Rockin the Difference

This episode wasn’t planned. I found out my mother-in-law passed away just days before I leave on a big trip with my mom. And as a special needs parent, moments like this hit differently. How does your child process grief? What does change feel like in their nervous system? How do you hold space for them while also preparing to step away? In this episode, I share how Ryan responds to unexpected news, what grief can look like in neurodivergence, and the tension of missing him deeply while also being grateful I’m able to travel at all. Caregiving is learning to pivot without losing yourself. If you’re walking through change right now, you’re not alone. 🤍 #CaregiverSupport #NeurodivergentAdults #SpecialNeedsMom #ParentingThroughChange

In this episode of Rockin’ the Difference, I site down with Jennifer Caryn Brown—financial advisor and adoptive mom to a child with special challenges—for an honest and empowering conversation about caregiving, planning ahead, and finding peace of mind. Jennifer shares her personal journey navigating special services, advocacy, and parenting, while also offering practical guidance on how families can financially prepare for their child’s future. From understanding key planning tools to shifting from fear-based decisions to intentional ones, this episode bridges lived experience with professional insight. Whether you’re a caregiver just starting to think about long-term planning or someone feeling overwhelmed by the “what ifs,” this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all at once—and you don’t have to do it alone. You can find more information forJennifer below:  Website: www.browninvestmentmanagement.com email: jennifer@browninvestmentmanagement.com Social Media: @BrownInvestmentManagement

As 2025 comes to a close, this  episode of Rockin the Difference reflects on a year of profound change, challenges, and growth. I share what it meant to navigate major caregiving transitions for my son Ryan, face unexpected delays and emotional strain, and arrive at year’s end feeling both stretched and resilient. As I turn 50 on New Year’s Eve and reflects on shedding old layers to step into a new season, this episode marks the beginning of a year-end tradition—one rooted in honesty, healing, hope, and moving forward with intention.

Today on Rockin the Difference, we’re talking with someone whose story rewrites what resilience can look like. Josh Bridgewater is the oldest skateboarder with spina bifida — a title he never set out to earn, but one he carries with pride. Born with his spine outside his body, Josh has endured more than 46 surgeries just to keep moving through life as normally as possible. Growing up, he faced bullying, isolation, and the kind of challenges most of us will never understand. But everything changed the day he found skateboarding — and with it, a community that accepted him exactly as he was. What started as a personal escape evolved into a calling. As an adult, Josh as poured his energy into teaching kids with spina bifida and other disabilities how to ride, how to fall, how to get back up, and how to hold onto a positive mental attitude even when life hits hard. He knows the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and he knows the light that comes from purpose and connection. Josh and his wife Shawna, are an amazing team that work together to show the resiliency of love for each other and community through all the ups and downs that life brings.   His story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring — and I’m honored to share it with you. Let’s get into it.

💫 What do you get when you mix courage, comedy, two white canes and 3 canines? Meet Brennan (21) and Mina (17) — two siblings who are blind, bold, and breaking barriers every day alongside their amazing mom, Parisa. ❤️ In this week’s Rockin the Difference episode, we dive into what it’s really like navigating a world that’s not always designed for them — the funny moments, the frustrating ones, and how they use their Instagram @yes_I_cane to educate and inspire others. 👩‍🦯✨ 🎧 Tune in and see the world through a whole new lens — one full of strength, laughter, and love.  

