In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Stephanie Williams, engaging in conversation that dives into the reality of parenting multiple children with autism. Stephanie Williams is a 38-Year-Old social work professional, entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Fostering ConNeEXTions Inc.
Stephanie is a single mom raising three sons, ages 15, 13, and 11-all on the autism spectrum. Her journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and purpose.
She shares how her oldest son experienced early regression, leading her to fight for answers, diagnosis, and services. Her middle son's early aggression and his transformation into academic success. and her youngest son's later diagnosis and use of 504 accommodations. With limited support, Stephanie had to teach herself how to navigate systems-including learning to drive just to access specialists.
Stephanie speaks candidly about faith, alignment, and resilience-and how she turned pain into purpose through her nonprofit and entrepreneurial platforms.
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Badass Moms Welcome
01:03 Parenting Multiple Autistic Kids
02:01 Meet Stephanie Williams
04:45 JJ Early Signs and Diagnosis
09:14 Pushing For Answers and Services
11:12 Learning To Drive For Care
13:59 Trauma Safety and Support
17:57 Advocacy as a Legacy
19:18 Raj Teen Years and Growth
22:53 Meltdowns Elopement and Finding Help
29:25 School IEP Battles and Wins
32:19 Introducing the Youngest
32:27 Texas Move Miracle
34:32 Youngest Diagnosis Talk
36:59 504 Plan Breakthrough
39:47 Honor Roll Advocacy
43:44 Writing Autism Story
46:56 Pain to Purpose
49:52 Fostering ConNEXTions Mission
53:06 Alignment Over Balance
54:32 Find Her Online
57:29 Merch with a Message
59:30 Advice for Moms
01:02:28 Audacity Mic Drop
01:03:19 Final Wrap and Guest Call
Connect with Stephanie:
Be sure to follow and stay connected.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniespeakspurpose
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fosteringconnextions
Tik Tok: Steph.Speaks
Substack: stephaniespeakspurpose.substack.com
Virtual Support Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GT1e8H3GSVD31GpfdPt7kL?mode=gi_t
Make sure to check out her Merch: www.destinedtoconquer.com
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