On the Spectrum with Sonia Krishna Chand
Welcome to On the Spectrum with Sonia Krishna Chand, the ultimate podcast dedicated to unraveling the beauty, challenges, and triumphs of living with autism and embracing neurodiversity. Hosted by Sonia Krishna Chand—renowned autism advocate, speaker, and author of the transformative new book Dropped In The Maze—this podcast is your go-to source for meaningful conversations about the spectrum of life. Each week, Sonia brings her deep expertise and personal passion to the microphone, diving into critical topics that matter to families, educators, and allies alike. From understanding the nuances of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to exploring the broader neurodiverse landscape, the podcast is a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and heartfelt stories. Why Listen to On the Spectrum? Parenting & Family Dynamics: 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: 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. Education & Advocacy: 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. Mental Health & Self-Identity: 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. Celebrating Strengths: 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 Chand Sonia 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? This podcast is for anyone touched by autism—parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and neurodiverse individuals themselves. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are looking for deeper understanding, On the Spectrum with Sonia Krishna Chand delivers the tools, perspectives, and hope you need. About Dropped In The Maze Sonia’s newest book, Dropped In The Maze, is an eye-opening exploration of neurodiverse experiences. Through raw storytelling and actionable insights, it illuminates the twists and turns of life on the spectrum and serves as a guide for creating meaningful connections and inclusive environments. Join the Conversation Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of diversity and build a world where every voice matters. Listen to On the Spectrum with Sonia Krishna Chand on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform today.
Episodes
As many may know, May is mental health awareness month. However, what still needs more conversation about mental health is the fact that men too have mental health challenges. Men too deserve to share their stories and be heard. Men too deserve to be vulnerable without being told to "man up" or "suck it up."
Aaron Ash bravely shares his challenges of having undergone complex trauma through incident...
Andrea Andree takes us on a transformative journey from being a corporate Engineer to becoming a leadership and embodiment coach for high-achieving women who want to get out of their heads and into their bodies.
• Former project manager with two engineering degrees who felt unfulfilled despite checking all the boxes of success
• High achievement often stems from childhood wounds and patterns of seeking va...
Sam Mitchell shares his journey of being diagnosed with autism at age four and transforming his experiences into a platform for advocacy through podcasting and motivational speaking. Sam turned his pain into purpose by giving back and helping others.
• Diagnosed with classic autism symptoms including repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivities
• Found understanding at age six thr...
"Pigs are for eating, not for dating." This powerful metaphor emerged from my journey through unhelpful therapy, where I was repeatedly told to lose weight because "thin girls get away with more." During this special Autism Acceptance Month episode, I'm sharing raw, personal chapters from my book "Dropped in a Maze" to illuminate the unique challenges faced by those of us on the spec...
What if your DNA could guide you on how to better handle your health? What if genetic testing could guide you on how certain medications would work? Len May, founder and CEO of EndoDNA, does just that: helps people navigate their health through genetic testing.
The road to lead Len May to where he is today has been anything but easy. Len May was kicked out of his home when he was in his later teens for recreatio...
Michael Pereira, an insurance specialist and father of a son with autism, shares critical financial planning strategies for families with special needs children. He offers insight into comprehensive insurance planning that protects dependents with special needs if something happens to their caregivers.
• Michael's strong passion is helping special needs families after his son's autism diagnosis
...
What happens when a devastating diagnosis becomes a pivotal turning point in someone's life? In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Heather Krueger, who transformed adversity into her calling. Diagnosed with stage four liver disease just before her 25th birthday, Heather's strong faith and determination led her down a path where she was able to receive a living donation of a liver. However, He...
What happens when the magic of books become a lifeline for children in need? We welcome the extraordinary Seena Jacob, founder and CEO of Bookwallah, a nonprofit that is dedicated to setting up libraries for underprivileged children who survived traumatic events but didn't have kind of resources available for support. Seena Jacob knows well about how the power of reading stories has the ability to impact someone&...
