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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