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Rockin the Difference

Rockin the Difference

Written by: Chandra Neal/Single Mom/Special Needs Mom/Special Needs Sports Program Board Member
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About this listen

Hello There! Welcome to Rockin the Difference, a podcast meant to share the experiences and information with those on their journey in the special needs world. I am your host, Chandra Neal, a mom of a young adult with special needs. My intent is to create a community where we can connect, be real and share in the humor and the tears, challenges and triumphs of what it’s like traveling down this path that is so unique as a special needs parent. Together, we can encourage and support each other as we are all Rockin the Difference!Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Parenting Relationships Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Episode 26: When Plans Change: Pivoting as a Special Needs Parent
    Feb 24 2026

    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

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    13 mins
  • Episode 25: Love, Care, and Financial Clarity: Planning Ahead for Our Special Needs Children with Jennifer Brown
    Jan 31 2026

    In this episode of Rockin’ the Difference, I site down with Jennifer Caryn Brown—financial advisor and adoptive mom to a child with special challenges—for an honest and empowering conversation about caregiving, planning ahead, and finding peace of mind.

    Jennifer shares her personal journey navigating special services, advocacy, and parenting, while also offering practical guidance on how families can financially prepare for their child’s future. From understanding key planning tools to shifting from fear-based decisions to intentional ones, this episode bridges lived experience with professional insight.

    Whether you’re a caregiver just starting to think about long-term planning or someone feeling overwhelmed by the “what ifs,” this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all at once—and you don’t have to do it alone.

    You can find more information forJennifer below: Website: www.browninvestmentmanagement.com email: jennifer@browninvestmentmanagement.com Social Media: @BrownInvestmentManagement

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Episode 24: Shedding Skin - What 2025 Asked of Me
    Dec 30 2025

    As 2025 comes to a close, this episode of Rockin the Difference reflects on a year of profound change, challenges, and growth. I share what it meant to navigate major caregiving transitions for my son Ryan, face unexpected delays and emotional strain, and arrive at year’s end feeling both stretched and resilient. As I turn 50 on New Year’s Eve and reflects on shedding old layers to step into a new season, this episode marks the beginning of a year-end tradition—one rooted in honesty, healing, hope, and moving forward with intention.

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    12 mins
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