This is S1\E1\P1 Cora's Chronicles

Before you judge, before you scroll... meet Cora. A California mama navigating autism, ADHD, ABA therapy, and a son who will go to war for the underdog every single time. We talk villages, IEPs, therapy choices, and why raising a child with special needs ain't so different from raising any other kid. You just need a little more grace. And maybe 15 minutes alone in the bathroom.

This show was born from Emmanuel. A 15 year old Houston boy who eloped from Walmart, got picked up by HPD, and ended up in a detention center instead of home with his family. Our kids deserve better. So we're telling our stories. One family at a time.

This is special needs.

In this episode of Rae Unscripted, Cathi Rae discusses the complexities of autism and the misconceptions surrounding it. She shares personal experiences with her son Noah, addressing the common phrase 'they don't look autistic' and the challenges of public perception. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and advocating for special needs families, while also reflecting on the unique experiences of individuals with autism. Cathi concludes with a heartfelt prayer and a call for greater awareness and understanding in the community.

To be a guest and share what special needs looks like in your home, Schedule a time that works for you!

Takeaways

• Cathi Rae holds space for families with special needs.
• The phrase 'they don't look autistic' is a common misconception.
• Public perception can be challenging for families with autistic children.
• Noah, Cathi's son, is a smart and perceptive child.
• Autism presents differently in each individual.
• There is no single 'look' to autism; it varies widely.
• Cathi emphasizes the importance of understanding over mere awareness.
• Families often face insensitive comments from the public.
• Cathi advocates for better support and understanding for special needs families.
• The conversation ends with a prayer for those in need.
• Breaking Down Autism Misconceptions
• The Reality of Autism: Beyond Appearances
• "They don't look autistic."
• "There is no look to autism."
• "Bless your heart."

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Special Needs Advocacy
• 02:15Addressing Misconceptions About Autism
• 12:06Personal Experiences with Autism and Society
• 16:41Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Tonight we’re sitting with Rosie Ibarra as she lets us into her family’s world. Her son Hector is an autistic adult with a child-like spirit, a big heart, and a growing desire for independence. Rosie shares what it looks like to support him as he steps into adulthood — meeting his needs with care while helping him stretch into more freedom at a pace that keeps him safe, seen, and respected.

This is real life in a special needs home — the shifts, the support, the love, and the ongoing work of building a life that fits the whole person.

If you’d like to share what special needs looks like in your house, you’re welcome to schedule a time here:
👉 Book a Time

TTFN

Tonight we’re stepping inside the Calderon home.

A family of four with two Littles under five, one on the spectrum, and love holding it all together. Mom Nayeli opens the door and lets us see what life looks like behind it: the noise, the naps, the balance, and the beautiful chaos that comes with raising a non-verbal child with a big personality while still trying to keep the rhythm of their little world steady.

This isn’t a highlight reel... it’s real life, lived with heart.

Tell your story by

1. Messaging me
2. Emailing me

Discover what I like and dislike about the software I use for the podcasts. Bonus: hear from my kids as they make their presence known!

I look forward to the next show with y'all.

Shine@RaeBurrell.com

Put a finger down if you've ever had a week or so that went haywire and ripple effect to several other areas, after you might have procrastinated before everything went wrong... Just me? It's cool.

Anywho, let me give you a rundown on life and business while I test a new tool I hope to share with y'all.

You're going to hear me talking about Ronnie here and there. So I wanted to introduce you.

haaaveyoumetronnie.com

I took a week to sit with the fact that this podcast was going to sit here until I was ready to transition the interviews from LinkedIn to here. Well, I don't like the idea of this just chilling here, serving no one, and taking up space in the clouds.

So until the show is ready to come out, let's get to know each other. I'll pop in and share a bit about me while I get used to how things work on Spotify. That is what I am using for the show.

So I hope you enjoy this journey.