Raising a Self-Advocate with Type 1 Diabetes: He Makes me Feel Brave

In this heartfelt conversation, Erin Forward sits down with speech therapist and mother Marlee Brandon to talk about navigating her son’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at just 12 months old. Marlee shares the emotional realities of receiving a life-changing diagnosis, learning to manage insulin and food with a toddler, and the unexpected ways the experience reshaped her perspective as both a parent and clinician.Together, they explore how trauma-informed communication, connection, and including children as part of the care team can build confidence and self-advocacy, even in the face of chronic illness. Marlee also discusses how sharing her family’s journey on social media has helped educate others, challenge misconceptions about Type 1 diabetes, and build community for families navigating similar experiences.This conversation is an honest look at parenting through uncertainty, the power of advocacy, and the resilience that can grow when children are invited to be active participants in their own care.