Episode 26: When Plans Change: Pivoting as a Special Needs Parent

About this episode

Chandra Neal discusses the challenges of navigating grief and change as a special needs parent after the unexpected loss of her mother-in-law.

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

People in this episode

Host: Chandra Neal

Topics covered

• grief
• special needs parenting
• neurodivergence
• caregiving
• change
• emotional processing

Keywords

• special needs
• parenting
• grief
• neurodivergent
• caregiver support
• emotional health

More episodes of Rockin the Difference

• Episode 29: Beach Getaway Conversations · June 1, 2026 · 1 min
• Episode 28: Beyond What You See with Tiffany V. Easterbrook · April 29, 2026 · 53 min
• Episode 27: Deciding to Homeschool with Tiffany Henry · March 31, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Episode 25: Love, Care, and Financial Clarity: Planning Ahead for Our Special Needs Children with Jennifer Brown · January 31, 2026 · 1h 30m
• Episode 24: Shedding Skin - What 2025 Asked of Me · December 30, 2025 · 12 min
• Episode 23: Meet Josh Bridegewater - The Spina Bifida Skater · November 29, 2025 · 53 min