🎙️ Episode 21: Russel Burke: Finding Purpose after Paralysis In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Rocking the Difference, I sit down with my friend Russ (@russ_on_wheelz), whose life changed forever after a boating accident at Lake Havasu left him quadriplegic. Russ opens up about his life before the accident — the energy, adventure, and freedom — and the life-altering moment that tested everything he thought he knew about strength and purpose. He shares candidly about the early days of recovery, the emotional and physical battles, and the unwavering determination that helped him rebuild not just his body, but his mindset and mission. Today, Russ has transformed his journey into one of hope and service. Through motivational speaking, hospital visits to newly paralyzed kids,  tireless fundraising and being an awesome friend, he’s become a beacon of inspiration — surrounded by an incredible circle of family and friends who believe in his mission. He has also worked with the Triumph Foundation, helping others living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities find hope and support. Learn more at www.triumph-foundation.org. This episode is a reminder that even when life takes the most unexpected turn, the human spirit is unbreakable — and that purpose can rise from the deepest pain. 💡 Tune in to hear: Russ’s life before and after the accident The physical and emotional journey of recovery How he found purpose through helping others The power of community, faith, and love His ongoing mission to inspire hope and possibility 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to see challenges through a new lens — one of courage, connection, and unstoppable resilience. 📲 Follow Russ on Instagram: @russ_on_wheelz 🌐 Learn more or support: www.triumph-foundation.org

✨ New Episode of Rockin’ the Difference ✨ Being a special needs parent means carrying an invisible load that most people never see. In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my life as a single mom to my adult son—sharing the scheduling, the driving, the advocacy, and the emotional weight of planning for the future, all while balancing a full-time job and trying to care for myself, too. 💙 🎧 In this episode, I talk about: The hidden daily work of special needs parenting Navigating doctors, schools, and government agencies The long-term planning no parent wants to face, but has to This one’s for every caregiver who feels unseen—you are not alone. 💙

In this  episode of Rockin the Difference, host Chandra Neal shares the behind-the-scenes story of preparing for international travel with her adult son, Ryan, who is blind and autistic. From a frustrating passport battle that required the help of her congressman, to packing with intention and securing disability accommodations, Chandra walks listeners through the real challenges — and the powerful surprises — she encountered while traveling to Brazil. This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver who’s ever wondered if big adventures are even possible. They are — and sometimes, they open doors to unexpected growth. 🎯 Topics Covered: Navigating the passport process with a special needs adult How to advocate with government agencies (and when to call your congressperson) Travel accommodations in Brazil for individuals with disabilities Emotional growth moments during long-distance travel Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and other helpful tools Encouragement for caregivers to embrace travel and dream bigger 🧳 You don’t have to keep life small just because it’s hard. Let this story encourage and equip you for your own adventures — near or far.

In this episode, I open up about the early years when first learned my son had special needs—and all the emotions that came with it: grief, fear, uncertainty. If I could sit with that younger version of myself, I’d tell her this...

In this heartfelt episode of Rocking the Difference, I sit down with an incredible mom Becky,  and her two adult daughters, Hannah and Nicole,  to honor the life and legacy of Breanna—their daughter and sister who had multiple disabilities, including blindness and mobility challenges, and who passed away three years ago. Together, we explore the deep love, joy, and challenges they experienced as a special needs family, and how Breanna’s presence shaped their bond. We talk about the funny memories, the hard days, the strength Breanna unknowingly gave them, and what life looks like now without her physical presence—but with her spirit still very much alive. This emotional and uplifting conversation is a tribute to unconditional love, sisterhood, and the resilience of families who walk this unique path. Tune in for a story that will move your heart and remind you that the love we give and receive knows no limits.

Today we’re talking about something so many special needs parents struggle with—helping our kids learn to advocate for themselves. I’ve personally been dealing with this forever with my son, who is now 21-year-old, who is blind and autistic. He has a hard time voicing his needs—whether it’s letting me know if he’s hungry or not feeling well, asking for help, or even just problem-solving in everyday situations. Today, I want to share some real-life examples of the challenges we face, explore why this happens, and—most importantly—open up the conversation to see what has worked for you as fellow parents and caregivers.   I would love to hear your stories or strategies you've used to help your kid advocate for themselves.  You can find me on Instagram @rockin_the_difference and leave a DM or comment.  Or email me at rockingthedifference@gmail.com

