In this episode, Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon speaks with Michelle Steiner, who shares her personal journey of living with learning disabilities from childhood to adulthood.

Michelle discusses the challenges she faced in school, the importance of supportive adults, and how she found her voice through writing.

The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding, acceptance, and advocacy for children with learning disabilities, as well as the role of parents and educators in fostering resilience and confidence in these children.

Takeaways:

• Understanding a child's perspective is crucial for parents.
• Early diagnosis and support can significantly impact a child's development.
• Building confidence through acceptance is essential for children with disabilities.
• Advocacy is key in navigating educational challenges.
• Positive reinforcement helps children recognize their strengths.
• Representation matters; children need to see others like them succeed.
• Parents should be open about their struggles to foster understanding.
• Success can come in unexpected forms; it's important to redefine it.
• Supportive adults can make a significant difference in a child's life.
• Encouraging self-advocacy in children prepares them for the future.

Keywords:

learning disabilities, child development, parental support, education, resilience, advocacy, acceptance, empowerment, representation, communitysummary About our guest

Michelle Steiner is a writer, speaker photographer, and para educator. She was diagnosed with a learning disability, which is an invisible disability, in kindergarten. From the start many people have told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published or have the job she wanted. She has been able to do all of that and more.

Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in Community Programing. She has articles published on The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Her photographs were featured in Word Gathering Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats. Connect with Michelle here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200

Michelle's Website, with her blog, photos, and more: www.mrsmichellesmission.com About the podcast host

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a special needs parent and coach to parents, a podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to make special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported.

Get her Amazon bestselling book, Lighting the Path, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/lightingthepath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find Marcia on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney

Join the FREE Lighting the Path Community for Special Needs Parents at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jG6JEHafR3TWTyqG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