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
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  • 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. The podcast highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and creativity from people on the spectrum, proving that differences can be extraordinary strengths. 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. Her podcast extends that mission, providing an audio space where listeners can feel seen, heard, and inspired. 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

  1. DEC 9

    How Schools Build Safety, Trust, And Belonging with Kevin Dahill-Fuschel

    Send us a text What if the behavior you see as “disrespect” is actually distress asking for a safer way in? We sit down with Kevin Dahill-Fuschel  of Counseling in Schools to unpack the practical heart of trauma-informed education: how to read behavior as information, build trust without lowering academic standards, and create classrooms where belonging fuels effort. Kevin takes us inside decades of school-based counseling across New York City, from the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy to the long tail of COVID. He shares how teachers can shift daily interactions—simple compliments, noticing prosocial acts, realistic goals—to break cycles of suspension and avoidance. We talk about the power of community identity, why early-year rituals matter, and how interest-based groups help differentiation feel supportive instead of stigmatizing. Bullying gets a hard reset for the smartphone era. Kevin explains why the true danger is invisibility online, and why limiting devices during school hours is boosting engagement and making harm easier to spot. You’ll hear actionable ideas: and ask better questions :What did you post? Who tagged you? How did it feel?—so problems surface early. We also argue for measuring social growth and hope alongside test scores, bringing basic mental health literacy into classrooms, and modeling adult regulation so students see what recovery looks like. We close with nuts-and-bolts choices that shape culture, from co-creating community agreements about headphones to using free, bilingual tools from Counseling in Schools’ Partners in Healing hub. If you’re an educator, parent, or counselor, you’ll leave with strategies you can try tomorrow and resources to go deeper.  Kevin can be found at https://www.counselinginschools.org/team/kevin-dahill-fuchel/ Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review with your top takeaway so we can keep these conversations moving.

    52 min

  2. DEC 2

    Building Human Connection With AI Through Family Memories with Jeremy Horne

    Send us a text What if your grandparents’ best stories didn’t fade with time—but could talk back when you needed them most? We sit down with founder Jeremy Horne to unpack how a childhood of mailing cassette tapes to his Nana Winny became the blueprint for Winny an app that nudges better questions, records family memories, and helps people build a living archive of their lives. Then we go deeper into Forever You, a conversational avatar that only says what you actually said—anchored by real video and audio proof. Jeremy shares how leaving big-brand agency life wasn’t a leap into hype, but a return to purpose: reduce friction, raise the quality of conversation, and make it easy to preserve the stories that define us. You’ll hear how context-aware prompts bridge an 8-year-old and his 80-year-old granddad, why gentle guidance can help autistic family members join in, and how journaling shapes smarter questions over time. We get honest about risk, too: encryption, privacy controls, and the reality that anything digitized carries exposure. The answer isn’t fear; it’s transparency—digital signatures that show who authored an avatar and authenticity scores that link claims back to original recordings. We also explore the tactile side of memory. QR codes on heirlooms turn a vase into a time capsule, while a “Storopedia” approach makes discovery simple at dinner or across continents. And the horizon is closer than it looks: voice-first experiences, wearables, and assistants that suggest, “Want to record this?” the moment a meaningful call starts. If you care about family history, social health, and designing technology that feels human, this conversation offers a practical, moving roadmap for capturing the people and stories you love. To learn more,  check out Jeremy Horne's website aforementioned in the episode https://foreveryou.life/. Go on your Apple Store to download with Winny App.  Listen now, subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on human connection and tech, and leave a review with the one story you’d want future generations to hear.

