Raising Special Needs Kids

About Raising Special Needs Kids

Raising Special Needs Kids Podcast — the podcast where we share the real, the raw, and the beautiful parts of life with children who see the world in a wonderfully different way. Host Monica Schmelter says RSNK is not just a topic to me – it’s personal. My brother has Down syndrome, and growing up with him shaped my heart, my perspective, and my passion. I’ve seen the joy, the challenges, the laughter, and the tears. And I know, whether you’re a parent, a sibling, or a caregiver, this journey can be both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. Each week, we’ll talk about practical tips, emotional truths, and inspiring stories from families who get it — because they’re living it. My hope is that this space becomes a safe and encouraging corner of the world, where we can celebrate victories, share struggles, and remind each other that we’re not walking this road alone. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s walk this journey together — one story, one laugh, and one tear at a time.

Publisher

Monica Schmelter

Category

kids & family · kids & family · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Oct 2025

Latest episode

20 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Love Never Fails

   In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Shelia Allen about her son Micah, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the importance of family support, overcoming societal labels, and the significance of inclusion in education and the workplace. Sheila shares heartwarming stories of Micah's achievements and the love that has driven their family to advocate for him. Shelia emphasizes the power of love, acceptance, and teaching others how to interact with individuals with special needs.

2. 

   13 Mar 2026

   The Importance of Community in Special Needs Families

   Scott Maulsby shares a candid, heartfelt story of navigating unspoken barriers, from church policies on baptism to the overlooked need for accessible ministry. His journey reveals the overlooked truths about true inclusion, the power of persistence, and how community can transform hardship into hope. Scott's honesty about aggressive behaviors, emotional trauma, and the raw realities of raising a child with severe needs offers invaluable lessons for any caregiver feeling overwhelmed or isolated. #RSNK #supportsystems #community

3. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Navigating the Journey of Special Needs Advocacy

   In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Lynn Cable about her experiences growing up with her sister Annie, who had significant disabilities. Lynn shares the challenges and triumphs of advocating for Annie within the educational system and the importance of hope for families with special needs. The conversation highlights the evolution of special education, the need for parental advocacy, and the significance of community support for families navigating these challenges.

4. 

   27 Feb 2026

   How Faith and Love Transform a Family's Life

   In this heartfelt episode, Christa breaks down the realities of navigating trauma, learning to meet silent needs, and helping her son develop self-awareness and a relationship with Jesus—all at age six. She shares the transformative power of understanding silent needs versus special needs, the importance of family therapy, and how small acts of love and faith can lead to extraordinary moments. You’ll discover how to recognize and embrace your child's unique journey, even when it feels overwhelming.

5. 

   20 Feb 2026

   From Heartbreak to Hope: Adopting and Raising a Child with Special Needs

   "You don’t have to do it all alone — even when it feels like everyone’s watching and judging." In our latest episode, Monica and guest Pam Hackney dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with special needs. From NICU heartbreak to life-changing therapies, Pam shares it all. Remember, there’s a community here to support you, and you’re not alone in this journey. Check out this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids podcast out today! What’s been your biggest challenge or breakthrough? We'd love to hear your story! #SpecialNeedsJourney #ParentingWithLove #CommunitySupport

6. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Faith Through Challenges

   In this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids, host Monica Schmelter engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tammy Osborne about the journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a special needs diagnosis, the importance of sibling relationships, and the long-term planning required for families with special needs children. Through their shared experiences, they emphasize the blessings that come from these challenges and the grace needed to navigate them. #DownSyndrome #faith #community #encouragement

7. 

   6 Feb 2026

   The Power of Community: Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

   In this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids, host Monica Schmelter speaks with Andrea Robinson, a mother of two, including a daughter with Down Syndrome. They discuss the journey of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of treating children as individuals beyond their diagnoses, and the value of community support. Andrea shares her experiences with inclusive education, the joys and challenges of parenting, and offers encouragement to other parents navigating similar paths.

8. 

   5 Dec 2025

   Finding Support, Finding Strength: A Heartfelt Story of Motherhood & Community

   When Abby received a prenatal diagnosis for her daughter Emma, her world filled with questions, fear, and unknowns. But what she discovered along the way was community, courage, and the beautiful truth that you don’t know what you don’t know — and sometimes what you don’t know yet is joy.

9. 

   28 Nov 2025

   Hope in the Hard Moments

   This week, Monica sits down with Julie Plummer for one of the most honest, hope-filled conversations we’ve ever shared. Julie opens up about her family’s journey with her son, Crews — the joy, the laughter, the unknowns, and the deeply challenging moments many families walk through silently. From early milestones to unexpected regression… from snuggles and silly moments to navigating aggression, hospital visits, and the fear of the future… Julie’s story reminds every special needs parent: you are not alone, your love matters, and your faith is enough for today. And if you’ve ever felt scared, tired, or unsure what comes next — this conversation is a safe place to exhale. Tune in for real stories, real hope, and a reminder that God sees every step of your journey. #RaisingSpecialNeedsKids #SpecialNeedsFamily #FaithInTheJourney #AutismAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #RealConversationsRealHope

10. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Finding Light in the Hard Days

    This week, Monica sits down with Laurel Gallant, a mom navigating a complex medical and developmental journey with her son, Wyatt. From unexpected diagnoses to homeschooling, advocacy, and the power of community, Laurel shares honestly about the hard days and the joy her son brings. Their conversation is a reminder that even when the path is heavy, God meets us with strength for the moment, and often through the people who walk beside us. Listen in for real stories, real encouragement, and the reminder that you are never alone on this journey.

11. 

    14 Nov 2025

    Chosen and Blessed: Trusting God Through a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

    When April and Brandon learned their son Bennett had Down syndrome, their world changed in ways they never expected — and wouldn’t trade for anything. ???? Hear their beautiful story of faith, love, and laughter on this week’s Raising Special Needs Kids podcast with host Monica Schmelter. #RaisingSpecialNeedsKids #FaithFamilyHope

12. 

    7 Nov 2025

    One Day At a Time — Board by Board

    In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Special Needs Podcast, host Monica Schmelter sits down with Allie Davis to talk about faith, family, and the everyday realities of raising a child with special needs. From sleepless nights to answered prayers, Allie shares her story of hope, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness.

13. 

    31 Oct 2025

    Finding Strengths Beyond Limitations

    What if the people we often overlook could teach us the most about joy and gratitude? Special needs individuals show us what it means to find wonder in everyday moments and approach life with genuine excitement. Their unconditional love and constant happiness reveal something beautiful about the human spirit. How might your own experiences be preparing you to serve someone who needs an advocate today?

14. 

    24 Oct 2025

    God's Unexpected Blessing

    What if your biggest surprise became your greatest blessing? Bodie and Michelle D'Andrea's journey with their son who has Down Syndrome reveals how choosing faith over fear can lead to miraculous outcomes. Their son not only defied medical predictions but became an unexpected minister to others. Sometimes God's plans are better than our own expectations. How do you respond when life takes an unexpected turn?

15. 

    22 Oct 2025

    Coming Soon!

    Join us on October 24 as we launch our first episode, "God's Unexpected Blessing"!

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.