Ever feel like you're running on empty as a parent of a special needs child, struggling to balance your own needs with those of your child's? Melody Kashumba, a mental health nurse and mother of an autistic son, joins us to stress the significance of parental self-care. Her personal journey is a testament that embracing your child's unique path and prioritizing your own well-being are vital steps to providing optimal care for your child. She shares practical tips to help parents navigate this path, shedding societal expectations along the way.  But the conversation doesn't stop there. Melody elaborates on the critical role of establishing a partnership with your child's educators. By using her own experiences, such as using unconventional tools like gum to assist with her son's speech delay, she illustrates the power of collaboration between parents and teachers. She advocates for parents to approach teachers with a team mentality, enhancing the support system for their child. Additionally, Melody introduces her book "Pain the Accelerator to a Life of Purpose", where she emphasizes the value of using past experiences as a catalyst for positive transformation. So, tune in and let's travel this journey together. Connect with me! If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics: Phone: 405-871-5807 Fax: 949-695-2681 [email protected] 🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com 📱 Instagram: @glow.pediatrics 📧 [email protected] 👍 Facebook: glowpediatrics / Dr.HokeheEko 💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd And join our Glow Health Circle! Weekly coaching calls for a close-knit community of like-minded parents, to get practical strategies for your child's whole-child well-being — from brain and gut health to navigating the environment. Let's thrive together!