EP 322: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman

Kelley Coleman: Parenting with Empathy, Humor, and Unconditional Love

Parenting is tough. Throw in a child with multiple disabilities, and it can feel like you're trying to navigate a labyrinth blindfolded. But Kelley Coleman, a mom to two incredible boys, has turned this challenging journey into a story of resilience, joy, and compassion—proving that even on the hardest days, love and humor can light the way.

Kelley’s journey as a mom took an unexpected turn when her youngest son was born with a complex set of disabilities that includes a yet-undiagnosed genetic syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, cortical visual impairment (CVI), epilepsy, and more. In the face of medical uncertainty and a maze of diagnoses, Kelley’s response wasn’t to retreat into frustration or despair. Instead, she took a different path—one grounded in empathy, humor, and a relentless desire to give her son—and her family—the tools they needed to thrive.

In her book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child, Kelley opens up about her personal journey, offering a mix of practical advice, life-changing tools, and humor to help parents facing similar challenges. Her writing isn’t just for parents of children with disabilities—it’s for anyone who wants to learn how to approach life with more compassion, grace, and understanding. The title itself—“Everything No One Tells You”—hints at the raw, unfiltered honesty that Kelley brings to the table. She’s been through it, and now she’s here to share the secrets, tips, and strategies that can make all the difference when the going gets tough.

From Chaos to Clarity: The Power of Tools and Resources

When Kelley first entered the world of parenting a child with disabilities, she found herself drowning in paperwork, endless forms, and confusing medical jargon. It was overwhelming—and it was keeping her from focusing on what truly mattered: her child. This frustration led her to a key realization: systems matter. By creating a structure for managing her son’s care—whether it was organizing appointments, tracking medical progress, or keeping up with educational goals—she was able to reduce the mental clutter and focus more energy on the meaningful parts of parenting.

Kelley’s message is clear: It’s not about being perfect; it’s about having the tools to be effective. By providing parents with strategies that make life a little easier, Kelley is giving them permission to be human. She isn’t just about pushing parents to “do more”; she’s about helping them do better, with fewer stressors and less burnout. In a world where special needs parents are often expected to be medical experts, teachers, and caregivers all at once, Kelley’s tools and resources offer a lifeline.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice Kelley offers is learning how to navigate the bureaucracy of healthcare, insurance, and special education systems without letting it consume your life. From how to write the best IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for your child to how to deal with insurance red tape, Kelley’s practical tips save parents hours of frustration. The result? Parents spend less time battling with paperwork and more time enjoying their child’s unique gifts and talents.

Empathy and Humor: The Heart of Kelley’s Message

But it's not all about systems and strategies. At the heart of Kelley’s approach is a deep well of empathy and humor. She knows that the emotional toll of raising a child with disabilities can be overwhelming, so she makes it a point to bring humor and lightness into the conversation. Her writing is peppered with anecdotes and reflections that make parents feel seen and understood, even when they’re facing their toughest days.

In a world that often expects parents of children with disabilities to be stoic or self-sacrificial, Kelley reminds us that it’s okay to laugh—even when life feels heavy. Humor doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the situation; instead, it makes it possible to stay connected to joy, even on hard days. Kelley’s ability to find humor in the chaos doesn’t just make her book more readable—it makes it relatable. She’s not just offering advice; she’s offering solidarity.

This ability to find lightness even in dark moments resonates deeply with all parents, not just those with disabled children. Whether it's navigating a child’s ADHD, dealing with chronic illness, or simply juggling the chaos of parenthood, Kelley’s insights apply to any parent who’s ever felt like they’re just trying to keep their head above water. She’s here to remind you that you’re not alone, and that it’s okay to lean on humor, empathy, and community.

A Message That Resonates Beyond Disability

What makes Kelley’s message so powerful is that it doesn’t just resonate with families of children with disabilities. It speaks to every parent who’s ever faced a challenge that feels insurmountable. It speaks to teachers, healthcare providers, and anyone who interacts with children facing unique struggles. Kelley’s tools and resources create a culture of empathy that extends beyond the family unit—allowing anyone to engage with children in a more meaningful, compassionate way.

By focusing on empathy, understanding, and actionable strategies, Kelley’s work changes the way we approach not just parenting but how we relate to people who are different from ourselves. We live in a world that can be quick to judge or misunderstand, but Kelley is working to change that—one conversation, one resource, and one family at a time.

The Unseen Superpowers of Parenting a Disabled Child

Kelley’s story is one of grace, resilience, and love. It’s a reminder that parenting a child with disabilities is not a tragedy to endure—it’s a journey that brings out a unique set of superpowers in both the child and the parent. Her work shows that while challenges are inevitable, there is always room for joy, connection, and a deep sense of fulfillment. In Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child, Kelley provides the tools for navigating that journey with confidence, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that comes with loving a child exactly as they are.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare provider, Kelley’s message is clear: Every child is a gift, and with the right support, love, and tools, they can flourish—just as they are.