Have you ever felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole? Or experienced interactions with parents of non-disabled children who simply can’t relate to your journey? I have felt that isolation deeply—the longing to find people who truly understand my life.

When I started The Exceptional Parents Wellness Center, my first inclination was to make my practice solely about supporting other parents. Over time, parenting my special needs adult children became an extension of my practice. While this came from a place of love and service, it wasn’t the healthiest approach. When it was my turn to feel grief, loss, or frustration as a caregiver, I often found myself sitting alone.

Eventually, I stopped believing in my own capacity to transform my ideas into usable emotions—almost like a computer running on a faulty program. That’s when I realized it was time for a deep housecleaning and a rebirth.

What do I mean by that? I mean letting go of old ways of behaving, releasing patterns that no longer serve me, and peeling back the layers to discover a newfound sense of freedom. There are many ways to align yourself with this kind of rebirth, but the most important beginning is spending time with people who get it. This may look like joining a caregiver support group, working with a therapist who also has a special needs child, or connecting with a community organization that serves individuals living with developmental disabilities. The point is to stop trying to fit your journey into someone else’s model.

As we move into 2026, I wish all of us the courage to transform negative emotions into feelings of joy, renewal, and hope. There is an entire Universe out there, that wants to support all of us! 

If you want to connect with me, visit my Facebook page @theexceptionalparentswellnesscenter or email me at [email protected].

Best to you in 2026 and always,
Damita Radtke
Board-Certified Holistic Wellness Coach