Kiddipedia
For a parent of a child with special needs, they see their experience as unique and challenging but not an unrewarding one. They make it their mission to find simple joys in this whole ugly mess we call life. They believe that in building strong connections with others, learning to be a powerful advocate for their children and choosing to find the positives in their experiences that it makes them better parents, it builds happier families and develops stronger individuals.
This is how Kirsty Russel describes herself. A special needs parent who understands the power in taking care of herself first so she can better take care of her three wonderful children. After all, no-one can pour from an empty cup. The more energy you have for yourself, the more you have to give to others.
Kirsty wants to help others better understand the needs of not just the children with special needs and their parents and their entire families. She shares stories and experiences of other special needs parents, having learnt equally the power of laughter and supporting each other through the rough times.
Kiddipedia acknowledges the love, patience and strength of every parent, special needs or not. By sharing your experiences and embracing life’s challenges you make this world a better place for our children and in turn show us how to be a better example to all.
- Can you tell us a little bit about Positive Special Needs Parenting and why you started?
Positive Special Needs Parenting launched in September 2017. The site aims to provide advice, resources and quality information to parents, so they feel more confident and empowered when advocating for their child. The site also gives disability service providers (teachers, specialists, therapists) an insight into the reality of living as a special needs family. My aim is to increase understanding between parents and providers, to improve communication and, ultimately, improve therapy and educational outcomes.
I’m a special needs parent and I’ve been blogging since 2011 at my personal site, My Home Truths. While I’ve covered all sorts of topics there, I always found posts sharing my special needs parenting journey resonated the most. Given the resources I’ve created (including my first book, Autism Family Travel) it made sense to create a site specifically for special needs parents and a natural fit for my consulting, speaking and writing work.
2. What is the biggest parenting stigma on special needs children you would like to voice your opinion on?
It can be easy in the beginning, when a diagnosis is first given, to concentrate on the negatives and only see all the things a child can’t do. After all, identifying deficits is a necessary part of seeking a diagnosis. But, once you have an answer, it’s time to concentrate on their strengths, interests and passions so you can help them be the best they can be.
Our kids have so much potential, yet society still focuses on what our kids can’t do, rather than on all the things they can do. We need to accept the very real challenges that come with a diagnosis, but we also need to recognise the strengths, gifts and abilities that all kids possess, regardless of diagnosis. If we all took the effort to look past the diagnosis, imagine the opportunities our kids would have? That’s something I’d love to change.
- What advice can you give to new parents who have a child with special needs?
First, breathe. Second, hug your child tight – they may have just gained a diagnosis, but they are still the same precious person they were yesterday. Third, don’t be afraid of your emotions – everything you are feeling is natural and you need to experience these emotions to move forward. Fourth, know you are not alone in this, even if you feel utterly alone. Fifth, never forget your needs even if you feel overwhelmed by those of your child. You need to look after you, so you can continue to look after your child.
- What should the Kiddi-Community expect from you?
Honesty, reality and positivity. I believe positivity can only come when you face up to your fears and accept the reality of your situation. Once you do that, you can clear the negativity and start looking for the positives in life. That’s my philosophy and I hope to share this with the Kiddi-Community, by providing advice, support and encouragement to fellow special needs parents. Hopefully, we’ll all become more positive, empowered and confident, for our kids.
- If I was a genie and could grant you three wishes, what would you wish for? (and why?)
#1 Disability acceptance. I’d love to end discrimination, prejudice, bullying and misunderstanding throughout society. I’d love to see respect as a matter of course. I’d also love for everyone to recognise what disabled people CAN do rather than what they can’t. I don’t think it’s too much to ask!
#2 A good life for my kids. I’m a mum, I can’t help wanting the best for my kids, especially my two special needs kiddos!
#3 Unlimited travel. We love travelling as a family and it would be awesome to be able to go anywhere we wanted, whenever we wished (without having to worry about money!)
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