Autism for Badass Moms

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah welcomes Brandy Stegall, a specialeducator and mother from Atlanta, Georgia, whose 8-year-old son, Jacob, has Down Syndrome, Autism, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare and complex form of epilepsy.From navigating unpredictable seizures and fighting formedical answers to advocating for dignity, access, and inclusion, Brandy shares the challenges, victories, and emotional realities of raising a child with complex needs.With honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Brandyemphasizes building community, advocating for both child and self, and creating a personal support “team” while giving moms permission to rest, seek help, and show grace. In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Meet Brandy04:36 What Is LGS06:09 Early Seizures and Diagnosis09:34 Autism Signs and Evaluation12:08 Managing Care as a Team14:46 Ketogenic Diet 19:42 Home Safety21:28 Hypervigilance and Self Care28:23 Finding LGS Community31:57 Medication Risks 36:31 Medication Side Effects38:38 Constant Second Guessing40:21 Milestones and Worries41:37 Living with LGS44:00 Career Change 47:29 Building a Support Village51:58 Advice for Autism Moms ABOUT OUR GUESTBrandy Stegall is a 50-year-old special educator, wife, and fierce autism advocate from Atlanta, Georgia. She and her husband of 14 years are raising their 8-year-old son, Jacob, who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Autism, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare and complex form of epilepsy.As both an educator and a mother navigating multiplediagnoses, Brandy is passionate about advocating for dignity, access, equity, and inclusion for children with disabilities. Her journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons in resilience, all approached with grit, humor, and unwavering determination. CONNECT WITH BRANDYInstagram: www.instagram.com/lillithnotbs Listen, Share & ConnectWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: @theabmpodcast   

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Teresa Martinez, a Latina mother of four fromNew Mexico, for an honest conversation about culture, motherhood, advocacy, and navigating the emotional complexities of raising autistic children.Raised in a large Mexican family in rural New Mexico, Teresagrew up surrounded by strong family connections and always dreamed of having a big family of her own. Today, she's raising four children, including her nine-year-old twin daughters, Gracie and Dani, who were diagnosed with autism at age three. She discusses differences between the twins, navigating large-family gatherings, single parenting and custody routines, self-care and health needs, and her desire to expand services and train educators in inclusive, trauma-informed approaches. In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Meet Teresa00:29 Twins and Diagnosis02:07 Early Signs and Regression03:59 COVID and School Plans07:09 Finding the Right Classroom10:22 Fourth Grade Breakthrough12:49 Twin Similarities Differences15:04 Big Family Reactions22:53 Comparisons and Advocacy27:22 Inclusive Sports Community29:18 Service Waitlists in NM32:00 Dream of Building Programs37:23 Choosing Kids Over Self38:09 Finding Time to Recharge38:55 Health Wake Up Call41:09 Custody and Routine Stability43:49 School Wins and Milestones46:18 Teaching Philosophy That Works55:15 Advice for Autism Moms  ABOUT OUR GUESTTeresa Martinez is a Latina mother of four, educator,and autism advocate from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Raised in a large Mexican family, Teresa's cultural roots and strong family values have shaped her journey through motherhood.As the mother of nine-year-old autistic twins, Gracie andDani, Teresa understands the challenges of navigating autism diagnoses, accessing services, and facing uncertainties about her children's future.With seven years of experience as an educator, Teresa ispassionate about inclusion, advocacy, and creating supportive environments where children of all abilities can thrive. Her journey reflects resilience, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to her children. CONNECT WITH TERESAInstagram: www.instagram.com/martinezt12 Listen, Share & ConnectWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: @theabmpodcast   

In this heartfelt episode of Autism for Badass Moms,host Rashidah Cartwright sits down with Essence “Essie C.” Myrick, a mother of three who opens up about the emotional journey following her youngest son Damair's autism diagnosis at just two years old.Essie shares how feelings of guilt, self-blame, anddepression led her to question whether she was a good mother. As she struggled to process the diagnosis, she found herself withdrawing from others and burying herself in work and motherhood, often neglecting her own emotional well-being.But through education, understanding, and learning torecognize her son's unique strengths, Essie began to see autism—and herself as a mother—through a different lens.What started as a journey filled with uncertainty eventuallybecame a mission of advocacy, representation, and community