If I Want My Child to Talk, I Need to Give Him Something to Talk About

Claudia Charles-Sardine is a powerhouse appellate court attorney, but her most personal case? Advocating for her son, Justin, who is on the autism spectrum. In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Claudia shares how her legal training, faith, and Afro-Caribbean roots shape the way she mothers, fights systems, and builds community. From winning appeals to make sure her son gets the support he needs, to creating inclusive spaces in school and church, Claudia’s story is a masterclass in grace and grit.

 

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or both—this one will stay with you.

🔑 Topics We Cover:

• What it means to be an Afro-Caribbean woman in the legal field

• Navigating the special education system as a parent and attorney

• How advocacy begins at home—and extends to every child

• Letting go of shame and asking for help

• Creating access to faith, friendship, and belonging for neurodivergent kids

• The importance of sharing knowledge: “Each one, teach one”

🕰️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Claudia Charles-Sardine: attorney, mother, advocate

02:00 – Growing up in Brooklyn in an Afro-Caribbean family

06:30 – Inside the appellate court system—and how it works

10:15 – Justin’s autism diagnosis: fear, faith, and fierce advocacy

14:45 – Winning an appeal for occupational therapy services

17:30 – The unseen burdens parents carry—and why we need safe spaces to vent

22:00 – A powerful moment of divine reassurance

26:00 – Why she celebrates the smallest milestones

30:00 – Empathy for all parents—and how her perspective has changed

34:00 – The social power of inclusion: from after-school to sacraments

42:30 – Building trust and support with your child’s school

46:00 – Her favorite mantra: “If I want my child to talk, I have to give him something to talk about”

👂 Listen If You’re…

• Parenting a child with disabilities

• Feeling overwhelmed in the IEP or therapy maze

• A professional learning to hold space for families

• Looking for real talk, spiritual grounding, and radical hope

📝 Connect with Claudia:

Want to reach out to Claudia? She welcomes connections from fellow parents and advocates.

📧 Email: claudiajcharles@gmail.com