Beyond Positive Thinking: Real Mindset Strategies for Mothers Raising Children with Additional Needs

Building Community When You're Isolated - Jessica Patay on 22 Years Caregiving - Her New Book & Finding Your People

Jessica Patay is the founder and CEO of We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit serving over 4,200 caregiving mothers across 50 states and 30 countries. She's a caregiving mum to her 22-year-old son Ryan who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome and Autism, and she's spent over two decades navigating extreme caregiving. In this conversation, Jessica gets brutally honest about the isolation, the burnout, the control we desperately grasp for when everything feels chaotic, and the fundamental shift that changed everything: from "Why me?" to "What now?" We talk about the moment Ryan was diagnosed, the Lisa phone call that inspired We Are Brave Together, why "God only gives you what you can handle" is actually harmful, how her marriage survived extreme caregiving, the impact on siblings, and why you're not to blame for your burnout. Jessica's new book Suddenly Brave Together (30 heartfelt letters from experienced caregiving moms to new caregiving moms) releases May 1st. If you're isolated, exhausted, or wondering how you'll make it through, this conversation is for you. Connect with Jessica: Website: wearebravetogether.org Instagram: @wearebravetogether Book: wearebravetogether.org/suddenly-brave-together Interested in becoming a Circle Connection Leader in the US?  Connect with We Are Brave Together Program Assistant, Alicia: agates@wearebravetogether.org [agates@wearebravetogether.org] Connect with StrongHER Side: Instagram: @strongherside Website: strongherside.com Take the quiz: strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz

How Genetic Testing is Changing for Families | Associate Professor Ali Archibald

In this heartfelt episode, Hannah welcomes Alison Archbold, an esteemed Associate Professor, Genetic Counsellor and Researcher to explore how genetic testing and counseling are revolutionizing healthcare and empowering individuals with life-changing information. Alison discusses the critical gaps she has identified in access to genetic testing in Australia, especially around reproductive genetics and screening for conditions like cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy.    This topic is more than just work for Alison, it is person.  When she found herself on the patient side of prenatal diagnosis - twice - she experienced firsthand how disorienting that space can be — the uncertainty, the emotional intensity, and the full impact of the experience when you are living it. That deepened my understanding of how vulnerable that period is, and how much support people need beyond just the medical facts.     She shares one truth that isn’t talked about enough - the sheer emotional and cognitive load that families carry every single day.   It’s not just about supporting a child — it’s holding the emotional weight for everyone: their child, themselves, their partner, their broader family. Constantly checking in, anticipating needs, making sure people are okay, and holding things together, often without much space to process their own experience.   Alison shares her journey from witnessing the devastation of undiagnosed genetic conditions to pioneering programs that make screening more equitable and accessible, including the impactful advocacy that led to Medicare funding for carrier screening in Australia.    This shift has truly democratized genetic testing, enabling over 120,000 people annually to learn about their genetic risks and make informed choices.   We break down the emotional and social cadence of navigating complex genetic results, especially during pregnancy, and Alison reveals how early access to genetic information transforms the emotional landscape for families, shifting from reactive diagnosis to proactive planning.    She discusses her innovative GenoCare service and how she is actively building and testing new models that integrate genetic counselling with psychosocial support, grounded in real-world clinical need. This means not only observing gaps in care — Alison is working to redesign how care is delivered so that it is more accessible, coordinated, and responsive to what patients actually need.   Her compassionate insights help demystify remote and accessible genetic counseling, addressing practical steps for those seeking guidance to navigate the psychosocial impacts of genetic testing on mental health, mood, and future planning.   Why should you listen now? Because advancing genetic science means more families are facing difficult choices and emotions. Alison emphasizes that supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing in the face of genetic diagnoses isn’t just a nicety -it’s a necessity. She highlights how genetic counseling combines medical expertise with empathetic care, helping families process complex information, reduce anxiety, and foster resilience during vulnerable times.    Whether you're pregnant, considering testing, or supporting loved ones, understanding these shifts empowers you to advocate for better, more compassionate genetic services.   This episode is perfect for pregnant women, new parents, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in the intersection of genetics, mental health, and social equity.    Alison’s dedication to making genetic care accessible and supportive demonstrates how we can shape a future where science uplifts families rather than overwhelms them.    We are sharing practical tools, inspiring stories, and the emerging innovations that are making genetic counseling an essential pillar of wellbeing and reproductive health.   CONNECT WITH ALISON:  Associate Professor Alison “Ali” Archibald is a genetic counsellor, clinician-researcher, and Co-Founder of GenoCare, a new service developing and delivering forward-thinking models of care in genomics. She is a recognised leader in reproductive genomics, with a focus on scaling equitable access to genetic testing. Ali’s work spans research, clinical practice, and service design, with a strong emphasis on innovation in care delivery and improving the experience of genetic testing.   www.genocare.com.au [http://www.genocare.com.au] Linked In  [?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app] WAIT... WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU  Discover what fills your cup when you're running on empty, take our What's Your One Thing quiz in under 2 minutes and get your personalized result, or download our Monthly Planner designed specifically for mothers raising children with disabilities who need to plan around the unpredictable, one month at a time, purpose over pressure. 👉 Take the quiz: https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz 👉 Download the planner: https://www.strongherside.com/planner CONNECT WITH THE STRONGHER SIDE 📱 Instagram: @strongherside 🌐 Website & Resources: https://www.strongherside.com 📧 Partnerships & Media: vanessa@strongherside.com P.S: Don't forget to: ✔️ Hit follow wherever you're listening to this podcast ✔️ Share this episode with a mama who needs to hear it ✔️ Rate us on Spotify or Apple, five stars really helps us reach more mothers We love you. Thank you for being part of this community.   Note: The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment. KEYWORDS FOR SEO: disability mums, mental health for mothers, cognitive load, mindset for caregivers, raising children with disabilities, autism mums, Down syndrome parents, chronic stress, nervous system regulation, survival mode, mental load, maternal burnout, special needs parenting, disability advocacy, mindset tools, cognitive offloading, ADHD parenting, cerebral palsy parents, rare disease parents, fragile X syndrome, invisible labour