empowerment.From creating children's books that celebrate neurodiversityto co-founding a nonprofit supporting autism families, Essie is turning her personal experiences into opportunities for connection and inclusion. In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Meet Essence01:12 Early Signs Noticed03:34 Early Intervention Steps05:04 Guilt and Fear Spiral09:28 Diagnosis Day Story13:07 Harsh Prognosis Fallout14:59 Coping Through Research16:51 Keeping It Private17:48 Second Opinion Hope23:28 Power of Words24:38 Power of Self Talk25:50 Trust Their Signals26:38 Grace on Bad Days27:23 Building Mom Community31:22 Revamping Parent Council33:16 Royal Reigns Mission40:05 Advice for Autism Moms ABOUT OUT GUESTEssence “Essie C.” Myrick is a mother of three fromLinden, New Jersey, author, and passionate autism advocate. Inspired by raising her youngest son, Damair, she created the Syiah Family Adventures children's book series to promote inclusion, empathy, and neurodiversity awareness. As Co-Founder of Royal Reigns and Uniquely Us NJ, a nonprofit providing sensory-friendly resources, Essie is committed toempowering families, building community, and celebrating the uniqueness of every child. CONNECT WITH ESSENCEInstagram: www.instagram.com/essiemyrickofficial Website: syiahandsupremeadventures.square.siteInstagram: www.instagram.com/syiahandsupremeadventuresBusiness: Royal ReignsWebsite: royalreignsdesign.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/royalreignsstudio Whether you're navigating a new autism diagnosis, strugglingwith mom guilt, or learning to embrace your child's unique journey, this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, your child's differences deserve to be celebrated, and your motherhood journey is not defined by fear. Listen, Share & ConnectIf this episode resonates with you, share it with another autism mom, caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, or anyone who needs a deeper understanding of profound autism. Connect with us:Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: @theabmpodcast 

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Autism forBadass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Jillian Eisloeffel, autism advocate and founder of Bobby's World – Profound Autism Advocacy, for an honest conversation about the realities of raising a child with profound autism.Jillian shares her journey raising her 11-year-old son, Bob,who was diagnosed with autism at just one year old. With significant communication challenges and self-injurious behaviors, Bob requires an extraordinary level of care, supervision, and environmental support.From transforming her home into a safer environment tonavigating gaps in crisis intervention services, Jillian offers a raw look at the physical, emotional, and mental demands that many families experience behind closed doors.The conversation also explores the often overlookedexperiences of siblings, the impact of constant caregiving on a mother's nervous system, and the difficult but necessary conversations surrounding long-term care and planning for a child's future.This episode goes beyond autism awareness. It's about therealities families live every day, the systems that continue to fall short, and the urgent need to turn awareness into meaningful action. In this episode, we discuss:00:00 — Meet Jillian00:23 — Emergency C-section03:30 — Medical Complexities and PANS/PANDAS04:20 — Becoming Their Own Crisis Team08:22 — Head Banging Origins09:53 — Layered Communication Strategies10:38 — Advocating for PANS/PANDAS Diagnosis13:24 — Medication Journey15:47 — The Enema Story – Real Life25:34 — Marriage Dynamics29:21 — Why Families Need Trained Support32:00 — "You Can't Bubble-Bath Your Way Out of this Complex PTSD"32:50 — Nationwide Caregiver Database 36:38 — The Mall Model: Therapy, Businesses, and Housing Under One Roof38:01 — The "Care Force"41:03 — Hurricane Sandy and Finding Purpose43:20 — Advice for Autism Moms ABOUT OUR GUESTJillian Eisloeffel is a mother, autism advocate, andfounder of Bobby's World – Profound Autism Advocacy, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of families raising children with profound autism and complex support needs. Her advocacy is inspired by her 11-year-old son, Bob, who was diagnosed with autism at age one and is non-speaking withself-injurious behaviors. Jillian is passionate about ensuring that siblings are not automatically responsible for lifelong caregiving, and advocates for meaningful solutions that improve the lives of individuals with complex support needs and their families. Jillian's mission is to move conversations beyond awareness and toward real solutions, stronger resources, and meaningful systemic change. CONNECT WITH JILLIANFacebook: www.facebook.com/Bobbysworldprofoundautism/Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/jillianeisloeffel/Instagram: www.instagram.com/bobbysworldprofoundautism/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bobbysworldprofoundasdEmail: [email protected]: bobbysworldadvocacy.com Purchase on Amazon: Moments Between the Madness(devotional) and Comprehensive Care Guide for Your Loved One (printable binder)  Jillian’s Message to Autism Moms"Start something. I don't care if it's a little local support group or something worldwide online. Do something because it'll bebetter for your mental health. It'll be your safe space, and that's how change happens." "You're not alone. There are people that want to help. I want to help. Reach out to me." Listen, Share & ConnectIf this episode resonates with you, share it with anotherautism mom, caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, or anyone who needs a deeper understanding of profound autism. Connect with us:Website: www.autismforbadassmoms.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: @theabmpodcast   

