About Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Welcome to Parenting Impossible, the podcast dedicated to empowering and supporting the disability community. Hosted by Annette Hines, this podcast was born out of a mission to combat the scattered and sometimes inaccurate information that parents and caregivers of disabled adult children often face.In each episode, we delve into the pressing questions and concerns that weigh on the minds of the entire special needs community including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues and more. From navigating the complexities of special needs trusts and planning for the future to addressing the fundamental question of "How will my child be okay when I cannot do this anymore?"—we leave no stone unturned.Attorney Annette Hines is a special needs mom, author of the best-selling book Butterflies and Second Chances, national expert speaker, writer and contributor to publications, and founder of the Special Needs Law Group based In Massachusetts. She shares personal insights and her guests (parents, siblings, and experts and sometimes parents who are experts!) discuss many issues facing the special needs community including raising children with different abilities, transitioning into adulthood, sibling challenges and how to effectively navigate the complex systems in our world. We're not just here to talk; we're here to make a difference.In a society where the disabled and their caregivers are often devalued, Parenting Impossible stands as a beacon of advocacy and support dedicated to giving compassionate advice for all stages of life. Join us as we tackle the challenges, break down barriers, and strive to create a more informed and compassionate world for the disability community. Because when it comes to parenting in the face of impossibility, you're not alone—we're here with you.
274: Parenting in the Age of AI | Abby Brody, Speaker, Author & Founder of the N=1 Movement
Abby Brody, speaker and founder of the N=1 Movement, discusses with Annette Hines how AI and technology can personalize learning and healthcare for children with special needs, offering hope and practical advice in this interview.
15 May 2025
273: A Mother’s Day Reflection: Making Space for Joy After Loss
As many of you know, this time of year is always layered for me. Mother’s Day brings both sweet memories and aching absences.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my own motherhood journey. I’ve lived through the joy of raising two incredible daughters, and I’ve lived through the unimaginable grief of losing one of them. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way—things I wish I’d known when I was in the thick of it. To those of you parenting children with disabilities, caring for aging parents, or simply doing your best to hold it all together: I see you. You are not alone. And whatever Mother’s Day looks like for you this year, I hope you find a moment to honor the incredible work you're doing.
In this episode, you will hear:
It’s okay if motherhood doesn’t feel magical all the time.
A shift can come when you least expect it.
Choose joy where you can.
Engage with us:
25% off any courses, masterclasses, and minisodes in Special Needs Academy here
Join our community: Circle of Care
Visit: https://annettehines.com
Read Butterflies and Second Chances
LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc
Instagram: @parentingimpossible
Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies
Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
8 May 2025
272: Pooled Trusts 101: What Every Special Needs Family Should Know
When it comes to protecting a loved one with disabilities, few decisions are as overwhelming as choosing the right trustee. But in a world of nonprofit pooled trusts, legal jargon, and alarming headlines about financial misconduct, how do you separate peace of mind from potential pitfalls?
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down everything you need to know about Pooled Special Needs Trusts, from how they work to when they make sense. I share hard-earned wisdom as both a lawyer and a special needs parent, guiding you through what questions to ask, how to vet your options, and why sometimes the best Trustee choice isn’t family, but a professional with heart and structure. You’ll walk away not just more informed, but more empowered.
In this episode, you will hear:
What a Pooled Trust actually is, and who should consider one.
The difference between First-party and Third-party Special Needs Trusts.
What went wrong in the recent $100M nonprofit scandal (and how to avoid it).
Why transparency, independence, and communication are non-negotiable.
Engage with us:
25% off any courses, masterclasses and minisodes in Special Needs Academy here
Join our community: Circle of Care
Visit: https://annettehines.com
Read Butterflies and Second Chances
LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc
Instagram: @parentingimpossible
Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies
Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
51 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
99
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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