On the Spectrum Empowerment Stories with Sonia Krishna Chand: Adult Autism, Neurodivergent, and Mental Health Expert

Sonia Krishna Chand | Adult Autism and Neurodivergent Mental Health Expert | Empowerment Coaching
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Documentary

Welcome to On the Spectrum—the essential podcast exploring autism, neurodivergent, and mental health expert insights and heartfelt stories. Hosted by Sonia Krishna Chand, acclaimed autism advocate, speaker, and author of Dropped In The Maze, this podcast dives deep into autism, neurodivergent experiences, and mental health.  Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or neurodivergent individual, On the Spectrum offers practical strategies, empowering conversations, and a supportive community to help you navigate life with confidence. Why Listen? 🔹 Autism & Mental Health: Understand sensory triggers, masking, anxiety, and self-acceptance.🔹 Neurodivergent Well-Being: Explore neurodiversity-affirming approaches to relationships, education, and advocacy.🔹 Real Stories, Real Solutions: Hear raw, inspiring journeys from autistic adults, parents, and experts. Key Topics ✅ Parenting & Family Dynamics – Navigating milestones, IEPs, and healthcare. Raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with unique joys and challenges. Sonia shares practical parenting strategies, tips for fostering connection, and advice on navigating developmental milestones, education systems, and healthcare resources. ✅ Relationships & Social Connection – Building meaningful bonds. Autism doesn’t just shape individual lives—it profoundly impacts relationships. Episodes explore topics like building meaningful connections, navigating romantic relationships, and fostering social skills in neurodiverse individuals. ✅ Mental Health & Self-Identity – Overcoming anxiety and embracing neurodivergence. Learn how to effectively advocate for your child or loved one in schools, workplaces, or the community. Sonia will explore Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), inclusive learning environments, and overcoming systemic barriers. ✅ Celebrating Strengths – Harnessing creativity and resilience.  The intersection of autism and mental health is vital yet often overlooked. Sonia tackles issues like anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and the journey to self-acceptance and empowerment for individuals on the spectrum. Neurodiversity is about valuing every brain's unique wiring. Meet Sonia Krishna ChandSonia Krishna Chand is a passionate voice in the autism community, dedicated to fostering understanding and inclusion. As the author of Dropped In The Maze, Sonia weaves powerful storytelling with expert insights to help readers navigate the complexities of neurodiverse living. Who Should Tune In?Parents, educators, clinicians, and neurodivergent individuals seeking understanding and empowerment. About Dropped In The MazeSonia’s transformative book explores neurodiverse experiences with raw honesty and actionable guidance. Buy “Dropped in a Maze” Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dropped-Maze-Sonia-Krishna-Chand-ebook/dp/B0F3B7BQJ7/ Get Your Copy on SoniaKrishnaChand.Net/Book Here: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/book Book A Coaching Call with Sonia: https://cal.com/sonia-chand/self-esteem-coaching-call

  1. 5d ago

    How Somatic Parts Work Turns Self Sabotage Into Self Trust with Tina Estrella

    Send us Fan Mail Something strange happens when you stop asking “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking “What is this part of me trying to do for me?” I sit down with coach Tina Estrella to talk about existential kink, a somatic, parts-based approach that helps people untangle self-sabotage, shutdowns, and repeating patterns without turning their inner world into a battlefield. Tina shares her path through early diagnoses like depression, borderline personality disorder, and OCD, and what changed when she later recognized ADHD and neurodivergence through a more strength-based lens. We talk candidly about self-injury as a form of grounding, why certain treatment settings can feel safer than “real life,” and how group support and honest therapy can rebuild a sense of self over time. From there we get practical. Tina explains what existential kink means outside of any sexual context, how “full approval” reframes the parts of us we usually shame, and what a typical session can look like: clarifying what you actually want, tracking body sensations, having guided conversations with inner parts, and using simple practices between sessions to create new habits with less friction. We also dig into growth, resistance, and why building change can feel like shedding an old shell, especially for neurodivergent people navigating pressure, purpose, and energy limits. If you’re curious about nervous system regulation, parts work, and a different route to lasting behavior change, hit play. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who’s tired of fighting themselves. Resources: Visit our Website: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/ Buy "Dropped in a Maze" book on Amazon: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/book Need Socio-Emotional Coaching or Self-Esteem Coaching? Book a call with Sonia today: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/self-esteem-emotional-coaching-adults-services Read our 100+ Blogs: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/blog Support the show

