Raising Special Needs Kids

In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Shelia Allen about her son Micah, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the importance of family support, overcoming societal labels, and the significance of inclusion in education and the workplace. Sheila shares heartwarming stories of Micah's achievements and the love that has driven their family to advocate for him. Sh...

Scott Maulsby shares a candid, heartfelt story of navigating unspoken barriers, from church policies on baptism to the overlooked need for accessible ministry. His journey reveals the overlooked truths about true inclusion, the power of persistence, and how community can transform hardship into hope. Scott's honesty about aggressive behaviors, emotional trauma, and the raw realities of raising a c...

In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Lynn Cable about her experiences growing up with her sister Annie, who had significant disabilities. Lynn shares the challenges and triumphs of advocating for Annie within the educational system and the importance of hope for families with special needs. The conversation highlights the evolution of special education, the...

In this heartfelt episode, Christa breaks down the realities of navigating trauma, learning to meet silent needs, and helping her son develop self-awareness and a relationship with Jesus—all at age six. She shares the transformative power of understanding silent needs versus special needs, the importance of family therapy, and how small acts of love and faith can lead to extraordinary moments. You...

"You don’t have to do it all alone — even when it feels like everyone’s watching and judging." In our latest episode, Monica and guest Pam Hackney dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with special needs. From NICU heartbreak to life-changing therapies, Pam shares it all. Remember, there’s a community here to support you, and you’re not alone in this journey. Check out this epis...

In this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids, host Monica Schmelter engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tammy Osborne about the journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a special needs diagnosis, the importance of sibling relationships, and the long-term planning required for families with special needs children. Through their...

In this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids, host Monica Schmelter speaks with Andrea Robinson, a mother of two, including a daughter with Down Syndrome. They discuss the journey of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of treating children as individuals beyond their diagnoses, and the value of community support. Andrea shares her experiences with inclusive education, the joys an...

When Abby received a prenatal diagnosis for her daughter Emma, her world filled with questions, fear, and unknowns. But what she discovered along the way was community, courage, and the beautiful truth that you don’t know what you don’t know — and sometimes what you don’t know yet is joy.

This week, Monica sits down with Julie Plummer for one of the most honest, hope-filled conversations we’ve ever shared. Julie opens up about her family’s journey with her son, Crews — the joy, the laughter, the unknowns, and the deeply challenging moments many families walk through silently. From early milestones to unexpected regression… from snuggles and silly moments to navigating aggression, h...

This week, Monica sits down with Laurel Gallant, a mom navigating a complex medical and developmental journey with her son, Wyatt. From unexpected diagnoses to homeschooling, advocacy, and the power of community, Laurel shares honestly about the hard days and the joy her son brings. Their conversation is a reminder that even when the path is heavy, God meets us with strength for the moment, and of...

When April and Brandon learned their son Bennett had Down syndrome, their world changed in ways they never expected — and wouldn’t trade for anything. Hear their beautiful story of faith, love, and laughter on this week’s Raising Special Needs Kids podcast with host Monica Schmelter. #RaisingSpecialNeedsKids #FaithFamilyHope

In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Special Needs Podcast, host Monica Schmelter sits down with Allie Davis to talk about faith, family, and the everyday realities of raising a child with special needs. From sleepless nights to answered prayers, Allie shares her story of hope, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness.

What if the people we often overlook could teach us the most about joy and gratitude? Special needs individuals show us what it means to find wonder in everyday moments and approach life with genuine excitement. Their unconditional love and constant happiness reveal something beautiful about the human spirit. How might your own experiences be preparing you to serve someone who needs an advocate to...

What if your biggest surprise became your greatest blessing? Bodie and Michelle D'Andrea's journey with their son who has Down Syndrome reveals how choosing faith over fear can lead to miraculous outcomes. Their son not only defied medical predictions but became an unexpected minister to others. Sometimes God's plans are better than our own expectations. How do you respond when life takes an unexp...

Join us on October 24 as we launch our first episode, "God's Unexpected Blessing"!