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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Motion of Gratitude® Podcast, I sit down with Michael Pereira—father, financial professional, and founder of The Autism Voyage—to explore what it means to parent a neurodiverse child with presence, courage, and long-term intention.
Michael opens up about the early signs of his son Christian’s autism diagnosis, the emotional journey from denial to acceptance, and how that shift transformed not only his family’s life—but his professional path. What began as a search for answers turned into a mission to support other parents walking a similar path.
We talk about the intersection of emotional reality and practical planning, what it means to lead with accountability (not guilt), and why financial tools like special needs trusts and long-term care strategies matter more than ever for families navigating neurodivergence. Most of all, this episode is a reminder: you’re not alone, and there are people building solutions for the very questions you may be asking right now.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- Michael’s personal journey as a father to a neurodivergent child
- What it means to move from denial to empowerment
- How exhaustion affects parenting—and why curiosity becomes a superpower
- Common misconceptions about financial planning for families with special needs
- Why life insurance and disability income protection can be powerful tools
- The Special Needs Collective—a growing directory of trusted support for parents
- The one thing Michael wants every exhausted parent to hear
Whether you're parenting a neurodiverse child or know someone who is, this conversation is filled with heart, hope, and deeply practical wisdom.
About Michael Pereira:
Michael Pereira is the founder of The Autism Voyage, a platform dedicated to helping parents of neurodiverse children create proactive, long-term plans. With a background in insurance and a deeply personal connection to the journey, Michael merges professional expertise with lived experience. Through financial guidance, blog resources, and now the Special Needs Collective directory, he offers families the tools—and the encouragement—they need to navigate with clarity and purpose.
Resources Mentioned:
- 🔗 Explore The Autism Voyage: https://theautismvoyage.com/
- 🧰 Download the Financial Readiness Checklist by subscribing to the newsletter
- 🌱 Follow the launch of the Special Needs Collective directory
- ✉️ Con
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