This episode’s conversation with guest, Laura Escayg, focuses on what special needs parents may be challenged by and how they can feel more supported and cope better with the heaviness they may be experiencing as a special needs parent.

Laura also shares about some events experienced in her own and her son, Isaiah's life. Marcia shares some from hers and her daughter, Emma's as well.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Escayg and Her Journey

02:47 The Birth of Disability Activism

05:27 Founding Cause and Effect

07:47 Media and INtersetionality in Disability Advocacy

12:21 Personal Reflections on Motherhood and Activism

14:56 The Shift in Perspective as a Parent

17:08 The Importance of Storytelling

19:51 The Impact of Loss of Expectations

22:16 Isaiah's Journey and Challenges

24:32 The Power of Empathy and Community

42:55 Navigating the Diagnosis Journey

44:16 Isaiah's Progress and Family Dynamics

48:59 The Emotional Landscape of Parenting Special Needs

01:02:56 Advice for New and Experienced Parents

01:07:55 Exploring the Spiritual Journey of Caregiving

About our guest

Laura Escayg is a singer/songwriter and disability activist who released her first album twenty years ago to audiences in the region and Europe. After the birth of her son, Isaiah, who is severely intellectually challenged, she made the choice to give up her pursuit of her music career to meet his needs and was thrust into the world of disability activism. She is the co-founder of two NGOs, CKFTO and Cause An Effect.

Alongside her husband Francis and their three children, she has poured her talents as an artist, writer and performer into Cause An Effect, and set out to create stories that humanize people with disabilities and celebrate their right to live their best life.

Their website link: ⁠www.causeaneffect.co⁠

Their social media pages:

⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/1WEuAD1yHz/⁠

⁠https://youtu.be/E3Ri8PK6QWg?si=g19KBg_tv6HVNeEz⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/causeaneffectorg?igsh=MXh2NW05cGFiZmRibQ==⁠

About the podcast host

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a speaker, coach, and special needs parent, 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

(* See Content Warning at end)

Stress has a profound impact on eating disorders, including in the context of special needs parenting. Stressors may come from others' heavy expectations, our own judgments, and our life situation. Food may play a part in how we manage that stress. Sometimes, it's by choice and sometimes it may not be so much in our control. In this episode, Sammie Lee shares her personal journey of endurance and recovery through eating disorders (ED), emphasizing the importance of self-love, forgiveness, and the need for better communication between parents and children.

Sammie and Marcia explore the complexities of eating disorders, the role of emotional trauma, and the necessity of building awareness and understanding in order to foster healthier relationships with food and oneself. It's an episode that will change lives for some of our audience, so please share if you know others who need some support. Chapters

00:00The Impact of Stress on Eating Disorders

03:57Sammie's Journey Through Eating Disorders

06:36The Role of Support in Recovery

09:04Understanding Forgiveness and Self-Love

12:12The Complexity of Eating Disorders

14:41Recognizing Signs of Eating Disorders

17:20The Importance of Communication in Prevention

19:59Generational Trauma and Eating Disorders

32:27The Impact of Eating Disorders on Family Dynamics

36:56Finding Time for Self-Care as a Parent

43:02Understanding Stress and Its Effects on Eating Habits

46:25Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

53:58The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Forgiveness

01:03:47The Power of Connection and Support in Healing

Keywords

eating disorders, special needs parenting, mental health, recovery, forgiveness, self-love, communication, awareness, stress management, body image

About our guest

Sammie Lee is a dedicated eating disorder specialist and coach, guiding individuals and families toward healing and recovery with a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed and holistic approach. Sammie's free workbook, to develop a stronger relationship with yourself/your body is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MWqxFU1Zxpk7OFiA-zRAzYRRsuQPBoGV/view?usp=drive_link

Follow Sammie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammie.lee.71

Sammie's Support group "BE ED FREE~ PARENTS EDITION" is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/3Yhg9dL6K7fQFJ3R/?mibextid=lOuIew

About the podcast host

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a speaker, coach, and special needs parent, 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

CONTENT WARNING: This episode of the Special Needs Parent Podcast explores challenging emotional and mental themes, mentions sexual assault and includes a few swear words that can be challenging for listeners. It may be a lot to take in, so if you need to take a break a tough part, please take a breather, and then come back in.

In this interview, Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon speaks with Mary Bostwick, a wellness entrepreneur and special needs parent to a 13-year old daughter. She shares about the importance of a solution mindset, self-care, and building community support for parents of special needs children.

Mary shares her personal journey, including the challenges she faces as a single parent and the significance of open communication with her daughter.