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Gerri Tennyson—autism advocate, author, interior designer, and domestic abuse survivor—for a raw and deeply personal conversation about survival, motherhood, and reclaiming her life.As a mother of fraternal twins, including her son Dwight, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, Gerri spent 17 years navigating an abusive marriage while advocating for her son's educational needs.In this episode, Gerri opens up about the realities of domestic abuse that people often don't see, the challenges of raising children in an unhealthy environment, and the courage it took to leave and rebuild her life.She also reflects on the financial hardships she faced as a single mother, the impact of domestic violence on her children, and the lessons she learned about independence, self-worth, and finding her voice again.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 -  Meet Gerri0:51 -  Dwight’s Autism Diagnosis5:52 -  Regression in Language Development7:15 -  Sibling Bond9:17 -  Enduring Abuse in Her Marriage12:16 -  Living Through a “House of Horrors”13:54 -  Filing for divorce in 201014:28 -  Withholding Support for the Children15:04 - The Escape Plan16:44 -  Creating a Strong Support Network22:54 -  Father Stops Showing Up23:23 -  Dwight’s Improvement after Parent Separation24:54 -  Fighting the School System26:15 -  Letter to First Lady Laura Bush28:28 -  Life Rebuilt33:24 -  Dwight Today37:34 -  No Shame, Ask for Help42:47 -  The Reason I Breathe42:59 -  Building Her Business52:06 -  Advice for Autism MomsABOUT OUR GUESTGerri Tennyson is a mother of fraternal twins, Dwight and Taylor (now 28). She is the owner of Diamond in the Rough Designs (an interior decorating and staging business), and the author of the memoir; The Reason I Breathe; (published August 2024). She is also working on her second book. Gerri has been a fierce autism advocate for over two decades, helping counsel families navigate resources, and she shares her story to give hope to others.CONNECT WITH GERRIGerri Tennyson, The Reason I Breathe: My Journey with Autism Against All OddsPurchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0blrrp7lPurchase on Barnes Noble: The Reason I Breathe | Barnes & Noble®Interior Design Business: Diamond in the Rough DesignsInstagram: www.instagram.com/DITR_DesignTikTok: Autism Big MamaGerri’s Message to Autism Moms1. Reach out to someone you trust — your church, a neighbor, a friend. Yoursupport system doesn’t have to be blood related.2. Make a plan — it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Take the time to prepare butalways prioritize your safety.3. “Squirrel” away resources — set aside small amounts of money wherever youcan.4. Know that staying for the kids isn’t protecting them — children see, hear,and feel what’s happening, even when you think they don’t.5. Believe in yourself — the life on the other side of leaving is so much better,even when the lean years are hard.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available:National Domestic Violence Hotline:-For free, confidential support 24/7, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.-Begin building a support network by contacting a local church, community organization, or trusted neighbor.-If you are in immediate danger, call 911.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 someone you know would benefit from this episodeWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sits down with Maria DeVoe, a Baltimore native now living in Atlanta and mom to two teenagers on the autism spectrum—Princess Brianna, who is turning 17, and Robert Jr., 14.Maria opens up about a journey that began nearly two decades ago, when autism awareness, resources, and conversations looked very different than they do today.Maria speaks candidly about the parts of autism motherhood people often don't see—the sleepless nights, meltdowns, isolation, constant worry, hypervigilance, changing medical providers when something doesn’t feel right, and the reality that even something as simple as taking a shower or finding someone you trust to watch your child can become complicated.She also talks about balancing motherhood with work and entrepreneurship, finding small ways to decompress, building CMD Marketing Enterprises/CMD Design Lab, and working to reboot her son’s show. Through it all, Maria reminds autism moms that strength does not mean pretending everything is easy.