Thriving in a Neurotypical World with Neurodivergent Kids - Sophie Cobden

Sophie Cobden is a life coach from London who shares her personal journey with candor and warmth. With a strong background in overcoming personal challenges such as severe bullying during her school years, Sophie transitioned into a career of guiding others through life's complexities. She is also a twin, mother to neurodivergent children, and the co-host of the podcast "We're Not Your Typical [https://www.youtube.com/@werenotyourtypical]." Her open sharing about raising children with disabilities has connected her with a wide audience online, particularly through her engaging presence on Instagram [https://www-fallback.instagram.com/sophiecobden_/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiecobden__]. Key Takeaways: * Reflect on the necessity of early intervention for children with developmental concerns and the impact it can have on their progress. * Understand the emotional journey of a parent raising neurodivergent children and the feelings of grief and acceptance that accompany it. * Explore the significance of sharing one's story and engaging with a like-minded community to alleviate the isolation often felt by parents. * Gain insights into managing personal expectations and accepting the uniqueness of each child's developmental path. * Embrace the idea of personal resilience and redefining identity in partnership with one's experiences and challenges. Notable Quotes: 1. "I just know when things are down at work… I will call him, and he'll be like, why don't you come up for the weekend?" – Sophie on the telepathic bond with her twin brother. 2. "You almost grieve the child that you thought you were gonna have." – Sophie reflecting on the initial realisation of her daughter's developmental differences. 3. "Digest the situation, don't be impulsive when you're feeling a certain way." – Sophie on her approach to managing emotions. 4. "If any parent has started raising concerns for their child…my advice is to act on it." – Sophie emphasises the importance of early intervention. 5. "I share rather than journaling. I journal to my screen." – Sophie on leveraging social media to express her journey and support others. CONNECT WITH SOPHIE COBDEN Sophie is a life coach, mum, and real voice for mothers navigating life with children who have autism. Follow her for brutally honest conversations about morning battles, invisible loads, and the reality behind the highlight reel. 📱 Instagram: @sophiecobden_ 📱 TikTok: @sophiecobden_   CONNECT WITH STRONGHER SIDE DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE RESOURCES Discover what fills your cup when you're running on empty, take our What's Your One Thing quiz in under 2 minutes and get your personalized result, or download our Monthly Planner designed specifically for mothers raising children with disabilities who need to plan around the unpredictable, one month at a time, purpose over pressure. 👉 Take the quiz: https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz 👉 Download the planner: https://www.strongherside.com/planner CONNECT WITH US 📱 Instagram: @strongherside 🌐 Website & Resources: https://www.strongherside.com 📧 Partnerships & Media: vanessa@strongherside.com P.S: Don't forget to: ✔️ Hit follow wherever you're listening to this podcast ✔️ Share this episode with a mama who needs to hear it ✔️ Rate us on Spotify or Apple, five stars really helps us reach more mothers   We love you. Thank you for being part of this community.   Note: The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment. KEYWORDS FOR SEO: disability mums, mental health for mothers, cognitive load, mindset for caregivers, raising children with disabilities, autism mums, Down syndrome parents, chronic stress, nervous system regulation, survival mode, mental load, maternal burnout, special needs parenting, disability advocacy, mindset tools, cognitive offloading, ADHD parenting, cerebral palsy parents, rare disease parents, fragile X syndrome, invisible labor

