In this conversation, Carinne Mossa shares her personal journey into the world of special education and parenting a child with complex needs. She discusses the challenges faced by parents, the importance of self-care, and the need for community support. Carinne emphasizes the significance of understanding behavior as communication and the role of advocacy in navigating the education system. She also highlights the necessity of pacing oneself and finding meaning in adversity, while advocating for better training and support for parents and teachers alike.

takeaways

• Carinne transitioned from being a teacher to a parent coach after her child's diagnosis.
• Understanding behavior as communication is crucial in special education.
• Self-care is essential for parents to effectively support their children.
• Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation for parents.
• Advocacy is key in navigating the special education system.
• Parents should prioritize their mental and physical health.
• Education for parents about their rights and the system is vital.
• Teachers need to be valued and compensated fairly for their work.
• Finding meaning in adversity can help parents cope with challenges.
• Pacing oneself is important to avoid burnout in parenting.

• Navigating the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
• Empowering Parents in Special Education

• "All behavior is communication."
• "It's a work in progress."
• "You can't pour from an empty cup."

00:00

Introduction and Personal Background

01:36

Journey into Special Education

05:30

Navigating the Emotional Landscape

10:47

The Importance of Support Systems

14:37

Coaching and Self-Care Strategies

18:33

Advocacy and Bridging Gaps in Education

21:00

Navigating the Education System as Advocates

25:27

The Role of COPA in Advocacy

30:36

Empowering Parents Through Coaching

33:23

Systemic Changes Needed in Education

38:52

Self-Care for Parents of Children with Complex Needs