This episode features a conversation with Danielle, a single parent of a child with special needs. They explore the unique challenges faced by single parents in the special needs community, including feelings of isolation, the importance of advocacy, and the emotional and financial strains that come with raising a child with varying needs.

Danielle shares her journey of acceptance, the role of faith in her life, and the significance of community support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance while navigating the complexities of special needs parenting.

Chapters

00:00The Journey of a Single Special Needs Parent

03:32Navigating Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

06:44Adapting Life to New Realities

09:27The Financial Strain of Special Needs Parenting

12:42Finding Community and Support

15:30The Role of Faith in Parenting

18:19Coping with Challenges and Emotional Struggles

21:27Understanding the Impact of Special Needs on Family Dynamics

24:13Finding Purpose and Perspective in the Journey

26:24The Value of Life and Love

27:21Hope and Resilience in Parenting

29:15Dreams and Expectations of Education

31:22Redefining Worth and Value

34:21The Reality of Healing and Acceptance

37:34Self-Care for Special Needs Parents

38:44Learning to Say No

42:15Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

45:06Building Community and Support

48:23Creating Inclusive Spaces

About the podcast guest Danielle Ross is a certified life coach that wears many hats, from entrepreneur to being a Christian single mom to her daughter that has special needs. She understands firsthand the ups and downs of raising a child with special needs.

Danielle has a passion to love on and encourage others by sharing her faith, experiences, and by turning her pain into a purpose. She is the founder of Hope’s Legacy Grief Support, a virtual life coaching business that helps people to process grief during the most difficult seasons in their lives.

Danielle enjoys helping and supporting people on their journey of healing, especially during times of loss. She wants to help people feel less alone and remind people of God's love for them and provision after painful and life changing events.

Reach out to Danielle at movforwardcs@gmail.com

About the podcast host

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoonis a speaker, coach, andspecial 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, at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/lightingthepath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find Marcia (and many resources to support your special needs parenting journey) on Facebook at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney

Join the Special Needs Parent Space (a free community for parents like us) at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jG6JEHafR3TWTyqG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