How We...Special Needs

About How We...Special Needs

Welcome to Special Needs Diaries. Previously called How We... Special Needs, this podcast aims to open conversations around the world of Special Needs and how it transforms people, carers, families and communities. I’m Minie Minarelli, an Italian special needs mum living in Sydney, sharing my personal diary as I walk alongside my daughter’s journey with Kabuki Syndrome. But this podcast isn’t just about us - it’s about us. Through heartfelt stories, sometimes interviews with other special needs parents, and honest conversations, we’ll explore the challenges, victories, and emotions that come with raising extraordinary children. Together, we’ll share the tears, the laughter, and the questions we might be too afraid to ask. Whether you’re part of the special needs community or simply curious about this roller coaster called life, you’re welcome here. This podcast offers a raw, relatable, and unconventional window into the world of disabilities, genetic conditions, and medical families. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback along the way. So feel free to reach out to me on social media at My kabuki Girl, or on the website www.mykabukigirl.com Let’s celebrate the love, strength, and stories that make this journey unforgettable. 💚

Publisher

My Kabuki Girl

Category

education · kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Nov 2024

Latest episode

14 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Mar 2026

   ‘Hospital Talk’ | 8 Things Every Parent Needs to know

   In this podcast episode, I share how I address the "hospital talk" every time our daughter has a regular check-up or hospital visit. I got lots of positive comments on this topic, on the social media of My Kabuki Girl, so I thought I could expand it a little bit, for the podcast and the blog. So, in case you missed it on socials, here it is for you. I hope it can help! Send me a feedback! Support the show Did you like this episode? Let me know! 💕 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of ...

2. 

   6 Mar 2026

   She got an ASD Diagnosis | Our daughter's developmental assessment

   In this unscripted episode of Special Needs Diaries I share with you our newest updates: our child got an autism diagnosis and moderate developmental delays, on top of her rare syndrome. I want to share with you what I loved about our appointment, what I really didn't like, the lessons I learned and possibly the thoughts, or "tips" I would give to a parent who receives their child's autism diagnosis. Send me a feedback! Support the show Did you like this episode? Let me know! 💕 Don’t forget...

3. 

   14 Jan 2026

   New Year, New Podcast

   For the second season of the podcast “How we…special needs”, I thought of keeping the tone a bit more conversational, talking about topics that matter to us (me and you guys!) the most, sharing with you the blog posts, maybe doing fewer interviews (as I’m not that great an interviewer!). Surely, I will keep sharing my and our experience with Kabuki syndrome and neurodivergence. What do you think? Is there a topic you’d like me to discuss with you? Send me a feedback! Support the show Did yo...

4. 

   13 Oct 2025

   A journey with CNF | Interview with Simone Eyles

   Hi guys, I'm Minie, #Italian special needs mum from #Sydney! 🇮🇹🇦🇺Welcome to our channel, where I share our daughter’s journey with #Kabukisyndrome. In this podcast episode, I interview Simone, a mum and entrepreneur who shares her son's journey with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome of the Finnish type. The interview touches the complexities of kidney transplants on babies, the relationship between siblings, the creation of an agency aimed at raising awareness on disabilities and more. Are you a ...

5. 

   12 Sept 2025

   A journey with Auto inflammatory disease | Interview with Sharon Kensell

   Hi guys, I'm Minie, #Italian special needs mum from #Sydney! 🇮🇹🇦🇺Welcome to our channel, where I share our daughter’s journey with #Kabukisyndrome. In this podcast episode I interview Sharon, my first guest who will speak about the challenges of having a genetic chronic condition herself, while also advocating for her daughter (and son). In this interview she touches the very important topic of medical gaslight and how hard it was for her to get a proper diagnosis, despite being dismissed man...

6. 

   6 Jun 2025

   A journey with Hirschsprung Disease and ASD | Interview with Mari Suzuki

   Mari Suzuki discusses her son Kai's journey with Hirschsprung Disease and autism spectrum disorder, including medical complexities and discrimination, in an interview with the host.

7. 

   9 May 2025

   Stop Telling Mums to Take Care of Themselves

   “You should take care of yourself!” “Go get a massage!” “Don’t forget to rest!” Have you ever heard these well-meaning but *completely useless* pieces of advice? I did—over and over again—when I was a new mum, deep in the trenches of sleepless nights, hospital visits, and feeding pumps. And let me tell you: they didn’t help. At all. Hi, I’m Minie, a special needs mum based in Sydney, and today’s video is part rant, part love letter, part public service announcement. For Mo...

8. 