  2. Sep 4

    A Dyslexic Entrepreneur Explains What Finally Made Learning Click with Willie

    Send us Fan Mail Reading out loud as a kid can feel like standing on a stage with no script, and Willie Blake knows that pressure firsthand. We sit down with Willie to talk about being diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade, getting pulled into extra support classes, and the quiet ways that “help” can still lead to isolation when classmates start treating you differently. We get honest about what that does to self-esteem, why confidence and learning are tied together, and how shame can make dyslexia feel louder than it has to be. We also go deeper than grades and spelling lists. Willie shares how overcompensating shows up in personality, friendships, and later in adult life, especially in workplaces full of emails, memos, and presentations. We unpack anger as a secondary emotion, what’s happening underneath the outbursts, and how simple emotional regulation practices help kids find language for hurt before it turns into something bigger. If you’re a parent, educator, or a neurodivergent adult searching for dyslexia strategies that are realistic, this conversation stays practical without pretending it’s easy. From there, we shift into solutions that actually fit real life: focusing on what you love to rebuild confidence, breaking goals down to one small step a day, and matching teaching to learning styles like visual, hands-on, or text-based learning. Willie also explains why dyslexic entrepreneurs can thrive when they niche down, tell the truth in their branding, and use modern supports like AI tools, text-to-speech, Grammarly, and ChatGPT to reduce friction in writing and communication. Listen, share this with someone who needs it, and then subscribe, rate, and review so more dyslexic learners and professionals can find the support they deserve. Support the show

  3. Jul 8

    Blueprints for Empowerment: Navigating IEPs and Parenting on the Spectrum with Vicki Christensen

    Send us Fan Mail Join Sonia Chand as she speaks with Vicki Christensen, founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy, about navigating the world of special education, IEPs, and parenting children with neurodiverse needs. Learn how to find support, understand your legal rights, work with schools on accommodations, and hear Vicki's personal journey raising two children with unique needs.  Discover actionable advocacy tips, the importance of building your village, and insights from Vicki’s upcoming memoir, "Uniquely Fully Enough." Perfect for parents, educators, and professionals looking for guidance and hope on the neurodivergent journey. Who Is This For? This episode of "On the Spectrum with Sonya" is for: Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children or those with special needsIndividuals navigating IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 PlansEducators, therapists, and advocacy professionalsAnyone interested in inclusive education, neurodiversity, and special education law Key Moments & Timestamps Introduction of Vicki Christensen and her background 00:00:00How Vicki Christensen's son Luke was diagnosed and connected with Unique magazine 00:01:30Impact of Luke’s chromosomal abnormality and development 00:04:16Vicki Christensen's experience navigating IEPs for Everett (ADHD, auditory processing) 00:07:31Signs Everett needed more support at school 00:09:16Executive functioning/organization skills taught by the IEP team 00:11:10Auditory processing disorder and accommodations 00:14:35Importance of self-advocacy and communication in school 00:13:02Vicki Christensen starting Blue Glasses Advocacy 00:17:57The IEP process: challenges, parent advocacy, and common missteps 00:18:05Key pitfalls: communication breakdowns, parent overwhelm, legal aspects 00:27:28Vicki Christensen's book and biggest advice for parents: Find your village 00:35:25How to start building your support network 00:39:01Where to find Vicki Christensen and her book 00:41:45 FAQ Q: What is an IEP and why is it important? A: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding plan for students with special needs, outlining specific goals and accommodations for their education 00:23:38. Q: How can parents prepare for IEP meetings? A: Learn your rights, review documents in advance, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring an advocate 00:23:10. Q: What accommodations helped Everett with ADHD and auditory processing? A: Copies of notes, seating close to the teacher, scheduled breaks, and executive function coaching were crucial supports 00:15:36. Q: How can families find their support network ('village')? A: Start by connecting with PTA, school groups, local SELPAs, therapy providers, and other parents at school or local programs 00:39:01. Q: Why did Vicki Christensen start Blue Glasses Advocacy? A: Her personal challenges navigating IEPs for her own child inspired her to help other families with special education guidance 00:17:57. Action Steps for Listeners Review your child’s IEP or 504 Plan; understand your rights as a parent 00:18:58.Reach out to advocacy resources such as Blue Glasses Advocacy if you need support 00:41:45.Begin connecting with other parents through school groups, social media, or local organizations 00:39:01.Foster self-advocacy and organization skills in your child; use planners, check-ins, and regular communication with teachers 00:11:10.Check out Vicki Christensen’s book "Uniquely Fully Enough" for further guidance 00:35:25. Support the show

