Ever feel like you’re navigating the world of special needs parenting all by yourself?
You’re not alone.
Isolation is a common experience among parents of children with neurological conditions, but it doesn’t have to define your journey.
In a recent conversation with Michelle Choairy, a parent who’s walked this path, we explored practical ways to move from isolation to connection. Michelle shared her T.H.R.I.V.E. framework—a powerful tool designed to help parents build a supportive community, navigate complex systems, and celebrate the small wins that make all the difference.
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Welcome to ‘The Happy Sensory Corner’ – the podcast where we explore the world of sensory enrichment and environmental enrichment to treat neurological conditions.
Through insightful discussions, interviews with experienced experts in a variety of fields, from nutrition to psychology, and inspiring stories of resilience, we uncover the secrets to success in raising a child with complex needs. Discover practical strategies, sensory enrichment protocols, and evidence-based practices that can transform lives one episode at a time.
Mark Gray is a personal trainer who specializes in helping busy people — including parents — prioritize movement and live pain-free.
Topics that are especially close to his heart, both professionally and personally:
• Gamifying exercise to make it fun for kids with autism and developmental delays
• Why doing short bursts of high-intensity movement helps re-activate brain development
• How to build a consistent habit even when life feels chaotic
He’s had his own health struggles and now helps others avoid long-term consequences by making small, doable changes.
We talk about how to turn 10 minutes of movement into something your child actually wants to do, how to lower their “motivation threshold,” and why it works better when you do it with them. This episode will help you build a realistic habit of exercise at home — one that supports brain health, strengthens your bond, and feels like play instead of pressure.
Episode Highlights
3:03 – Kim introduces the brain-health benefits of exercise: “High-intensity exercise helps activate a hyper-repair mode in the brain… which makes sense, because your whole body is in repair mode.”
6:18 – Mark shares how childhood sports injuries led him to focus on sustainable health and injury prevention: “I wanted to help people not just be fit, but live pain-free and actually enjoy the life they have.”
15:27 – Kim gets animated debunking a theory about concussions in rugby vs. football and links it to brain health: “So maybe that whole theory just flies right out the window.”
18:55 – Kim shares a breakthrough from Claudie: “We came across studies showing that intense exercise triggers the same neuroplasticity window as sensory enrichment… so now we ask parents to go until the child’s flushed and breathless.”
21:44 – Mark offers a playful twist on squats: “Throw a beanbag between reps. Now you’re dodging, squatting to save your life — way more fun than just ‘one more squat.’”
27:00 – Kim reframes an old belief: “I used to think there was only one type of exercise that helped the brain. But now I realize if we’re too rigid, we lose consistency.”
29:49 – Mark shares a practical rule: “Schedule 10–15 minutes like a non-negotiable. If you wait for perfect, you’ll get stuck.”
35:18 – Kim shares his own trick: “I leave gym shorts at the end of my bed. My only goal is to wear them. Then somehow, I end up working out.”
38:00 – Kim speaks directly to the emotional reality of parents: “So many parents feel like they don’t deserve self-care. But if you do it for your child, it’s easier. It fits with how you’re already thinking.”
41:15 – Mark explains his sneaky strategy: “I’d add extra weight to the machine without telling my clients. Because often their mind gives up before their body does.”
49:58 – Kim demos a live ChatGPT prompt: “Give me fun ways to make squats better for kids with autism.” And the results are golden: “Animal squats, treasure hunts, storylines — boom, five ideas in seconds.”
54:36 – Mark: “When you compare exercise with fun, it becomes a winning combo. You don’t want to do this for two weeks — you want it for life.”
Teamwork: Finding the Right Support
The saying “It takes a village” couldn’t be more true when raising a child with special needs. Yet, many parents struggle to find that village, leading to feelings of isolation and burnout. Michelle emphasized the importance of teamwork as the foundation of her T.H.R.I.V.E. framework.
You don’t have to do it alone. Building a support network starts with identifying people who truly understand your challenges. This could include other parents, specialists, or even friends who are willing to listen and offer practical help.
“You can’t do it alone—find the right people who can support you and your child.”
Research shows that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety【source】. Having a strong support system can significantly alleviate these pressures, providing emotional and practical assistance when you need it most.
Help Systems: Navigating the Maze
If you’ve ever felt lost in the labyrinth of school districts, state programs, and insurance policies, you’re not alone. These systems can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already managing the day-to-day challenges of your child’s needs.
Michelle’s journey taught her that understanding and navigating these systems is crucial for accessing the resources your child deserves.
“Help systems are your lifeline—learn how to navigate school districts, state programs, and insurance to get the resources you need.”
Knowing where to start can make all the difference. Start by connecting with your local support organizations. These organizations offer resources and guidance to help you understand your rights and the services available to your child.
Celebrating Small Wins: Expect the Miracle
When was the last time you celebrated a small victory? For parents of children with special needs, these moments can be easy to overlook amidst the daily grind. But Michelle reminds us that these small wins are worth celebrating.
“Expect the miracle, no matter how small.”
Whether it’s finally getting out of the car without a meltdown or completing a simple task independently, these moments are significant. They’re not just milestones; they’re miracles in their own right.
Research supports this approach—celebrating small achievements can boost your child’s confidence and encourage further progress【source**】. So, take a moment to recognize and rejoice in these moments. It’s not just about the big milestones; it’s about appreciating every step forward.
Self-Care: Integration is Key
As a parent, your well-being directly impacts your child’s progress. Yet, self-care often takes a backseat to the demands of caregiving. Michelle’s T.H.R.I.V.E. framework includes self-care as a critical component—not a luxury, but a necessity.
“If you’re not well, your child won’t be either.”
Studies have shown that parents who prioritize their well-being are better equipped to support their children【source】. Even small breaks, like a walk outside or a few minutes of meditation, can recharge your batteries and make a significant difference in how you handle daily challenges.
Connection Overcomes Isolation
The journey from isolation to connection isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Michelle’s T.H.R.I.V.E. framework offers a roadmap to help you build the community you need. By focusing on teamwork, navigating help systems, celebrating small victories, and integrating self-care, you can transform your experience from one of isolation to one of connection and support.
Don’t let isolation define your story. Start building your village today.
For more insights from Michelle and other experts, tune in to our latest podcast episode.