In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester interviews Sonia Chand, an author, psychotherapist, and advocate for autism awareness. Sonia shares her personal journey of growing up on the autism spectrum, the challenges she faced with bullying, and her path to self-acceptance. She discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of societal expectations, and how her experiences have shaped her desire to help others. Sonia's upcoming book, 'Dropped in a Maze,' explores her life story and offers insights for those touched by autism. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing one's uniqueness and the power of storytelling in fostering connection and understanding.
Takeaways
Sonia emphasizes that being yourself is a superpower.
The journey of self-discovery is crucial for personal growth.
Bullying can have lasting effects on mental health.
Resilience is key to overcoming life's challenges.
Greatness is defined by living authentically despite obstacles.
Sonia's career change was driven by a desire to help others.
Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advocacy.
Navigating relationships can be particularly challenging for those on the spectrum.
Self-acceptance is essential for personal happiness.
Sonia's book aims to inspire and educate about autism.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Games
08:39 Embracing Individuality and Superpowers
14:25 Defining Greatness and Personal Journeys
20:34 Overcoming Challenges and Sharing Personal Stories
28:58 Navigating School Challenges and Bullying
33:44 Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health
37:54 Understanding High Functioning Autism
42:01 The Journey to Self-Discovery and Advocacy
49:15 Empowerment Through Personal Experience
52:17 Inspiration and Acceptance in Diversity
56:05 Outro with music (1).mp4
To access all of Sonia's channels follow the link below.
Sonia Krishna Chand, LPC
Podcast Host of On the Spectrum with Sonia available on all audio platforms
Author of Upcoming Memoir Dropped in a Maze
