Special Needs Diaries

My Kabuki Girl

Welcome to Special Needs Diaries. Previously called How We... Special Needs, this podcast aims to open conversations around the world of Special Needs and how it transforms people, carers, families and communities. I’m Minie Minarelli, an Italian special needs mum living in Sydney, sharing my personal diary as I walk alongside my daughter’s journey with Kabuki Syndrome. But this podcast isn’t just about us - it’s about us. Through heartfelt stories, sometimes interviews with other special needs parents, and honest conversations, we’ll explore the challenges, victories, and emotions that come with raising extraordinary children. Together, we’ll share the tears, the laughter, and the questions we might be too afraid to ask. Whether you’re part of the special needs community or simply curious about this roller coaster called life, you’re welcome here. This podcast offers a raw, relatable, and unconventional window into the world of disabilities, genetic conditions, and medical families. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback along the way. So feel free to reach out to me on social media at My kabuki Girl, or on the website www.mykabukigirl.com Let’s celebrate the love, strength, and stories that make this journey unforgettable. 💚

  1. 6 MAR

    She got an ASD Diagnosis | Our daughter's developmental assessment

    In this unscripted episode of Special Needs Diaries I share with you our newest updates: our child got an autism diagnosis and moderate developmental delays, on top of her rare syndrome. I want to share with you what I loved about our appointment, what I really didn't like, the lessons I learned and possibly the thoughts, or "tips" I would give to a parent who receives their child's autism diagnosis. Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    29 min
  2. SEASON 2, EPISODE 17 TRAILER

    New Year, New Podcast

    For the second season of the podcast “How we…special needs”, I thought of keeping the tone a bit more conversational, talking about topics that matter to us (me and you guys!) the most, sharing with you the blog posts, maybe doing fewer interviews (as I’m not that great an interviewer!). Surely, I will keep sharing my and our experience with Kabuki syndrome and neurodivergence. What do you think? Is there a topic you’d like me to discuss with you? Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    8 min
  3. 13/10/2025

    A journey with CNF | Interview with Simone Eyles

    Hi guys, I'm Minie, #Italian special needs mum from #Sydney! 🇮🇹🇦🇺Welcome to our channel, where I share our daughter’s journey with #Kabukisyndrome. In this podcast episode, I interview Simone, a mum and entrepreneur who shares her son's journey with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome of the Finnish type. The interview touches the complexities of kidney transplants on babies, the relationship between siblings, the creation of an agency aimed at raising awareness on disabilities and more. Are you a special needs parent? Are you interested in being interviewed on How We...Special Needs? Let me know in the comments! 👇 You can find Simone here: ➡️ https://www.disinfluencer.co ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/disinfluencer.co/?hl=en Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    40 min
  4. 12/09/2025

    A journey with Auto inflammatory disease | Interview with Sharon Kensell

    Hi guys, I'm Minie, #Italian special needs mum from #Sydney! 🇮🇹🇦🇺Welcome to our channel, where I share our daughter’s journey with #Kabukisyndrome. In this podcast episode I interview Sharon, my first guest who will speak about the challenges of having a genetic chronic condition herself, while also advocating for her daughter (and son). In this interview she touches the very important topic of medical gaslight and how hard it was for her to get a proper diagnosis, despite being dismissed many times by medical professionals who didn't recognise her condition. Are you a special needs parent? Are you interested in being interviewed on How We...Special Needs? Let me know in the comments! 👇 You can find Sharon and her organisation here: Website ➡️   https://anzfaid.org Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNWAmFxSF/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/autoinflammatory_aus_nz?igsh=MW9xdjEzbDZhYTVicA== Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    41 min
  5. 06/06/2025

    A journey with Hirschsprung Disease and ASD | Interview with Mari Suzuki

    In this podcast episode I interview Mari, an amazing mum - and Zumba instructor - who shares on socials Kai's (her son) journey with Hirschsprung Disease and ASD (autism). The interview spans from the complexities of a bowel disease like Hirschsprung, to an episode of discrimination from a day care centre, the challenges that couples face when their child has very complex needs, and more. Mari explains everything with such grace, patience and determination, but also lots of emotions while talking about Kai's incredible resilience. Are you a special needs parent? Are you interested in being interviewed on How We...Special Needs? Let me know! Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    46 min
  6. 09/05/2025