  4. Jun 25

    You Can Keep The Court From Parenting with Christopher Anderson

    Send us Fan Mail A custody fight can turn into a second full-time job when autism or other special needs are part of your child’s world, and the stakes feel unbearable. We sit down with Christopher Anderson, a family law attorney licensed in multiple states and a parent of an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, to talk about what actually helps families reach better outcomes without handing their lives over to the court system. We dig into the “best interest of the child” standard and why it’s both universal and deeply personal. When parents disagree, courts ask for evidence, experts, and evaluations, but Christopher argues the real goal is bigger than winning a hearing. We talk about how to educate the court responsibly while still doing the harder work of finding common ground, so your child can hear the words that matter most: your parents decided together. Then we shift to everyday advocacy where many families get stuck: IEP meetings, IDEA rights, and the constant friction with systems designed to run smoothly. Christopher shares a clear lens for special education advocacy: stop letting labels like ASD or ADHD replace knowing the individual child, question medication-first thinking, and keep pushing until recommendations from pediatricians and therapists are taken seriously. We also tackle the dreaded “we don’t have the budget” line and explore realistic ways to escalate, organize with disability advocacy groups, and make the resource pie bigger for your child and others in the district. Subscribe for more practical conversations on autism, special education, and family law, then share this episode with someone who needs it and leave a quick review so more parents can find it. Support the show

  5. May 6

    Aerial Yoga Can Help You Feel Safe In Your Body Again with Jo Stewart

    Send us Fan Mail Aerial yoga can look like acrobatics, but what happens inside the hammock is often the opposite of performance: it’s regulation, relief, and finally feeling safe in your body. I sit down with Melbourne-based teacher Joe Stewart to talk about how aerial yoga supports trauma-informed practice and neurodiversity through simple, powerful sensory tools like cocooning, deep pressure, gentle rocking, and optional inversions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in a crowded studio, bored by repetitive flows, or unsure where you fit in “typical” wellness spaces, this conversation offers a grounded alternative.  We get practical about what a class can look like when it’s built around choice. Joe explains how she uses small group sizes, check-ins, and multiple versions of the same pose to meet different needs in the same room, including examples like a three-level aerial down dog that can stay fully grounded or become a supported inversion. We also break down vestibular stimulation, how spinning or motion can help some people with ADHD or autism feel calm and present, and why the same sensation can be too much for others. The through-line is consent: nothing is framed as a progression, and rest is always allowed.  The episode goes deeper into what happens when yoga language misses the moment. Joe shares a story about taking a “bliss” themed class during a cancer crisis and how that changed the way she teaches, plus the flip side: generosity and community care that made yoga feel like a lifeline. We also talk about access, mental health as health, and cultural appropriation, including why acknowledging yoga’s South Asian roots matters and how aerial yoga still connects to yoga history and ethics. If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a softer on-ramp to movement, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. To learn more about Jo, please reach out via her website https://gardenofyoga.com.au/ Her book "8 Limbs of Aerial Yoga" is available also via her website, or you could order here: https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Limbs-Aerial-Yoga-Neurodiversity/dp/1805011898 Support the show

