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

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