The School Rejection That Made Me Face Reality About My Son

Sometimes reality hits you harder than you expect. And when it does, you realize just how much you've been protecting yourself from feeling the full weight of it. In this episode, I share something raw and unfiltered: the moment I got a rejection letter for my son's school placement. Why? Because he requires too much one-on-one care to be accepted. It was one of the first times someone told me, in black and white, just how high his needs really are. And that changed something. As a parent of a neurodivergent, developmentally complex, nonspeaking child, I spend most days not thinking about how hard things can be. I just… do them. I show up. I adapt. I advocate. I plan for a future I hope looks different than the one people warn me about. But every now and then, something forces you to stop. To sit with the grief you've been outrunning. To face what you've been too busy, too hopeful, or too afraid to name. This episode isn't polished or retrospective. It's me, 30 minutes after reading that letter, trying to make sense of what I'm feeling. Because I think showing that matters. I think the unprocessed, unpackaged moments matter just as much as the ones we've had time to reflect on or refine our language around. We talk about: • What it's like to parent a child with complex needs and not always see the full picture yourself • The strange kind of imposter syndrome that comes with disability parenting • Why rejection letters hit differently than you think they will • How hope and denial can live side by side • The gap between how you see your child and how the system sees your child • Why finding other parents who just get it can be lifesaving • Grief that shows up in pockets, not waves • What it means to hold space for hard feelings without letting them define the whole story If you're navigating a diagnosis, waiting for answers, or just trying to figure out what comes next for your child, this one's for you. If you've ever had your reality reframed by someone else's assessment, you'll understand this feeling. And if you're someone who loves a disability parent and wonders what's going on beneath the surface, this might give you a window in. This isn't about giving up. It's about being honest. About sitting in the hard stuff long enough to actually feel it, and then getting back up anyway. Because even when it's bad, it's still life. And life with Emmett is still good. About the channel Change of Mind is a long-form podcast and video channel exploring busy lives, caregiving, neurodiversity, and how humans actually change - in real life, not theory. Hosted by Johanna Kate, a registered nurse with experience across healthcare, neuroscience, leadership, and motherhood. Expect thoughtful conversations, evidence-informed insights, and the kind of nuance that might just change your mind. Disclaimer This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, nursing, or mental health advice and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your individual needs. While I'm a registered nurse with experience in operating theatres, mental health, neuroscience, and motherhood, the content shared here reflects general information and personal insights - not clinical recommendations. Listen to the podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YuybHkjX6CsPX8RqNsYAJ Follow & connect Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/thisisjohannakate/ Work With Me https://johannakate.com.au YouTube: You're already here — welcome, stay curious. #changeofmind #neuroscience #neurodiversity #disabilityparenting #specialneeds #globaldelay #nonspeaking #AAC #autism #schoolrejection #grief #mentalload #caregivertrauma #parentingjourney #reallife #vulnerability #podcast