    Stop Telling Mums to Take Care of Themselves

    “You should take care of yourself!”   “Go get a massage!”   “Don’t forget to rest!”  Have you ever heard these well-meaning but *completely useless* pieces of advice? I did—over and over again—when I was a new mum, deep in the trenches of sleepless nights, hospital visits, and feeding pumps. And let me tell you: they didn’t help. At all. Hi, I’m Minie, a special needs mum based in Sydney, and today’s video is part rant, part love letter, part public service announcement. For Mother’s Day, I’m giving a voice to the real struggles behind the glossy idea of “self-care” for mums like me. Especially those living in survival mode.  In this brutally honest and slightly funny episode, I’m breaking down: 💚 Why “take care of yourself” often feels like a slap in the face   💚 The stark difference between life on plane A vs plane B   💚 What survival actually looks like for a medical mum   💚 The *real* basics mums should focus on (poop, eat, drink)   💚 Practical tips on how to support the mums in your life *without* sounding dismissive   This Mother’s Day, let’s stop giving advice—and start offering real help.   🎥 Also available as a video: https://youtu.be/lSxHgxCvOAs 📲 Follow for more stories of love, strength, and Kabuki Syndrome: @MyKabukiGirl   #HappyMothersDay #MyKabukiGirl #SpecialNeedsParenting Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    12 min
  7. 02/05/2025

    The Lantern Against All Fears | A Special Needs Story that Stirs

    I was invited to speak on the theme "expansion" at the event @Storiesthatstir, on the 24th February 2025. I know the lovely organiser, Monica, and I was honoured when she invited me to talk about our story. This is the story of how becoming a special needs parent didn’t just expand our world—it catapulted us into a multiverse. One filled with fear, medical trauma, endless questions... but above all, with love. I share our journey through rare disease diagnosis, NICU stays, open-heart surgery, and the terrifying uncertainties that come with Kabuki Syndrome. But I also share what gives me strength: a superhero metaphor that unexpectedly became my lifeline. 💚 If this story resonates, please share this podcast. You never know who might need to hear it today. — 📌 Follow our journey on socials: @mykabukigirl 🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xtA1BfNg9Cs or Read the blog post: https://www.mykabukigirl.com/post/the-lantern-against-all-fears  #MyKabukiGirl #SpecialNeedsMama #SpecialNeedsParenting #KabukiSyndromeAwareness #GreenLantern #RareButReal #DisabilityParenting #MedicalMum #HeartWarriorMama #LoveIsMySuperpower #RealParentingMoments #RareDiseaseAwareness #storiesthatstir Send me a feedback! Support the show 🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other families find us when they need it most. 🙏 Share it with a fellow mum, carer, or anyone who might feel less alone after listening. 💚 🎧 LISTEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS DIARIES ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/special-needs-diaries/id1782035233 ▶️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zp384wlxzIZyYAEEEqZlh ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode may contain discussions of [medical challenges/grief/diagnosis/mental health]. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you. 📍 CONNECT WITH MINIE 🌐 Website: https://www.mykabukigirl.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mykabukigirl 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090362986609 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykabukigirl 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mykabukigirl 💼 LinkedIn:...

    16 min

Trailers

About

Welcome to Special Needs Diaries. Previously called How We... Special Needs, this podcast aims to open conversations around the world of Special Needs and how it transforms people, carers, families and communities. I’m Minie Minarelli, an Italian special needs mum living in Sydney, sharing my personal diary as I walk alongside my daughter’s journey with Kabuki Syndrome. But this podcast isn’t just about us - it’s about us. Through heartfelt stories, sometimes interviews with other special needs parents, and honest conversations, we’ll explore the challenges, victories, and emotions that come with raising extraordinary children. Together, we’ll share the tears, the laughter, and the questions we might be too afraid to ask. Whether you’re part of the special needs community or simply curious about this roller coaster called life, you’re welcome here. This podcast offers a raw, relatable, and unconventional window into the world of disabilities, genetic conditions, and medical families. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback along the way. So feel free to reach out to me on social media at My kabuki Girl, or on the website www.mykabukigirl.com Let’s celebrate the love, strength, and stories that make this journey unforgettable. 💚