  6. Apr 17

    What If Dementia Does Not Erase Personhood? With Marilyn Raichle

    Send us Fan Mail Dementia is often treated like a door slamming shut. What we hear from Marilyn is the opposite: a series of doors opening once we stop chasing who someone used to be and start meeting who they are right now. We talk about caring for parents with dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, and how one family’s long-held rule to “walk away” collided with the real work of love, grief, and showing up. We dig into what changes when you embrace the idea of “living with dementia” instead of “suffering from it,” and why person-first language is more than politeness. Marilyn shares how her mom’s move into assisted living created unexpected community, why touch and friendship still matter in memory care, and how repeated questions can hold real meaning if we learn to listen. Along the way, we explore caregiver health, burnout, and why so many family caregivers operate without a net. The most surprising thread is art. A painting class reveals a spark that fear had been hiding in plain sight, and Marilyn explains how creativity can disarm stigma: Alzheimer’s is scary and art isn’t. We also talk about her book, Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey, built from daily moments and illustrated by her mom’s remarkable paintings, plus the bigger system problem of cost and access in quality dementia care. If you’re supporting aging parents, navigating Alzheimer’s caregiving, or trying to communicate better with someone living with memory loss, this conversation offers practical insight and real hope. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find these stories. Marilyn Raichle's book can be found via Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I have provided both links below. I also included the website where you can access more information about Marilyn: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Walk-Away-Partners-Journey/dp/B0DCBMQNDB https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-walk-away-marilyn-raichle/1144871940?ean=9781969682223 https://dontwalkaway.net/about/ Support the show

  7. Apr 8

    The IEP Meeting That Made Me Throw Up with Paula J. Yost

    Send us Fan Mail One bad IEP meeting can change your body, your sleep, and your faith in the “village” everyone promises you. I’m joined by Paula J Yost, who has a perspective you rarely hear in one voice: she’s both a practicing attorney and a licensed psychotherapist. Paula shares how living through clinical depression shaped her, why getting real mental health support in law school changed her future, and how those therapy tools now show up in the way she helps people in legal settings filled with anxiety, grief, and high stakes decisions.  We get painfully specific about special education advocacy and what it feels like to sit in an IEP or 504 meeting and realize you’re being dismissed. Paula tells the story of fighting for her son, who was born with a cleft lip and palate and needed speech therapy early, and why families should not have to “work around the system” just to get basic services. She explains why “we can’t afford it” is not a valid answer when a child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and she offers practical steps to prepare: define the goal, walk in with a plan, and keep bringing the conversation back to the supports your child needs.  We also talk policy and reality, including fears about Department of Education cuts, debates around school choice and opportunity scholarships, and why early intervention and early childhood education funding can prevent bigger problems later. Throughout it all, Paula comes back to the same message: you deserve support too, and the right village is built on people who will stand with you, celebrate the wins, and help you stay steady.  Paula can be found on Instagram and FaceBook as Paula J Yost Author. Paula is the author of the book "Tumbleweeds. How to be an Advocate For Your "Children and Yourself in a Failing System." Paula referenced organizations in the podcast episode with links (including the one to her book) provided all below: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tumbleweeds-paula-j-yost/1149570835 https://mhanational.org/ https://www.theamazinggraceproject.com/ If you find this helpful, subscribe, share with a parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find these tools. Support the show

