Getting the start right

The early stages of navigating a child’s disability can be an emotional rollercoaster – so how can we soften the ride?

In this Q&A, Melanie Dimmitt, in conversation with Nicole Buffoni, spoke of ways to overcome fear, turn around negative thinking and carve out a ‘new normal’ for your family.

Melanie is an Australian journalist living in Sydney with her partner and two young children. She is the author of ‘Special: antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child’s disability’ – a candid companion for parents who are coming to terms with their child’s disability.

In this interview, Melanie reflected on what she learnt through interviewing over 100 families for her book and on her own experiences as a parent.

Watch the interview

Listen to the interview

Prefer to listen? You can find the audio recording on Soundcloud.

Resources suggested by Melanie in the video:

• Miracle Mama
• Any Ordinary Day book, Leigh Sales
• Option B book, Sheryl Sandberg
• Too Peas on a Podcast
• One in a Million Baby Podcast