Sapphire Plair is raising two boys on the spectrum, and no two days look the same. In this first part of their conversation, Sapphire and Cathi Rae get into what it actually looks like to learn your child's language. Not the language you expected. The one they came with. They talk about learning to sign, finding the systems that work, and what it means to show up for a child who communicates differently than you ever prepared for. Two moms. Two sets of kids. One conversation worth overhearing.

This Is Special Needs. Real stories. Real families.

TTFN, Cathi Rae.

P.S. Oh, and she is an author too! Tune in for part two.

P.P.S. Her Husband agreed to an interview to give us his perspective too!

P.P.P.S Here are some links to some of the things they spoke about.

• Iconix
• ABA
• Sign Language

Join the Parent Support Community.

• Support Group Calls
• Bi-weekly mingles
• Advocacy and Advice

This Is Special Needs | Episode 2, Part 2Behind the Behavior

In part two, Brooke and Cathi Rae keep going. They get into what it actually means when someone says "he doesn't look autistic," why discipline in their homes looks nothing like what most people expect, and how Brooke learned to advocate without letting the emotion take over. Cathi Rae also shares the story behind why this podcast exists at all, and it's bigger than just sharing stories. Plus, Xavier already knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up, and honestly, it might be the best thing you hear all week.

This Is Special Needs. Real stories. Real families.

TTFN,

Cathi Rae

This Is Special Needs | Episode 2, Part 1 | Behind the Behavior

Brooke is a single mama raising Xavier, her six-year-old son who is autistic and has ADHD. Before most kids have even eaten breakfast, Brooke has already run Xavier through a full sensory regulation routine just to get him ready to walk out the door. In this first part of their conversation, Brooke and Cathi Rae talk about what daily life actually looks like, the morning prep, the after-school decompression, the meltdown at the park, and why none of it is what it looks like from the outside. If you've ever watched a child struggle in public and thought you knew what was going on, this episode is for you.

This Is Special Needs. Real stories. Real families.

TTFN,

Cathi Rae