Balancing Motherhood, Autism, and a Thriving Career

Episode Description: In this compelling episode, Rob Gorski, host of The Autism Dad Podcast, sits down with Danusia Malina-Derben, a mother of ten and a successful business consultant, to discuss the complexities of balancing motherhood, especially when raising neurodiverse children, with a demanding career. Danusia shares her journey from being a mother to ten children, including neurodiverse triplets, to managing a thriving consultancy and podcasting career.

Key Topics Covered:

• Balancing Motherhood and Career: Danusia dives into her experiences of managing a large family while leading a successful consultancy. She discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling both roles without compromising her personal or professional identity.
• Raising Neurodiverse Children: Danusia's candid conversation about her neurodiverse triplets offers invaluable insights into the unique challenges and triumphs of parenting children with autism and other neurodiverse conditions.
• The Impact of Societal Expectations: The discussion highlights the societal pressures placed on mothers, especially those with careers, and how these expectations differ from those faced by fathers. Danusia and Rob explore the double standards that exist and the importance of redefining these roles.
• Navigating Meltdowns and Professional Obligations: Danusia shares real-life examples of how she has had to balance professional responsibilities with the immediate needs of her children, particularly during meltdowns, and how she navigates these situations with grace and transparency.
• The Role of Privilege in Parenting: Both hosts discuss the privileges they hold and how these impact their experiences as parents, especially in the context of single parenting and gender expectations.

Quotes:

• "Motherhood and a successful career should not be mutually exclusive." - Danusia Malina-Derben
• "Society is not built to support women who want to have it all, but we must challenge that." - Danusia Malina-Derben

Resources:

• Danusia Malina-Derben’s Website: DanusiaMalinaDerben.com
• Books by Danusia Malina-Derben:
• Noise: A Manifesto Modernizing Motherhood
• Spunk: A Manifesto Modernizing Fatherhood

Connect with Us:

• Rob Gorski - The Autism Dad: Website
• Follow on Instagram: @theautismdad
• Listen to The Autism Dad Podcast: Podcast Link

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