The UNspecial Podcast

UNspecial LLC
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  • Parenting

Are you a parent raising a child with special needs? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn for guidance and encouragement? Welcome to The Unspecial Podcast, dedicated to empowering and inspiring parents like you on your unique journey. Each week, we bring you heartfelt conversations with a diverse range of guests who offer invaluable insights and personal stories. Hear directly from individuals with special needs who share their triumphs, challenges, and perspectives on living fulfilling lives. We'll also sit down with parents who've walked similar paths, offering practical advice, emotional support, and the wisdom gained from their experiences. But that's not all. We'll connect with dedicated educators who provide strategies for navigating the school system and fostering your child's learning. Plus, we'll feature leading experts—from therapists and medical professionals to advocates and researchers—who will equip you with evidence-based information, innovative tools, and a deeper understanding of various special needs. The UNspecial Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a community. It's a place where you'll find encouragement to face challenges head-on, inspiration to celebrate every milestone, and the practical knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your child. Join us as we explore the rich and diverse world of special needs, fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and unwavering hope.

  1. 3 days ago

    Warrior for Change: Martin Slingstad's Story.

    Martin’s Autism Life: Self-Acceptance, Special Olympics, and Training First Responders | Unspecial Podcast In this episode of the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Martin Slingstad (Martin’s Autism Life), an autistic author, public speaker, Special Olympics athlete, and founder of Spire Autism. Martin shares early memories of being non-speaking until age three or four, his diagnosis at five, and the challenges of bullying and lack of support in school, which delayed his self-acceptance until writing his book, Chatterbox, co-authored with his mom and written from both perspectives. He discusses difficulties making friends, the importance of asking autistic people what they like to talk about, and how speaking engagements and solo travel have become major gifts in his life. Martin explains Spire Autism’s mission to train teachers and first responders, promote autism acceptance, and create sensory supports, emphasizing calm approaches to meltdowns and sharing a poem, “I Am,” about being a “warrior for change.” Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional

  2. 27 Jul

    From Special Needs to Community Needs.

    On the Us Special podcast, host interviews Claire DePaulis about motherhood, community-building, and self-care while raising three children under five, including her oldest daughter Valentina, who shows signs of autism (minimal speech, low adaptive skills) and is in a specialized autism preschool classroom while awaiting a formal diagnosis due to system delays. Claire discusses shifting mindset from control to surrender, practicing gratitude, managing safety challenges like elopement, and navigating the IEP process through documentation and advocacy. She explains founding SD Mom Walks during COVID via grassroots Facebook and later Instagram and Peanut, growing to weekly events in San Diego and Orange County. Noting the gap in spaces where special needs moms truly relate, she created “Self-Care for the Selfless,” monthly events like yoga, sound healing, and beach walks to reset and connect.

  3. 20 Jul

    Navigating PDA: A Mother's Insight into Autism Challenges.

    On “The Unspecial Podcast,” host Zach interviews Amber Aarons, an Arizona mom of six (four autistic children) and advocate for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy). Amber shares her family’s diagnostic journey, including a son diagnosed medically at 12, two younger IVF children diagnosed as toddlers (one a “PDA girl”), and a late autism level-one diagnosis for a daughter after mental-health struggles. She discusses adult outcomes and state supports in Arizona, including group homes, vocational rehabilitation, and Medicaid waivers, emphasizing the need for a medical diagnosis and extensive paperwork. Amber explains PDA as an elevated nervous-system threat response to everyday demands that can look like defiance, outlining co-regulation, reducing demands during meltdowns, and focusing on connection over compliance, plus common PDA signs and parental judgment. She describes her PDA-focused coaching offerings and social accounts (@autismsavvy).

  4. 13 Jul

    Fierce and Unconditional: A Conversation on Autism and Advocacy

    Zach interviews Sarah of Inch Stones by Sarah, a mom, advocate, and educator supporting families navigating autism, IEPs, and celebrating “inches” of progress. In rapid-fire questions, Sarah shares self-care practices, challenges the myth that a diagnosis defines a child’s humanity, and offers hope that things will be “more than okay.” She describes shifting from trying to “fix” her daughter Millie to embracing unconditional, expectation-free hope, and explains how grief is non-linear and intensifies with the permanence of long-term support needs, including impacts on siblings and future caregiving fears. Sarah emphasizes action over rumination, faith over fear, and “find a way.” She discusses presuming competence, citing her children’s progress with spell-to-communicate and AAC. Sarah explains Inchstones as rejecting deficit-focused milestones and outlines her IEP Power Plan, which helps parents prepare strong parent statements to change the dynamics of IEP meetings, and notes her Substack, podcast, and upcoming National Council of Severe Autism speaking engagement. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...