Beyond Positive Thinking: Real Mindset Strategies for Mothers Raising Children with Additional Needs

If you've ever felt like traditional mindset advice doesn't quite fit your reality as a mum raising a child with disabilities, this episode is for you. Hannah dives into why the typical mindset conversations happening across social media and personal development books often leave disability mums feeling like they're failing, because the truth is most of that advice is built around the assumption that people have flexibility, that you can step away from stressful situations, that you can restructure your environment or take time out to reset. But when you're raising a child with additional needs, responsibility rarely pauses, you cannot simply switch off the mental load of therapies, appointments, schooling, behaviors, advocacy, and the constant thinking ahead that comes with supporting your child in a world that's not always built for them. This episode unpacks what's really happening in your brain as a disability mum, why you're carrying what psychologists call chronic cognitive load, how your nervous system has adapted to sustained vigilance, and why survival mode is not failure but actually an adaptive response to circumstances that require endurance. What you'll learn in this episode: * Why your brain operates differently as a disability mum and what chronic cognitive load actually means * How nervous system vigilance shows up in your daily life and why you can never completely switch off * Why survival is not failure but actually strength, commitment, and leadership inside your family * What cognitive offloading is and how it can gently reduce the pressure on your brain * The three priority rule, a simple daily practice that creates mental relief when everything feels overwhelming * Why the exhaustion you feel is neurological not weakness and what that means for how you care for yourself If you're operating in survival mode right now, if you're carrying the invisible labor of caregiving and advocacy and the constant mental load of thinking ahead, this episode will meet you exactly where you are and give you permission to stop judging yourself for feeling overwhelmed. Hannah reminds us that strength does not always look loud, sometimes strength looks like showing up again tomorrow, and that what we're doing for our children matters deeply. This is a solo episode with Hannah while Vanessa takes the week off to care for her beautiful children, raw, real, and full of the validation every disability mum needs to hear. CONNECT WITH STRONGHER SIDE DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE RESOURCES Discover what fills your cup when you're running on empty, take our What's Your One Thing quiz in under 2 minutes and get your personalized result, or download our Monthly Planner designed specifically for mothers raising children with disabilities who need to plan around the unpredictable, one month at a time, purpose over pressure. 👉 Take the quiz: [https://www.strongherside.com/myonething]  👉 Download the planner that works for disability Mums [https://www.strongherside.com/yearplanner] CONNECT WITH US 📱 Instagram: @strongherside [https://www.instagram.com/strongherside/] 🌐 Website & Resources: https://www.strongherside.com [https://www.strongherside.com/] 📧 Partnerships & Media: vanessa@strongherside.com P.S: Don't forget to: ✔️ Hit follow wherever you're listening to this podcast ✔️ Share this episode with a mama who needs to hear it ✔️ Rate us on Spotify or Apple, five stars really helps us reach more mothers We love you. Thank you for being part of this community. Note: The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.

