On the Spectrum with Sonia Krishna Chand

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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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Theresa Agostinelli discusses her journey from trauma, becoming a widower at 26 along with being a single mother to flourishing and becoming a successful psychotherapist and CEO of her organization Profits with Purpose. Theresa's story is definitely one that will inspire anybody and will touch even the hearts of those feeling uninspired. I am tearing up as I am writing this!!

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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. My goal is to provide you with actionable advice to feel more connected and supported during this season of togetherness.
Romantic and social relationships pose their own set of challenges for individuals on the autism spectrum. Imagine watching others dive into the thrill of relationships while you remain on the sidelines. This episode breaks down the social hierarchy that often leaves autistic individuals marginalized, exploring how societal expectations can make one feel excluded. We’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid exploitative behaviors like love bombing, and why support from friends and family is crucial for navigating these tricky waters.
Embracing one’s individuality and building self-confidence is crucial for anyone feeling the weight of societal norms. Reject the labels that try to box you in as 'different' or 'weird,' and instead, celebrate your unique perspective. We'll explore empowering practices like positive self-talk and the transformative power of wearing confidence-boosting colors. As we express gratitude to our community and supporters, I encourage everyone to recognize the invaluable contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Let's advocate for a society that appreciates every puzzle piece, fostering compassion and inclusion for all.

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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 recreational use of cannabis. Len's parents strongly frowned upon his use of cannabis.Len discusses being prescribed medication for ADHD, but he reported the feelings of numbness while taking the medication, even though he was able to focus. Apart from noticing the difference in how different chemical substances interacted with how he was able to feel, Len May also paid keen attention to how his mother and grandmother would have bottles of pills and would consult with doctors about how different medications would interact with other things. Len resorted to couch surfing before finding a more stable place. He went to Temple University with a major in Physical Therapy, but he was an entrepreneur at heart. However, all of his education and personal experiences eventually all tied into Len May's interest into what he does today.

Len May's entrepreneurial spirit led him to eventually start his business after first working with the start up of an alternative pharmaceutical company. What he observed while working at the alternative pharmaceutical company led Len May to start his own company in 2017: EndoDNA.

The spirit of EndoDNA is to help patients understand their unique health challenges and provides targeted solutions. They are patented with the use of DNA testing to see how it affects the endocannabinoid system: the part responsible for regulating bodily functions. The study of the interplay with how a person's unique DNA affects the endocannabinoid system tells a whole story in and of itself.
Ready to discover what your DNA reveals about your health? Visit endodna.com to learn more about genetic testing options or connect with Len May through his podcast "Everything is Personal" and his book "Making Cannabis Personal." Your path to optimal wellness might be hidden in your genetic code—isn't it time you unlocked its secrets?

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Please tune in to Julie, Tia, and Mika's podcast Obsessed with Humans on the Verge of Change; as I discuss the autism spectrum and share insight into what it is like to be on the spectrum. Julie, Tia, and Mika did such an amazing job at asking profound questions and sharing feedback that left me pondering well after the podcast interview was over. After all, it's kind of hard to not get obsessed with amazing and talented individuals such as Julie, Tia, and Mika.