Episode 94: Raising a Child With Invisible Special Needs with Julie Falcone

In this episode of our “Parenting Impossible” podcast, Annette is joined by “crazy and loving” mom, wife, and author of the book “DEAR LOVED ONES: An Honest Guide to Helping the Special Needs Family You Love,” Julie Falcone.

In her hilarious and heartfelt book, Julie shares her unfiltered experience of raising four children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, developmental delay, and oppositional defiant disorder, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to raise children with special needs on a daily basis and listing a variety of ways family members and friends can truly support their special needs loved ones.

Julie shares accounts of very real, honest experiences, fears, and insecurities so many mothers of children with special needs face, as well as her goal for writing this “letter” to people outside of the special needs community.

Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.