Trigger Warning: Past Suicidal Ideations Discussed
After experiencing the crushing weight of societal expectations, Molly Booker found her path to self-acceptance through embracing her individuality and passions. On this episode of "On the Spectrum with Sonia," Molly, the author of "Magic in the Mess," takes us on her inspiring journey of breaking free from the chains of conformity Her story highl...
Just imagine you are living your life and going about your day to only have the course of your whole life change in a flash. This is what happened to Brian P. Swift back on December 26, 1979. Brian was just a gregarious 17 year old off school on winter break. He just finished celebrating Christmas with his family, and he was looking forward to spending the rest of the winter break relaxing and having some fun. He call...
Tom Smith, a retired NYPD officer and current host of the Gold Shield Show, joins me on "On the Spectrum with Sonia" to discuss the often unseen intersection of law enforcement and mental health. Inspired to follow his father's footsteps and seeing the strong camaraderie and "family" formed within the community, Tom aimed to recreate that for his own life and found just that.
The co...
Get ready to unlock the secrets of visionary thinking with Justin Breen, a best-selling author and innovator with a unique talent for connecting patterns across various fields. Join us as we journey through Justin's transition from journalism to entrepreneurship, revealing how neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism, can often lead to groundbreaking ideas. Learn more about how Justin used his talents and gifts t...
What if awakening in a psychiatric ward could be the catalyst for a transformative life change? Join us as Deborah Griffiths courageously shares her journey from a toxic marriage to becoming an empowered single mother and advocate. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience required to break free from an abusive environment and rebuild a life filled with purpose and hope. Alongside Deborah, we explore the...
Join us as we sit down with Brittney Benavides-Smith, a devoted music teacher from Georgetown, Texas. Britteny bravely shares her inspirational story of navigating the complexities of living with bipolar disorder, being faced with traumatic loss at a young age of both of her parents, overcoming a toxic first marriage, and tackling binge eating.
Brittney today is a thriving individual who uses her passion f...
Navigating the holidays can be challenging, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Picture yourself at a festive family gathering, overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, and struggling to interpret social cues. Through personal stories and therapist-tested strategies, I explore how to manage the emotional intricacies of holiday events—from overwhelming public displays of affection to the pitfalls of love bombing....
After grappling with the realities of bipolar disorder, Sarah I Fox invites us into her world, sharing her transformative journey through mental health challenges. Growing up in Brooklyn and identifying as a woman of color, Sarah discusses the intersectionality between mental health, being a person of color, and the role of her faith.
Even though bipolar disorder turned an ugly head towards Sarah, Sarah neve...
Please tune in as Shannon Freedman shares her harrowing journey of surviving a horrible car crash that landed her in a coma. Shannon details her experience of still being able to hear while in a coma what people were saying and shares what she was able to remember, despite being in a debilitating state. Shannon ended up losing a 1/4 of her brain due to the injury from the car accident. However, do you think Shannon l...
Have you ever felt trapped by societal expectations? Meet Dr. Seema Desai, one of the inspiring hosts of the "Happy and Human" podcast, who candidly shares her journey from a structured career in dentistry to embracing her true calling as a coach, podcast host where various topics with regard to mental heath are discussed , and author of the book "Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides." "C...
Please give it up for Caralyn Dreyer, whom for the very first time, spoke out loud her journey of surviving the trauma of sexual assault. As anybody knows, being vulnerable is a courageous act in and of itself, but when we are speaking the trauma of being sexually assaulted, the amount of courage and vulnerability is at a whole new level. Caralyn, not only discusses what she had to overcome, but also touches upon othe...
Navigating the maze of autism diagnosis can be overwhelming and isolating. Today’s episode of "On the Spectrum with Sonia" features Nikki Shipp, the courageous host of Pieces for my Puzzle podcast, sharing her personal journey from the initial shock of her son Drayson's diagnosis to the joyous moment he first called her "mom." Nikki’s story is one of resilience and unwavering belief in her son...
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