  5. 6 Jul

    Perspective Shift: Embracing the Journey with Down Syndrome

    On the Us Special podcast, the host interviews Erica Daverio, a mom to Gabriella (6), who has Down syndrome and autism, amid social-media controversy over an influencer who aborted a baby after a Down syndrome diagnosis and shared what Erica calls false, harmful claims about suffering and quality of life. Erica describes learning her daughter’s diagnosis at 12 weeks, the fear and medical framing she received, choosing testing, and ultimately accepting the pregnancy, saying termination was not an option. She pushes back on common myths (life is over, inevitable severe illness, lack of capability), shares Gabriella’s health and milestones, and explains how community on social media helped her during COVID. Erica discusses challenges like elopement, extra medical appointments, and sensory-related dental care, her decision to homeschool to focus on life skills, and her message that Down syndrome is not a tragedy and parents should seek real support beyond Google. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...

  6. 29 Jun

    Hidden Battles: Understanding Profound Autism

    The host and Olivia Rojo (“Praying Through Autism”) discuss the unseen burdens of profound autism—seizures, sleeplessness, isolation, grief, and constant medical battles—arguing autism is often deeply medical and worsened by untreated co-occurring conditions. They share takeaways from the Autism Health Inc. conference, including claims that 88% of autism is regressive and concerns about how pediatric screening questions obscure regression, plus a neurologist’s view that autism follows a developmental interruption. Olivia describes her daughter Leah’s regression after an immune trigger, mainstream doctors focusing on medication, and her shift to MAPS/biomedical care, including findings like cerebral folate deficiency and high MMR antibodies. She’s moving to Arizona for a synergistic team (MAPS doctor, PX neurologically focused chiropractic, and NeuroActive laser/primitive reflex therapy), reporting improvements in calmness, sleep, and gut motility, while emphasizing faith, sibling impact, and urging newly diagnosed families to seek TACA, MAPS, and deeper medical investigation. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional

  7. 22 Jun

    Faith, Inclusion, and Community: A Conversation on Disabilities in the Church

    On the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Jessi Mansfield about disabilities and the church, focusing on whether inclusion is a slogan or a lifestyle and how faith, autism, and families collide. Jessi shares her background (Marine Corps, primary care, nonprofit work with adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities) and how her stepson’s autism diagnosis brought uncertainty, mourning, and overwhelm, eased by supportive friends and later strengthened by returning to church. She describes finding Rhythm Church, the community care they received, and launching Rhythm’s special needs ministry, The Haven, after researching local needs and the lack of visible disability ministries. Jessi explains doing inclusion well through individualized supports, volunteer training, sensory-friendly options, and discipling kids in accessible ways, while also prioritizing parents’ spiritual support and community, and she offers encouragement to families and volunteers. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...

  8. 15 Jun

    Mindset and Miracles: Navigating Autism and Life's Challenges

    The host interviews Tommy Rhyne of Spectrum and Camouflage about the unseen mental battle parents—especially dads—face in the autism journey, emphasizing real mindset over “toxic positivity.” They discuss exhaustion, grief, and staying grounded when life doesn’t match expectations, with both men sharing personal contexts: Tommy’s non-speaking autistic son and the host’s wife’s two-year cancer fight. Their faith frames key ideas about praying for healing while surrendering to God’s will, and viewing God’s presence as “always on time.” They warn that negativity and isolation can overtake families and affect siblings, urging parents to stay curious, drop shame, run to their children, and be present. Practical tools include breathing, brief rest, walking, action to interrupt anxiety, guarding inputs, daily gratitude, and accepting that hard times won’t stop—there’s no “normal life,” just life, and a daily choice to be grateful.website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...

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About

Are you a parent raising a child with special needs? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn for guidance and encouragement? Welcome to The Unspecial Podcast, dedicated to empowering and inspiring parents like you on your unique journey. Each week, we bring you heartfelt conversations with a diverse range of guests who offer invaluable insights and personal stories. Hear directly from individuals with special needs who share their triumphs, challenges, and perspectives on living fulfilling lives. We'll also sit down with parents who've walked similar paths, offering practical advice, emotional support, and the wisdom gained from their experiences. But that's not all. We'll connect with dedicated educators who provide strategies for navigating the school system and fostering your child's learning. Plus, we'll feature leading experts—from therapists and medical professionals to advocates and researchers—who will equip you with evidence-based information, innovative tools, and a deeper understanding of various special needs. The UNspecial Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a community. It's a place where you'll find encouragement to face challenges head-on, inspiration to celebrate every milestone, and the practical knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your child. Join us as we explore the rich and diverse world of special needs, fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and unwavering hope.

Information

  • Creator
    UNspecial LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 UNspecial LLC
  • Show Website
    The UNspecial Podcast

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