    37 min

  3. NOV 18

    Rethinking Bipolar Disorder with Sean Blackwell

    Send us a text Disclaimer: This is not to be taken as a therapy directive, but rather this is for learning and entertainment purposes only! Please consult with your physician and/or mental health care team to decide whether this approach is appropriate for you.  Sensitive topics such as trauma and SA are discussed in this episode. What if the loudest story about bipolar disorder—the chemical imbalance—misses the point? We sit down with author and facilitator Sean Blackwell to peel back that narrative and explore bipolar through a wider lens: trauma held in the body, spiritual emergency as a potential breakthrough, and why empathetic presence can do what power struggles never will. Sean recounts his own 1996 crisis that looked like acute psychosis yet became a turning point that reshaped his life. From supporting his wife’s nieces through multiple episodes to building retreats rooted in holotropic-style breathwork, he shows how non-ordinary states can surface buried memories, emotions, and meaning.  You’ll hear specific case studies, including a client whose years-long coccyx pain disappeared after a powerful somatic release and another who reclaimed traumatic memories months after retreat, finally aligning emotional truth with experience.  If you’re curious about alternatives to one-size-fits-all approach,  this conversation offers a compassionate, grounded path: respect biology, honor the body, and allow meaning to emerge. For books, videos, training, and retreat details, visit https://www.bipolarawakenings.com/ If this perspective resonated, follow the show, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find it.

    42 min

  4. NOV 11

    From Burnout To Balance: Supporting Caregivers Of Neurodivergent Loved Ones with Eleonora Magri

    Send us a text We explore why caring for caregivers of neurodivergent people must come first and how small, consistent habits can reverse burnout. Eleonora Magri shares practical sensory strategies, community resources, and a mindset shift that prioritizes human needs over rigid protocols. • expanding caregiving beyond elder care • why caregiver wellbeing is the first treatment step • meeting parents where they are and pacing for readiness • naming early burnout signs and reframing urgency • sensory self-care that calms the nervous system • low-cost strategies that fit short windows of time • building a support village and ending isolation • practitioner humility and human-first practice • grief, guilt and giving emotions space • introducing Inclusive and the Caregiver Balance Sheet Go to www.inclusi.org  and download the Caregiver Balance Sheet

    42 min

  5. OCT 28

    How Systematic Reading Instruction Transforms Dyslexia And Dysgraphia with Daniela Feldhausen

    Send us a text Struggle with reading doesn’t mean a child can’t learn; it means they haven’t been taught in a way their brain can use. We sit down with Daniela Feldhausen—who left a 25-year law career to build Kids Up Reading Tutors—to unpack how precise screening and science-backed instruction turn confusion into clarity for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. No buzzwords, just a workable roadmap: phonological awareness to hear sounds, phonics patterns that match English’s quirks, and morphology to decode and spell longer words with confidence. We walk through the intake process parents can expect, from conversation to screeners that reveal whether the problem is decoding or language comprehension. Daniela explains the simple view of reading and shows why explicit, systematic teaching is the most reliable route to fluent reading and accurate spelling. You’ll hear concrete examples—AI saying A, the silent e and doubling rules, ED’s three sounds—and how these patterns become automatic through guided practice. We also tackle the real-world puzzle of IEPs: how to request evaluations in writing, set meaningful goals, and coordinate with special education teams without losing sight of foundational skills when school pacing surges ahead. What stands out is the hope. Older learners can still become fluent. Progress shows up on school benchmarks, placements change, and confidence rebounds when instruction matches the student’s needs. If you’re a parent feeling anxious or overwhelmed, this conversation delivers clarity and next steps you can take today to support your child’s reading journey. If this helped, tap follow, share with another parent who needs some hope, and leave a review so more families can find these tools. To learn more, please visit https://www.kidsupreadingtutors.com/

    47 min

  6. OCT 21

    Silent Battle, Shared Hope

    Send us a text Trigger Warning: Suicide The hardest part isn’t finding the perfect words—it’s showing up without judgment. We sit down with Helping Heroes founder Tony DeMaio to share a clear, compassionate playbook for preventing suicide among veterans, first responders, and anyone you love who might be slipping into isolation. From the earliest warning signs to practical safety steps, this conversation is built to help you notice sooner and act with confidence. Tony traces his journey from coaching and cycling events with hundreds of veterans to launching community workshops that put tools in people’s hands. We map the common spiral—withdrawal, depression, substances—and highlight the quieter signals too: prized possessions given away, sudden calm after despair, hygiene changes, or finances rapidly “put in order.” You’ll learn how to start hard conversations with care, why asking about suicide doesn’t plant the idea, and how to avoid fixer mode by asking better questions that invite agency. We go deep on real-world tactics: securing firearms and medications, staying present while someone calls 988, and assembling support circles that include peers, chaplains, union leads, and local resources like American Legion posts and bereavement groups. Tony shares stories that reveal how unspoken trauma fuels shame and loneliness, and why confidential spaces and community rituals—barbecues, rides, faith practices—can transform pain into connection. We also cover high-risk industries such as construction, healthcare, and law enforcement, and preview Tony’s new book, Silent Battle, a practical guide with checklists and scripts to use when minutes matter. If you’ve ever worried you’ll say the wrong thing, this is your guide to showing up the right way: present, patient, and prepared. Listen, share it with a friend, and help us build a culture where asking for help is strength. If this moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to someone who needs it today.  Also visit helpingheroesusa.org to gather more information and see how to become more involved.