  8. Mar 26

    A Car Crash That Became A Roadmap For Brain Injury Recovery with Kelly Tuttle

    Send us Fan Mail A car crash can be over in seconds, but a concussion can rewrite your life for years. We sit down with Kelly Tuttle, a former cardiology nurse practitioner who later moved into neurology, to tell the truth about traumatic brain injury recovery, especially the kind that doesn’t show up on a “normal” CT or MRI. Kelly shares the moment she realized something was truly wrong, the fear of not knowing if she’d ever feel like herself again, and the slow, stubborn work of rebuilding a life around a healing brain. We get specific about the tools that made a measurable difference: seeing the right kind of specialist, learning why functional MRI can reveal changes standard imaging misses, and addressing sensory issues that frontline care often overlooks. Kelly explains how a behavioral optometrist diagnosed binocular vision dysfunction, why light and screen time became draining, and how sound sensitivity and sensory overload can hijack focus, mood, and energy. If you’ve been searching for answers about post-concussion symptoms, neurofatigue, headaches, and brain fog, this conversation puts language to what you may be living. We also talk about returning to work after brain injury with real-world strategies and boundaries, including accommodations, the ADA, FMLA, and the hidden cost of “looking fine” while struggling. Kelly connects her recovery journal to the resources she now shares through her award-winning book: "After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury."  Substack, YouTube, and her podcast After the Crash. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs proof they’re not alone. What invisible symptom do you wish other people understood? To learn more about Kelly Tuttle, please go to https://kellytuttle.org You can purchase Kelly Tuttle's book at this link: https://www.amazon.com/After-Crash-School-Brain-Injury Support the show

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About

Welcome to On the Spectrum—the essential podcast exploring autism, neurodivergent, and mental health expert insights and heartfelt stories. Hosted by Sonia Krishna Chand, acclaimed autism advocate, speaker, and author of Dropped In The Maze, this podcast dives deep into autism, neurodivergent experiences, and mental health.  Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or neurodivergent individual, On the Spectrum offers practical strategies, empowering conversations, and a supportive community to help you navigate life with confidence. Why Listen? 🔹 Autism & Mental Health: Understand sensory triggers, masking, anxiety, and self-acceptance.🔹 Neurodivergent Well-Being: Explore neurodiversity-affirming approaches to relationships, education, and advocacy.🔹 Real Stories, Real Solutions: Hear raw, inspiring journeys from autistic adults, parents, and experts. Key Topics ✅ Parenting & Family Dynamics – Navigating milestones, IEPs, and healthcare. Raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with unique joys and challenges. Sonia shares practical parenting strategies, tips for fostering connection, and advice on navigating developmental milestones, education systems, and healthcare resources. ✅ Relationships & Social Connection – Building meaningful bonds. Autism doesn’t just shape individual lives—it profoundly impacts relationships. Episodes explore topics like building meaningful connections, navigating romantic relationships, and fostering social skills in neurodiverse individuals. ✅ Mental Health & Self-Identity – Overcoming anxiety and embracing neurodivergence. Learn how to effectively advocate for your child or loved one in schools, workplaces, or the community. Sonia will explore Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), inclusive learning environments, and overcoming systemic barriers. ✅ Celebrating Strengths – Harnessing creativity and resilience.  The intersection of autism and mental health is vital yet often overlooked. Sonia tackles issues like anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and the journey to self-acceptance and empowerment for individuals on the spectrum. Neurodiversity is about valuing every brain's unique wiring. Meet Sonia Krishna ChandSonia Krishna Chand is a passionate voice in the autism community, dedicated to fostering understanding and inclusion. As the author of Dropped In The Maze, Sonia weaves powerful storytelling with expert insights to help readers navigate the complexities of neurodiverse living. Who Should Tune In?Parents, educators, clinicians, and neurodivergent individuals seeking understanding and empowerment. About Dropped In The MazeSonia’s transformative book explores neurodiverse experiences with raw honesty and actionable guidance. Buy “Dropped in a Maze” Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dropped-Maze-Sonia-Krishna-Chand-ebook/dp/B0F3B7BQJ7/ Get Your Copy on SoniaKrishnaChand.Net/Book Here: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/book Book A Coaching Call with Sonia: https://cal.com/sonia-chand/self-esteem-coaching-call

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