They also explore the concept of neurodiversity and the role of breath work in managing stress. Mary emphasizes the need for a supportive environment and the creation of her wellness center, Rebel Flow Wellness, as a safe space for families.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Mary Bostwick's Journey

03:25Embracing a Solution Mindset

10:03The Importance of Self-Care

20:06Navigating Single Parenthood with Special Needs

27:33Building Community and Support Networks

35:27Understanding Neurodiversity and Emotional Responses

42:15The Vision for Rebel Flow Wellness

Keywords: special needs, parenting, wellness, solution mindset, self-care, community support, neurodiversity, breath work, mental health, Rebel Flow Wellness

About our guest

Mary Bostwick is the CEO and founder of Rebel Flow Wellness, and has a background in education. In addition, she is a single parent to a 13 yer-old daughter with special needs. All of her parenting, educational, and business experience combine to make her a heart-centred and effective supporter to the special needs community and others facing challenges.

Rebel Flow Wellness is located in New Jersey, and offers in-person office sessions, home sessions as well as online sessions focused on personal as well as family support, and coaching sessions.

Special request: Mary would love to receive your messages with suggestions and insights about the services you'd like to see at her wellness centre. Connect with Mary here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelflowwellness_cheerbreath

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryDBostwick/

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

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

In this conversation, Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon and Lena Suarez-Angelino explore the challenges and emotional toll of being a special needs parent.

They discuss the journey of seeking a diagnosis for children with special needs, the importance of support systems, and the struggles of medical advocacy.

The conversation highlights the need for self-care, community connection, and understanding from society. They emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships and creating a vision for the future while navigating the complexities of parenting a child with special needs.

Keywords

special needs parenting, diagnosis, support systems, medical advocacy, emotional toll, community, self-care, public spaces, relationships, advocacy, understanding, acceptance, hopesummary Chapters

00:00Introduction to Special Needs Parenting

02:32Navigating the Darkness of Special Needs Parenting

05:00Lena's Journey: From Social Worker to Special Needs Parent

07:47The Search for Diagnosis: Challenges and Frustrations

10:16The Impact of Medical Professionals on Parenting

12:44The Struggles of Inclusion and Support

15:34The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences

18:11The Role of Self-Care in Parenting

20:34Zach's Personality and Joyful Moments

23:17Emotional Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

25:48Advice for Special Needs Parents

28:25The Importance of Advocacy and Support

31:05The Role of Partners in Special Needs Parenting

33:46Finding Joy Amidst the Struggles

36:38The Journey of Acceptance and Growth

38:49Conclusion and Resources for Parents About our guest

Lena Suarez-Angelino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, speaker, and special needs parent. She has been tirelessly seeking a diagnosis for her son, but he is six and the diagnosis remains elusive. Lena is the author of a workbook to help moms work through their anger and reconnect with calm. Connect with Lena here: https://www.facebook.com/lenasuarez

Pick up a copy of her Anger Management Workbook for Moms here: https://www.amazon.com/Anger-Management-Workbook-Moms-Practical/dp/1638074755

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

Today, Katie Thune, founder of Mad Hatter Wellness, discusses sexual health and wellbeing for individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of teaching sexual health from a young age and the need for ongoing conversations throughout a person's life.

Katie provides tips for teaching body autonomy and consent to nonverbal or non-speaking children. She also discusses the importance of allowing children to set boundaries in relationships and categorizing relationships to help navigate social interactions.

Katie highlights the need to respect individual preferences and comfort levels within different relationships. The conversation covers various stages of a child's life and how to navigate important topics such as consent, boundaries, relationships, and sexual wellness. It emphasizes the importance of starting these conversations early and teaching children to respect others' boundaries.

The speakers discuss strategies for nonverbal children, the significance of privacy and personal space, and the challenges of parenting during the middle school years. They also touch on the importance of teaching about healthy relationships, consent, and safety in the workplace.

The conversation concludes with advice on supporting children's independence and addressing sensitive topics like self-touch and self-pleasure.

