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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 let this stop her from living her life and going after her goals and aspirations? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

Because of her experiences from the horrific accident, she became a life coach so that she could help others believe in themselves.

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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." "Connected:Discovering Your Inner Guides" is a powerful book that discusses enhancing relationships first from within and those outward. The book discusses emotions and how to embrace and navigate such emotions, and how can we build positivity from emotions that can cause us to feel stressed.

Seema's journey is not just about career transition but also a profound personal transformation. Seema discusses the lows of having postpartum depression and turning to Yoga. Unbeknownst, Yoga not only helped Seema during her lows, but also was the boost to helping Seema discover her real self that was awaiting for her embrace.

Are you ready for your transformation? Let Dr. Seema's Desai's story serve as your inspiration!

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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 other areas that make her story relatable on multiple levels.

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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's potential, a tale that resonates with many parents facing similar challenges. Together, we dissect the emotional highs and lows and the proactive steps Nikki and her husband took to secure the best care and support for Drayson.

This episode also sheds light on the often-hidden battles parents face within the school system. Nikki and I discuss the exhausting fight against systemic ignorance, where children with special needs are unjustly isolated from their peers. We emphasize the importance of peer modeling for social integration and emotional well-being, and how each small victory is a monumental step towards fostering a more compassionate and inclusive environment. Nikki’s candid reflections reveal a shared struggle and offer a sense of solidarity for other parents advocating for their children’s rights.

As we conclude, Nikki shares the transformative impact of finding the right educational setting for Drayson. From a boy who dreaded school to a child who now thrives in a supportive, nurturing environment, Drayson’s story exemplifies the power of belief and persistent advocacy. Nikki provides invaluable advice for parents on navigating the complexities of special education, the necessity of data-backed progress reports, and the role of a compassionate community. Tune in for a heartfelt episode filled with practical tips, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that every child has boundless potential waiting to be unlocked by those who believe in them.

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Please tune in to listen as Luna discusses how Autism not only allowed her to focus on her intense interests and creativity, but how it allowed her to thrive. Luna discusses the challenges she went through being on the Autism Spectrum, but she also discusses her immense successes. It is amazing how at 12 years old, Luna is a way forward thinker and will go so far in her life! GOOOOO LUNA!!!

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Please tune in as Dave Kotera shares his journey from being misdiagnosed to diagnosed, mistreated at school to ending up dropping out of school, struggles with addiction to living a clean and sober life, and ultimately becoming a success story. Dave shares his account of the power of ignorance and better need for understanding and education around autism. Dave shares the importance of learning to have self-belief and not buy into the naysayers who try their best to tear a person with Autism down at every chance. Dave illustrates the power of rising like the Phoenix once rock bottom was hit. This drives the point home: if you have the right mindset and self-belief, you will make it through anything and achieve anything you want.

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Please tune in as we listen to Lauren Erickson discuss how she experienced Autism from the lens of having a sibling who is on the spectrum. Through Lauren's story, you will see how she was taught many valuable life lessons; life lessons that many didn't get the opportunity to be taught. Lauren discusses the importance of not just quickly judging someone by a label, but rather, the importance of opening up minds to knowledge, ears to listen, and hearts to love and provide compassion.

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Please tune in as Mona Isreal discusses her journey with Autism, how she uses her voice to advocate for women on the Autism Spectrum, and her abundance of positivity around Autism. Not only has Mona accomplished what people never thought she would be able to do, which was graduate high school, Mona went on to become a financial analyst and a tutor for neurodivergent kids. It is because of Mona's Autism, she is able to be amazing in her career as both a financial analyst and tutor. Also, Mona is a podcaster who creates amazing content.

After you listen to Mona, you will leave feeling inspired and ready to take on the world. She is a true testament of what an inspiration looks and sounds like. Mona also does just that: makes you believe you can do anything you set your heart and mind to.