In this episode, Samantha Wittenberg discusses the vital role of empathy in the lives of special needs parents. She shares her personal journey, the challenges faced, and the importance of emotional processing and resilience.

The discussion explores the need for clear communication,understanding neurodivergence, and the power of naming feelings to foster healing and connection. Samantha also provides practical advice for parents on how to seek support and build a community around them.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Empathy in Special Needs Parenting

04:32 Samantha's Journey: From Lawyer to Advocate

07:48 Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact

10:51 The Role of Community and Support

13:38 Empathy as a Tool for Healing

16:38 Naming Feelings and Processing Emotions

19:44 The Power of Requests vs. Demands

22:34 Building Emotional Resilience

25:44 Connecting with Needs for Better Communication

28:54 Finding Your Emotional Vocabulary

31:56 Empathy in Action: Practical Steps for Parents

34:33 Final Thoughts and Advice for Special Needs Parents

About the podcast guest:

Samantha Wittenberg’s coaching and speaking business supports parents and carers of special needs children. Her journey began when her teenage child’s sudden aggression and possessiveness led her to understand Autism and its challenges.

Samantha empowers parents, who are often navigating constant crises, to break free from self-limiting beliefs and create a life of purpose. Using a blend of somatic practices, empathy, and mindset coaching, Samantha guides her clients toward rediscovering their authentic selves, creating lives filled with strength, connection, and abundance.

Reach out to Samantha on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/misty.mountain.96558/

Book your free Clarity and Connection Call with her here: https://tidycal.com/samanthawittenberg/clarityconnection

About the podcast host:

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a speaker, coach, special needs parent, podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to help special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported. Please subscribe, and send in your requests about topics you'd like the podcast to address.

Get your free copy of Marcia’s Trigger Mapping Worksheethere, to help you recognize patterns that lead to your child’s meltdowns, and develop approaches that could calm the storm: https://marcianb.com/free-trigger-mapping-worksheet-org/

Join the Special Needs Parent Space (her free community,including many supportive resources) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsparentspace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