We were lucky to catch up with Charlene Chow recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlene, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I think it found me. My circumstances are what drove my purpose. I didn’t ask to be a special needs sibling, but here I am. The more I tried to look for resources to support me and my situation, the more I struggled to find them. And so I thought that I would “help the world” by bringing my issues up because I personally thought they were pretty big problems.
I think most young adults want to figure out their purpose in life, and all the things I thought were going to be my ticket for change didn’t turn out to be it. So it’s interesting how the more things I tried, I eventually came across this idea (for the podcast) and it turns out that it’s making a positive difference!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the host of The Special Needs Sibling Podcast where we talk about what life is REALLY like as a special needs sibling. So many times as special needs siblings we fall to the side and forget how important we are. Having this podcast and an opportunity to talk with other special needs siblings about life is so validating and encouraging for me. And the best part is that other siblings just like me ALSO are validated and encouraged.
It was really important for me for this podcast to be informal because it’s just different for us as siblings to really be our “true” selves. We’re so used to wearing a variety of hats that don’t always suit us, and we just roll with the punches. But when we’re just hanging out with our inner circles or other siblings, there’s a whole other level of unlocking that occurs and it’s so much fun.
There’s so much laughter and pain and agony. But best of all, a real depth of friendship that can transpire because the bond between special needs siblings is like no other. And as painful as that was growing up (and can be as an adult), I’m really loving it on this podcast because of all the siblings across the country and around the world that I get to build friendships with.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. My background (and conveniently a degree) in Digital Audio Technology 2. The fact that I love to talk so much with people
3. My processing power
Audio skills → youtube videos??? Or talk to a friend who has knowledge in it
Talking with people might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But something people can practice is active listening! And you don’t need to have a podcast to do that. Active listening is so helpful in improving your communication skills because it “forces” you to pay more attention to what the person across from you is saying.
My ability to process fast was something that I didn’t understand for years, even when my dad pointed it out to me. But that being said, I think it’s really played a big part of me being able to respond to people’s thoughts in real time on the podcast. I’m not sure how to necessarily improve someone’s processing power. But what I can say, is pay attention to HOW you process information. Do you process information better if you’re reading something, drawing it out, listening to it, doing something with your hands, etc… Understanding how you best process new information can be really helpful in improving your method of learning. When you have an easier (maybe even more relaxed) time taking in the new information, you have more energy to respond in a variety of ways.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My therapist has been the most helpful, with 2nd place going to my husband.
The amount of work I have put into working on myself has been astronomical. I absolutely would not be where I am if I was not going to therapy.
And my husband has been so supportive and understanding and really helping me practice what I do and learn in therapy on an everyday basis. That has additionally made a huge difference in my personal growth trajectory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thespecialneedssiblingpodcast.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespecialneedssiblingpodcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090053551479
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thespecialneedssiblingpodcast
