit and private community created to be a beacon of hope for families navigating life after a neurodiversity diagnosis.

Her impact doesn't stop there.

R.S. is also:

`-Author of 14 books

-Creator of a transformative course blending Behavioral Therapy, Metaphysics, and Energetic Healing

-Currently in Clinical Admission for a renowned ABA therapy organization, using her voice and presence to push for meaningful change

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Badass Moms Welcome

00:40 Episode Topic CPS Trauma

02:25 Meet RS Cole

04:10 Dog Talk

05:54 Early Regression Signs

07:11 Therapy Daycare Wake Up

08:36 Home Support Breakthrough

11:47 Diagnosis Delays System Gaps

14:29 School Moves Behavior Escalation

21:24 Day Treatment COVID Homeschool

23:15 Medication Struggles Bestie Support

28:08 School Pressure Door Visit

31:05 CPS Well Check Shock

33:00 False Report Debunked

34:30 School Blocks Withdrawal

35:08 Truancy Threats Escalate

36:21 IEP Showdown With Backup

39:29 Homeschool Reset and SSDI Tip

41:03 ABA Aging Out and Texas Move

42:24 Family Rally and Community Support

45:19 Building NeuroSpirits Mission

48:49 Protocols and Holistic Tools

52:10 Caregiver Grief and Regulation

56:45 Know Your Rights Advice

01:00:26 Badass Wrap and Callouts

Connect with R.S. Cole:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/holisticministries

Website: www.holisticministries.org

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