   2 May 2025

   The Lantern Against All Fears | A Special Needs Story that Stirs

   I was invited to speak on the theme "expansion" at the event @Storiesthatstir, on the 24th February 2025. I know the lovely organiser, Monica, and I was honoured when she invited me to talk about our story. This is the story of how becoming a special needs parent didn’t just expand our world—it catapulted us into a multiverse. One filled with fear, medical trauma, endless questions... but above all, with love. I share our journey through rare disease diagnosis, NICU stays, open-heart surgery,...

9. 

   25 Apr 2025

   Two Countries, One Date | What 25 April Means to Our Family

   What happens when one date—April 25th—means two completely different things depending on where you live? In this reflective episode, I read a blog entry I wrote about Anzac Day and Liberation Day, and what they mean to me as an Italian-Australian mum raising a child with special needs. Whether it’s silence or celebration, loss or liberation, this day reminds us of the importance of memory, peace, and teaching our children the deeper values behind historical facts. I hope this reflection bring...

10. 

    18 Apr 2025

    Life with a SWASH Brace | What Parents Should Know

    🎙️ Life with a SWASH Brace: What Parents Should Know When my daughter was prescribed a SWASH brace, I didn’t expect to cry—but I did. In this episode, I’m sharing our honest experience with this hip-stabilizing orthosis: the emotions, the pros and cons, and how we’re learning to cope day by day. You’ll hear: 💚 What the SWASH brace is and why it's used 💚 My unfiltered reaction as a special needs mum 💚 The practical side—how we put it on, adapt it, and prevent wear and tear 💚 Emotional & mi...

11. 

    11 Apr 2025

    A journey with Kleefstra Syndrome | Interview with La Toya Redman

    In this podcast episode I interview La Toya, a sweet and strong mum who shares on socials Luna's (her daughter) journey with Kleefstra Syndrome. La Toya shares Luna's and her family's roller coaster with such honesty and courage, it's truly inspiring to hear her story! Are you a special needs parent? Are you interested in being interviewed on How We...Special Needs? Let me know! Did you like this episode? Let me know! 💕 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of love, strength, and Kabuki ...

12. 

    10 Jan 2025

    Storytime | The Butterflies in Our Kitchen

    It's story time!In this episode I will share with you the story behind the lovely butterflies that for two years have populated our kitchen and dining room, and why it's so hard to say goodbye.What should I do now? Should I put them back? Should I put something else instead? Let me know in the comments!Did you like this episode? Let me know! 💕Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of love, strength, and Kabuki Syndrome.Follow me on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @MyKabukiGirl and share you...

13. 

    3 Jan 2025

    A journey with Menkes Disease | Interview with Ana Romanow

    This is my first interview and it couldn't have been with a better guest: Ana Romanow. She's a super mum and super woman who's sharing her son's journey with Menkes Disease.Although Philip is not here with us anymore, his light and meaningful life keep inspiring all of us! I am so grateful that Ana allowed us to know even just a fragment of her intense experience with motherhood and Menkes.Are you a special needs parent? Are you interested in being interviewed on How We...Special Needs? Let m...

14. 

    27 Dec 2024

    Our 2024 Recap | Chat & Cooking Gnocchi di Patate

    We recorded this episode on #christmaseve and we made gnocchi di palate (potato gnocchi), while recapping what happened in our 2024. Check the YouTube video to see the cooking part! Have you ever tried gnocchi? Let me know in the comments!Here are a few links that I mention in this episode:Recipe of gnocchi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mekB2Mg2eRsTube Weaning Spreadsheet: https://www.mykabukigirl.com/foodtrackerMerchandise: https://www.mykabukigirl.com/storeManny's CD "Impressions from Gr...

15. 

    20 Dec 2024

    The nurse I hated on Christmas Day

    I, Jennie Foskett, share a deeply personal story of forgiveness and growth after a challenging Christmas Day with our newborn daughter recovering from open-heart surgery, revealing the transformative power of faith and compassion.

16. 

    13 Dec 2024

    BONUS Storytime: My mum is with me

    Sarah Knight, Special Needs Mum, shares a deeply personal story about resilience, tough decisions, and unexpected magic in the face of carer burnout, revealing the transformative power of self-care and connection.

17. 

    6 Dec 2024

    Celebrating My Daughter’s Journey with Communication Delays

    Parent and advocate, [Name Last Name], shares her personal journey reframing comparisons and celebrating her daughter's unique milestones in communication development.

18. 

    29 Nov 2024

    A Message for My Daughter’s second Birthday

    Host and mom, [Your Name], shares her heartfelt and honest account of raising her 2-year-old daughter with Kabuki syndrome, offering a raw and relatable glimpse into the intense and overwhelming journey of parenting a child with special needs.

19. 

    27 Nov 2024

    Trailer of How We...Special Needs

    Special needs mum Minie Apicella shares her unfiltered journey and calls for a more open conversation about the traumas of special needs parenting and motherhood.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

77,246

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

40

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0