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 – Meet Maria00:16 – Princess Early Signs01:46 – Diagnosis During Pregnancy02:28 – Finding Services05:05 – School Struggles Begin08:05 – Advocacy with Receipts11:00 – Two Kids Two Profiles12:46 – RJ Diagnosis and Supports17:37 – What People Don’t See22:16 – Finding Joy and Self Care24:12 – Building Her Business27:10 – Advice for Autism MomsABOUT OUR GUESTMaria DeVoe is a mother, entrepreneur, and autism advocate originally from Baltimore and now based in Atlanta. She is raising two teenagers on the autism spectrum, Princess Brianna and Robert Jr., and has spent years navigating therapies, school systems, medical care, and the everyday realities of autism motherhood.Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy, documentation, and ensuring her children receive the support they need to thrive. Outside of motherhood, Maria is also the founder of CMD Marketing Enterprises/CMD Design Lab, where she channels her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into her work.CONNECT WITH MARIAWebsite: www.cmddesignlab.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/mariadevoe_Maria’s Message to Autism MomsYou don't have to pretend you have everything together. You can be tired. You can be frustrated. You can be scared. You can need help. It is okay to not be okay. Seek support. Ask for grace. Protect your peace. Trust yourself enough to speak up when something doesn't feel right—and keep showing up for your children without forgetting that you matter, too. Because sometimes the moms who make it look easy are carrying more than anyone realizes.Autism for Badass Moms celebrates the fierce, determined, and courageous mothers raising children on the autism spectrum while creating space for the conversations about autism motherhood that are too often left unsaid.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 misunderstoodWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Andrea Jordan, a Chicago-area mom of three whose 8-year-old daughter, Zuri, was diagnosed with Level 3 autism shortly before turning three. Andrea opens up about receiving Zuri’s diagnosis during an already difficult chapter in her marriage, the loneliness she experienced, and what life has looked like since her divorce. She shares the realities of parallel parenting, advocating for services when both parents are not always on the same page, and carrying the weight of appointments, school needs, insurance battles, and major decisions.She also shares one of her greatest sources of comfort: knowing that Zuri has two older brothers who love her fiercely and can help advocate for her when she cannot advocate for herself.Two years after her divorce, Andrea is still rebuilding—balancing motherhood, a 13-year career with the VA, family, friendships, fitness, healing, and the dreams she still wants to pursue.In this episode, we discuss:1.0 – Meet Andrea1:04 – Early Signs of Autism2:04 – Autism Research2:29 – Early Intervention3:10 – Denial3:49 – Emotional Impact4:38 – He Wants a Divorce5:41 – Beginning Therapy9:56 – The Turning Point10:14 – Marriage Retreat & Final Realization10:44 – Filing for Divorce11:25 – Parallel Parenting11:46 – 50/50 Custody15:27 – Attempts at Co-Parenting17:44 – Involving Children in Conflict21:15 – Back to Court29:31 – Gym as a Mental Escape35:45 – Advice for MomsABOUT OUR GUESTAndrea Jordan is a poet. She is currently working on a book that incorporates her poetry that was written during her marriage and divorce. Andrea is passionate about helping other moms understand that choosing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential. Her message is rooted in faith over fear, self- advocacy, and the belief that the most important promise you can keep is the one you make to yourself.CONNECT WITH ANDREAInstagram: www.instagram.com/drea_delenaFacebook: Andrea JordanTikTok: drea_delenaLinkedIn: Andrea JordanIf 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 misunderstoodWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, and autism mom Chastity Hankins for an honest conversation about what happens when the demands of the entertainment and beauty industries collide with the realities of raising a child with autism.Chastity shares her journey from noticing early signs in her son Kobe, through the diagnosis process, and into building her business Bombshell Beautii — all while managing therapy schedules, industry travel, and her own mental health.Chastity shares how she turned survival mode into a blueprint, how pattern recognition keeps her business running, and why she credits her son with choosing her as his mother.