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

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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

This Is Special Needs S1\E1\P2 Cora's Chronicles

She never told him.

In Part 1, Cora gave us the village, the IEPs, the grace. But she left us with one thing still sitting in the air. Her son doesn't know he has autism.

In Side B, we pick right back up there. Why she made that call, what she carries because of it, and what she hopes he understands someday. No judgment. Just a mama doing her best with what she knew, when she knew it.

This is the part of the story that doesn't fit in a diagnosis code.

This is special needs.

This is S1\E1\P1 Cora's Chronicles

Before you judge, before you scroll... meet Cora. A California mama navigating autism, ADHD, ABA therapy, and a son who will go to war for the underdog every single time. We talk villages, IEPs, therapy choices, and why raising a child with special needs ain't so different from raising any other kid. You just need a little more grace. And maybe 15 minutes alone in the bathroom.

This show was born from Emmanuel. A 15 year old Houston boy who eloped from Walmart, got picked up by HPD, and ended up in a detention center instead of home with his family. Our kids deserve better. So we're telling our stories. One family at a time.

This is special needs.

In this episode of Rae Unscripted, Cathi Rae discusses the complexities of autism and the misconceptions surrounding it. She shares personal experiences with her son Noah, addressing the common phrase 'they don't look autistic' and the challenges of public perception. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and advocating for special needs families, while also reflecting on the unique experiences of individuals with autism. Cathi concludes with a heartfelt prayer and a call for greater awareness and understanding in the community.

To be a guest and share what special needs looks like in your home, Schedule a time that works for you!

Takeaways

• Cathi Rae holds space for families with special needs.
• The phrase 'they don't look autistic' is a common misconception.
• Public perception can be challenging for families with autistic children.
• Noah, Cathi's son, is a smart and perceptive child.
• Autism presents differently in each individual.
• There is no single 'look' to autism; it varies widely.
• Cathi emphasizes the importance of understanding over mere awareness.
• Families often face insensitive comments from the public.
• Cathi advocates for better support and understanding for special needs families.
• The conversation ends with a prayer for those in need.
• Breaking Down Autism Misconceptions
• The Reality of Autism: Beyond Appearances
• "They don't look autistic."
• "There is no look to autism."
• "Bless your heart."

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Special Needs Advocacy
• 02:15Addressing Misconceptions About Autism
• 12:06Personal Experiences with Autism and Society
• 16:41Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Tonight we’re sitting with Rosie Ibarra as she lets us into her family’s world. Her son Hector is an autistic adult with a child-like spirit, a big heart, and a growing desire for independence. Rosie shares what it looks like to support him as he steps into adulthood — meeting his needs with care while helping him stretch into more freedom at a pace that keeps him safe, seen, and respected.

This is real life in a special needs home — the shifts, the support, the love, and the ongoing work of building a life that fits the whole person.

If you’d like to share what special needs looks like in your house, you’re welcome to schedule a time here:
👉 Book a Time

TTFN

Tonight we’re stepping inside the Calderon home.

A family of four with two Littles under five, one on the spectrum, and love holding it all together. Mom Nayeli opens the door and lets us see what life looks like behind it: the noise, the naps, the balance, and the beautiful chaos that comes with raising a non-verbal child with a big personality while still trying to keep the rhythm of their little world steady.

This isn’t a highlight reel... it’s real life, lived with heart.

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