Keywords

sexual health, wellbeing, disabilities, teaching, body autonomy, consent, relationships, boundaries, consent, boundaries, relationships, sexual wellness, privacy, personal space, middle school years, healthy relationships, safety in the workplace, independence, self-touch, self-pleasure

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Mad Hatter Wellness and Sexual Health

03:14The Importance of Support Systems

05:52Teaching Body Autonomy and Consent from a Young Age

12:33Tips for Parents of Nonverbal or Non-Speaking Children

19:34Being Patient and Gentle with Yourself

24:46Navigating Friendships and Relationships

27:36Understanding Different Levels of Touch and Intimacy

29:32Starting Early: Teaching Consent and Boundaries

39:19Navigating the Middle School Years

41:09Healthy Relationships and Dealing with Rejection

47:17Boundaries in the Workplace

54:47Addressing Self-Touch and Self-Pleasure

56:11Building Trust and Independence

About our guest

Katie Thune was once a sepcial needs educator and now runs Mad Hatter Wellness. There, the focus is on cultivating safety and wellness, especially related to comprehensive sex education specifically for all people with disabilities. Healthy relationships, boundaries, consent and safety are the topics they focus on the most.

Connect with Katie and her team and learn more here: https://madhatterwellness.com/open-conversations/ 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

In this conversation, Aishwarya Magesh and Dr. Lulu discuss the challenges faced by parents who have children with special needs and lack a diagnosis or sufficient support. They highlight the importance of understanding the child's condition and finding the right educational system for them.

They also discuss the lack of communication and education provided by some doctors, the need for a holistic approach to care, and the cultural stigma and shame associated with having a child with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and support.

The conversation explores some of the programming and societal expectations that special needs parents face. It highlights the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and finding support.

The importance of self-love and acceptance is emphasized, as well as the need for society to recognize and value the unique abilities of differently abled individuals. The guests provide advice to special needs parents, encouraging them to persevere, discover their child's strengths, and seek support.

Keywords

special needs, diagnosis, support, education, challenges, communication, cultural stigma, shame, empowerment, programming, societal expectations, challenges, healthcare system, support, self-love, acceptance, unique abilities, differently abled, advice

About our guests

Dr. Lulu is a paediatrician and life coach who focuses on parent coaching, inclusive of parenting of LGBTI children. She is a proud Nigerian, currently living in GA, USA, and her diverse life experiences inform her coaching work.

Find more of Dr. Lulu's story and connect with her here: https://dr-lulu.com/about/

Aishwarya Magesh became the parent of a pre-term son sixteen years ago, but doctors did not inform her that her son would be disabled. Her mothering journey was one of seeking to understand her son, seek support for his needs, adapt her own approaches to caring for and take on educating him herself. Now she helps educate and support other parents facing their own challenging journeys of seeking diagnoses and creating better educational and home lives for their children.

Learn more about Aushwarya and connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-magesh-69873482/

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

In this conversation, Shanda Deo-Bickaroo and Dr. Debra Bartholomew, two parents of children with autism, discuss their experiences as special needs parents and advocates.

They share their challenges in finding appropriate education and support for their children, as well as the stigma and judgment they face from society. Despite the difficulties, they demonstrate resilience and determination in advocating for their children's needs.

The conversation highlights the importance of community support and understanding in the lives of special needs parents and their children. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of being a special needs parent and the importance of building a supportive community.

The speakers discuss the difficulties of navigating societal attitudes and the need for empathy and understanding. They share personal stories of interactions with the community, both positive and negative, and highlight the power of advocacy and education.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, strength, and self-acceptance in the special needs parenting journey.

Keywords

special needs parents, autism, education, support, challenges, advocacy, resilience, community, special needs parenting, challenges, community, empathy, understanding, advocacy, education, love, strength, self-acceptance

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Importance of Community

02:29Challenges in Education and Individuality of Autism

06:43Differences in Support Systems Across Countries

11:33Finding a Place for Children with Autism in Education

16:31Navigating the Challenges of Special Needs Parenting

22:09Importance of Non-Academic Aspects of Education

29:43The Impact of Labels and Building Resilience

38:12Dealing with Seizures and the Emotional Toll

41:37Sleeping Challenges and Sensory Sensitivity

43:42Interactions with Society and Lack of Support

44:29Public Reactions and Stigma

45:20Advocacy and Bullying

49:24Educating and Sensitizing the Community

55:17Building a Supportive Community and Embracing Differences

01:13:30The Power of Love and Community

About our guests

Dr. Debra Bartholomew is trained in Ophthalmology but says she has always been an educator. Thus when her first child was diagnosed with autism, it became the norm for Debra to seek to educate everyone with whom they built relationships. Why? Because she wanted her child to be treated as human, she says. Debra works alongside her two sons, one of whom has an autism diagnosis, to educate and support persons with autism and their families.

Shanda Deo's first son was diagnosed as autistic, and after extreme challenges to find primary school education access for him, she began working in a pre-school and took her son with her to give him the tailored support he needed. With her son now an adult while still dependent on her and her family, Shanda now runs her own micro-centre to help special needs children develop social, academic and other skills.

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