Ep. 148 - Culture Shock: Raising an Autistic Child in a Caribbean Family with Kaylyn

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><p><br></p><p>0.00 Welcome &amp; introducing Kaylyn — from the Bronx to Florida</p><p>0:26 Kaylyn&#39;s background: Puerto Rican, Dominican &amp; her daughter&#39;s Jamaican heritage</p><p>1:18 Early signs she noticed — tippy-toeing, delayed milestones, limited verbal communication</p><p>2:01 Who first said &quot;autism&quot;? Kaylyn did — and why she already knew</p><p>2:40 Cultural pushback: &quot;She&#39;ll grow out of it&quot;</p><p>4:26 Getting the diagnosis — pushback from the pediatrician AND the preschool</p><p>10:02 Finding peace in the diagnosis and mourning the &quot;planned&quot; future</p><p>14:01 How Kaylyn&#39;s daughter is thriving today — speech, swimming, meditation</p><p>15:27 Running a &quot;tight ship&quot; when family babysits</p><p>20:13 Navigating insurance &amp; the out-of-pocket diagnosis — what moms need to know</p><p>22:37 Going back to school: psychology major, health insurance, and RBT certification</p><p>26:13 Kaylyn&#39;s vision: an autism wellness advocacy business</p><p>27:56 Self-care, a supportive partner, and guided meditation with her daughter</p><p>29:22 How to reach Kaylyn</p><p>29:42 Advice for moms struggling with family and cultural barriers</p><p>31:17 What makes Kaylyn a badass? Her voice</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Kaylyn:</p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/kayykulture._</p><p><br></p><p>Email: kaylynvega58@gmail.com</p><p><br></p><p>If this episode resonated with you:</p><p><br></p><p>-Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast</p><p><br></p><p>-Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community</p><p><br></p><p>-Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstood</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Us:</p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast</p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast</p>