On today’s episode of Rocking the Difference, I am honored to welcome an incredible guest whose story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of self-belief. Amanda Casarella grew up facing challenges that many of us can relate to—struggling with a learning disability, battling debilitating migraines that kept her out of school, and navigating the stigma of being placed in special education. On top of that, she endured shame and abuse that made her believe her identity and worth were tied to her disability. She made the courageous choice to reclaim her narrative, break free from the limitations placed on her, and step into the truth of who she is. Today, she embraces her journey, knowing that every challenge shaped the powerhouse woman she’s become. She’s now a passionate actress and entrepreneur, using her experiences sharing her journey to inspire others, proving that our past does not define us—our determination does.   You can find Amanda Casarella here:  Instagram: @Amanda.Casarella and @alittlehouseorganized www.amandacasarella.com www.alittlehouseorganized.com  

After the busyness of the holidays, I wanted to get back in touch with you all and talk about intention, creating community and upcoming changes and challenges this year.  Here is a quick episode to get reconnected! Some great Podcasts to check out:  The Special Needs Mom Podcast - Episode: Stabilizing After Winter Break and  Moms Talk Autism Podcast You can find me on Instagram @Rockin_the_Difference Email: rockinthedifference@gmail.com

Today I talk with my friend, Nada, on the sacrifices we make as parents of special needs individuals.   We all make sacrifices to ensure our kids are getting the best of what we can give them.  With Nada, this meant moving countries with her kids, while her husband stayed.   It meant giving up what she was familiar with to make sure her son lived a full life and adjusting to a new family dynamic with her kids and long distance marriage.   She's an amazing woman and I hope you can resonate with her story.  

In this episode we discuss how life can just be OVERWHELMING. 

In today's episode I talk with Erin and Bruce Wilson who founded If I Need Help.   They started this non profit which provides a system to help find special needs kids, as well as individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimers,  that go missing, especially for those who can’t communicate.  It uses modern technologies to help reunite those who might become lost, disoriented or need assistance in a critical moment.   They share what inspired them to start this business, how it has impacted their family, how to learn more about it as well as some awesome success stories.   To learn more you can find the at www.ifineedhelp.org 

In this episode I talk about my son, Ryan, reaching a milestone and moving towards that next phase from being in the school years bubble  into adulthood and how that unpredictability and foreverness hit me hard.  If you have comments or ideas you'd like to share on this topic, I'd love to hear them and possibly expand on them in future episodes. You can DM on Instragram: /rockin_the_difference or email me at rockingthedifference@gmail.com

Aubrie Forte has been a special person in our lives for almost 17 years now. She has been a teacher in special education and now works directly with schools to support programs on campus, with students, teachers and families. She was Ryan's teacher throughout elementary school and is lovingly known as Ryan's Forever Teacher because she continues to be a part of his life.  She has a BA in SpED and an MA in mod/severe disabilities.  She shares her insights on what she has learned along her journey from the students and families she has been involved with.  She also offers thoughts for parents, suggestions for those considering becoming a special education teacher along with funny and heart warming stories and learning experiences throughout her journey.   

Being a mom of a blind and autistic adult, you have many experiences and learn so many things.  Some of the most valuable things you learn are from your child themselves.  In this episode I share 8 valuable things I have learned from my kid.     If you would like to share your stories please DM on Instagram @rockin_the_difference or email rockinthedifference@gmail.com   Please rate and review this podcast if you found this content helpful.    Until next time, Keep Rockin the Difference!

This episode I talk with Pat Coskran, a father of 37 year old Sean, who is autistic.   He has been a special education teacher and coach in the Special Olympics.  He is also the author of "Growing up with Sean" found where most books are sold.  He shares his perspective as a dad, finding connection with community in his way as he took over being Sean's primary caregiver; his struggle with his ego to be in control, grief and denial; the IEP process from the perspective of a parent and an educator, how the future will be for your adult child and the best way to prepare for that and so much more.