5 Ways to Fill Your Cup: The Best Lessons from 6 Months of Conversations

Hey mama, welcome to a very special episode where we're looking back at the last 6 months since launching this podcast to an audience of two, Hannah and myself, and now to you lovely humans who've found us along the way. One theme kept coming up in every conversation we had with our guests, The One Thing, the single activity that when you do it everything else in your life becomes more manageable, not your number 10 thing but your number one thing, and when you honor it and protect it you feel like you're giving yourself room and permission to breathe out. In this episode we're sharing the best moments from our conversations with Graeme Cowan who's one of the founders of R U OK Australia, Kate Ivey who built a thriving fitness business while raising and homeschooling a daughter with autism, Moriah who's navigating life with her beautiful son Noah who has MEF2C, and my own story of staying calm through my son's cancer diagnosis and leg amputation. You'll hear: Graeme Cowan on finding your One Thing, from dancing to ABBA in your headphones to organizing a closet to a coffee shop visit alone, Kate Ivey breaking down why exercise is medicine not vanity, today in a few weeks and long term, Moriah giving you permission to take guilt free breaks and be present instead of constantly anticipating what's next, and me sharing my two journal system that got me through the darkest days. By the end of this episode you're going to know how to work out what YOUR One Thing is or at least have the tools to start exploring, and we've created a free online quiz that takes less than 2 minutes to help you discover it, link in the show notes. Listen if you're running on empty, stretched too thin, doing everything for everyone else and can't remember the last time you did something just for you, this episode is your permission slip.   THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF: You're running on empty and can't remember the last time you did something just for you, you feel guilty taking time away from your child, you're exhausted overwhelmed and stretched too thin, you know you should prioritize self care but have no idea where to start, you're in survival mode and need a practical framework that actually works, you're raising a child with autism ADHD Down syndrome Fragile X MEF2C or any additional needs.   Your One Thing doesn't have to be big, it doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't have to take hours, it just has to be right for YOU. It could be 15 minutes in your car before you go inside, actually that's where I'm recording today because I have two children unwell at home, it's my only quiet place, it could be organizing one drawer or your whole wardrobe, it could be a walk around the block or training for a half marathon, it could be putting your headphones on and dancing to one song, ABBA if you're Graeme Cowan, or trying a meditation app. The point isn't what it is, the point is that you have one and you do it for yourself on the regular. Because lovely when you do your One Thing other parts of your day can smooth over, you walk a little lighter, you can exhale, you show up as a better mum a better partner a better version of yourself because you've filled your own cup first. And I know what you're thinking, I don't have time for this, I'm already stretched too thin, I'm already doing everything for everyone else, and I know that you are, but that's exactly why you needed to hear this today, because you can't pour from an empty cup, nobody wins when you pour from empty.   TAKE THE QUIZ: Just for fun here's what we want you to do, we've created a free online quiz that takes less than 2 minutes to complete, it's going to walk you through discovering what YOUR One Thing is, it's going to give you ideas for actually making it happen, and I hope it's going to be really helpful for you 👉 Take the quiz: https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz [https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz] Your One Thing is waiting for you mama, you just have to give yourself permission to claim it, I know that's hard, it's hard for me too, Hannah is much much better at protecting her time in this area so I've learned a lot from her about this.   CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Graeme Cowan | Co-Founder of R U OK Australia |  Mental Health Advocate Website: https://graemecowan.com.au/ [https://graemecowan.com.au/]  Kate Ivey | Founder | Kate Ivey Fitness Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWd6Sk5zUUhtRHVFcy1WUXBKUzd3TEpORVBMQXxBQ3Jtc0tuYjBTdUU0V0lNblhkXzU1ajNhem5WUGZtMzcxYVZDSFh4Q050UUVnT0FkTUlEalZNTUswdnpuZjg5Z2hqR1VkU0lUTXVwNHhjblRrUGgtVUx4NEp1d2luVXBUc2hpTGNyT1ZucDFOVXBGRTR1RGJ5NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkateiveyfitness%2F&v=yUrvTEjET2ohttps://www.instagram.com/kateiveyfitness/ [https://www.instagram.com/kateiveyfitness/]  Website: https://kateiveyfitness.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGNlVFgzemdva2FmLXUxcUpLYUUyUE8wQmVGd3xBQ3Jtc0ttM3pMbGJ3VWRQNDZmNE5McnFnUjM5VTdCOHM1NHgwTGxLMmxDRk9saE94Sk5lX3NsUV8tRVlXSE85SEpQcWY5VXZLVEc4dGNPM1NmX2hERDV1MVZwQzRlVy1KeGxHeF9SRzFWbWFrRlRralozNUpfYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fkateiveyfitness.com%2F&v=yUrvTEjET2o]  Moriah Zwick | MEF2C Advocate | Nurse & Mother of Noah Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistically.special/ [https://www.instagram.com/holistically.special/]    Connect with StrongHER Side DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE RESOURCES Take the What's Your One Thing quiz to discover what fills your cup in under 2 minutes, or download our Monthly Planner designed specifically for mothers raising children with disabilities who need to plan around the unpredictable. 👉 Take the quiz: https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz [https://www.strongherside.com/one-thing-quiz]👉 Download the planner: https://www.strongherside.com/planner [https://www.strongherside.com/planner] CONNECT WITH US 📱 Instagram:  @strongherside   [https://www.instagram.com/strongherside/] 🎙 Visit our website https://www.strongherside.com/ [https://www.strongherside.com/]  📧 Partnerships & Media: vanessa@strongHERside.com   P.S: Don't forget to: ✔️ Hit follow wherever you're listening to this podcast ✔️ Share this episode with a mama who needs to hear it ✔️ Rate us on Spotify or Apple, five stars really helps us reach more mothers We love you. Thank you for being part of this community. Note: The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.