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 - Meet Chastity1:23 - Noticing the Signs2:29 - Gaslit3:01 - Early Intervention4:35 - Getting the Diagnosis5:24 - Processing the Diagnosis6:41 - Finding Purpose in the Journey8:27 - Family Reaction10:47 - Family Dynamics12:46 - Sibling Bond14:37 - Balancing Business and Motherhood17:39 - Industry Demands21:00 - Time Management22:50 - Torn Between Kids and Career24:10 - Divine Purpose27:19 - Getting Your Pink Back29:08 - The Breaking Point30:23 - Building Bombshell Beautii32:55 - Elopement, Safety and Free Resources34:54 - Finding Community38:26 - Self-Care40:55 - Contact Chastity43:48 - Advice for Moms48:13 - What Makes Chastity BadassABOUT OUR GUESTChastity Hankins is a self-taught hairstylist, entrepreneur, and autism advocate based in Virginia Beach, VA. She is the founder of Bombshell Beautii, offering hair extensions, wigs, and styling services. Her work has been featured on reality television productions, and she is currently expanding into brick-and-mortar beauty supply stores along the East and West Coasts.CONNECT with CHASTITYWebsite: www.bombshellbeautii.comInstagram: Instagram.com/bombshellbeautii (business) | Instagram.com/blackbarbiebombshellFacebook: Chastity Hankins / Bombshell BeautiiKnow a mom who's juggling it all? A fellow autism parent? Someone building a business while raising kids? Send this their way — one conversation can change a trajectory.New episodes every Tuesday.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 misunderstoodWebsite: www.autismforbadassmoms.comFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with Lekana Williams, a wife and mother of two sons, ages 26 and 14. Her eldest son received his autism diagnosis at 23, while her youngest was diagnosed at 11.Lekana opens up about raising two sons with very different autism journeys and the unique challenges of navigating diagnosis, motherhood, and acceptance through the lens of her African American community.Together, Rashidah and Lekana discuss the silence and stigma that can exist around autism in Black families, the expectations parents may have for their children before diagnosis, and the importance of creating space for honest conversations across generations.Lekana also shares how she learned to embrace her sons’ individuality, find gratitude in their journey, and encourage them to be proud of exactly who they are.In this episode, we discuss:0:00 — Meet Lekana1:00 — Oldest son and early signs5:11 — Processing guilt and grief10:26 — Meltdowns, work struggles, and getting an adult evaluation14:12 — Community denial and fear of stigma17:37 — Youngest son's ADHD and Autism diagnosis story20:02 — Incident at school26:42 — School supports, IEPs, and bullying30:11 — Connecting with each son emotionally34:09 — African American community and mental health43:26 — Relief through son's therapy sessions45:17 — Career as a hairstylist and model49:39 — Advice for moms afraid of stigma54:33 — What makes Lekana badassConnect with Lekana:Instagram: Instagram.com/LekanaWillModeling inquiries: [email protected] 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 misunderstoodFollow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook .com/theabmpodcast

This week on Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah sitsdown with Erin S. L. Jackson for a powerful conversation about autism motherhood, domestic violence, survival, education, and what it takes to rebuild your life when walking away feels impossible.Erin opens up about something many women experience but may be afraid to say out loud: sometimes leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out the door.Financial dependence, childcare challenges, missed work,isolation, fear, and the responsibility of raising a child with additional needs can make leaving feel impossible.Erin shares how public assistance programs helped providesome of the financial security she needed to begin separating herself from her abuser — and how higher education eventually became another part of her pathtoward freedom. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 – Meet Erin0:54 – Pregnant during COVID2:53 – Her son's RSV hospitalization 4:26 – Developmental regression6:22 – Getting the autism diagnosis8:12 – How the diagnosis shifted the relationship12:06 – Using ChatGPT to cope 12:57 – Building the escape plan23:51 – The car accident that changed everything25:21 – Police escort 26:32 – Co-parenting and contact today32:37 – Mental health and suicidal thoughts33:32 – Finishing her master's in social work34:29 – The Title IV fellowship42:44 – Where to find Erin 43:54 – Advice for moms still stuck 46:22 – What makes Erin badass Connect with Erin:Facebook: Erin JacksonInstagram: Instagram.com/ hopez__Dreams If this episode resonated with you: -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast-Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity-Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood Follow Us:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast A Note to Our ListenersThis episode contains conversations about domesticviolence, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care.Abuse does not always look like physical violence.It can include controlling money, interfering withemployment, isolating someone from family and friends, intimidation, manipulation, threats, emotional abuse, coercive control, and other behaviors designed to maintain power over another person.If something discussed in this episode feels familiar,please know that help and confidential support are available.You do not have to navigate abuse alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domesticviolence, please reach out to a trusted person or a domestic violence organization. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.