She was told it was autism — but something didn’t feel right. In this episode, a mother shares how trusting her instincts led her beyond the diagnosis and into powerful advocacy for her child.
In this episode of Single Parent Success Stories, Michelle Choairy shares her journey as a mother navigating life with a child who has a rare genetic disorder called TBR1. Michelle opens up about the emotional toll of early diagnoses, the moment she realized it wasn’t autism, and what it really takes to advocate for your child in a complex medical and educational system.
Through honesty and lived experience, Michelle reminds parents why trusting your instincts matters — especially when the path you’re on looks nothing like what you expected.
This conversation is especially for parents raising children with special needs or complex diagnoses who are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted while trying to do the “right” thing for their child.
🤍 Reconnect With You
If this episode stirred something in you — not just about parenting, but about you — Irina offers a gentle, supportive space to reconnect with who you are beyond roles, responsibilities, and survival mode.
Book a free 30-minute clarity call:
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🎧 WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Michelle's Journey
00:56 Early Challenges and Diagnoses
05:13 Advocacy and Support for Parents
10:04 Navigating the Medical System
16:04 Involving Family in Child Development
22:20 The Grieving Process of Expectations
23:34 Managing Stress and Mental Health
30:51 Non-Negotiables for Self-Care
34:20 The Power of Sharing Stories
38:51 Connecting with Michelle
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💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What it means to look beyond an initial diagnosis
• Why trusting your instincts as a parent is critical
• How early advocacy impacts a child’s development
• The emotional process of grieving expectations
• Why mental health and self-care matter for parents
• How sharing your story can help others feel less alone
This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to have all the answers — but your voice, intuition, and well-being matter more than you’ve been told.
🔗 CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHOAIRY:
👉Website: https://www.michellechoairy.com
👉Website: https://www.wisdom4compleskids.com
👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michelle.choairy/
👉LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellechoairy/
👉Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/wisdom4complexkids
ABOUT SINGLE PARENT SUCCESS STORIES:
Single Parent Success Stories is a podcast created to bring hope and encouragement to single parents and caregivers navigating unexpected paths. Through honest conversations with parents, experts, and adult children, the show explores resilience, advocacy, healing, and what becomes possible when you refuse to give up on yourself or your family.
📖 Explore Irina’s books: https://www.irinashehovsov.com/thegiftinside1
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