    45 min

  7. OCT 6

    We Put Wheels on Inclusion (And Yes, They’re at Target) with Drew Ann Long

    Send us a text A store manager said, “There’s no such thing as a special needs shopping cart.” That moment lit the fuse for Drew Ann Long, who turned a napkin sketch into Caroline’s Cart—now standard in Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, and a symbol of what happens when families refuse to accept exclusion as normal. We walk through the emotional and practical beats: Caroline’s Rett syndrome diagnosis, the day-to-day realities of caregiving, and the exact problem that made shopping unsafe and exhausting once novelty carts were outgrown. From there, we trace the hard road of accessibility innovation. Multiple major manufacturers said no—twice. Drew Ann built a prototype anyway, rallied a global community through social media, and reframed the question for retailers: why offer carts for able-bodied kids but none for people with disabilities? The proof arrived in the form of customer demand that wouldn’t quit. Target committed nationwide in 2017. Walmart and Sam’s Club followed with coast-to-coast rollouts in 2024. Along the way, the original holdouts returned to manufacture the carts in North Carolina, a testament to persistence, grassroots momentum, and a market hiding in plain sight. We also spotlight Caroline’s Cause, the nonprofit funding scholarships for siblings of people with disabilities—kids who often shoulder silent compromises in therapy rooms, hospital schedules, and quiet family tradeoffs.  You could find more information at https://www.drewannspeaks.com/ When organizations book Drew Ann to speak, fees support scholarships, turning awareness into action. And there’s still work to do. Some major chains haven’t adopted the cart, leaving room for listener-led advocacy: ask your local store to order, tag retailers publicly, and help rebuild the Caroline’s Cart social pages after a recent hack. Subscribe, share this story with a friend who cares about accessibility, and leave a review with the name of a retailer you want to see add Caroline’s Cart next. Your nudge might be the one that tips the scale.

    20 min

  8. SEP 24

    Uncovering the Real You: Life Beyond the Bottle with Joshua Case

    Send us a text What happens when the executive with the corner office is hiding a devastating secret? Joshua Case, former VP at a Fortune 500 company, pulls back the curtain on his double life—corporate success by day, battling alcohol addiction by night. Joshua's raw conversation reveals how childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and a complicated relationship with his father, created patterns of codependency that followed him into adulthood. Despite his success in career, he found himself trapped in a cycle of using alcohol to escape painful memories and uncomfortable emotions. Rock bottom made its appearance when Josh got arrested after moving to Florida, despite that having been a goal. This rock-bottom moment finally pushed him toward meaningful recovery through a 90-day rehab program where he confronted his past and discovered the life-changing impact of understanding codependency. "I went 48 years of my life misunderstanding how a healthy relationship should work," he shares with striking vulnerability. Now sober and thriving, Joshua has channeled his experience into creating SoberBuzz, a community supporting others struggling with addiction that has grown to over 90,000 followers across 43 countries. His message resonates with powerful simplicity: "If you think you have a problem, most likely you do," and "Never give up, give mental health a chance, and really look at why you're doing it." Whether you're questioning your own relationship with substances, supporting someone who is struggling, or simply interested in the human capacity for transformation, Joshua's journey offers profound insights into breaking cycles of addiction and finding authentic connection. Connect with his work on YouTube at SoberBuzzPodcast, Instagram @SoberBuzzToken, or via email at JC@JoshCase.com.

    55 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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. The podcast highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and creativity from people on the spectrum, proving that differences can be extraordinary strengths. 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. Her podcast extends that mission, providing an audio space where listeners can feel seen, heard, and inspired. 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

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