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