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What if neurodivergence isn't just something to be accommodated, but a powerful gift that can transform leadership? Rita Ramakrishnan, a person with Autism Spectrum and ADHD, found strengths behind her diagnosis, and she used it to excel in executive leadership.

Amongst the strengths Rita found was her remarkable hunger for knowledge that stemmed with her voracious appetite of curiosity. Rita, unlike others who would make assumptions based off what they feel other people are thinking or feeling through social cues, doesn't make such assumptions and is not shy about asking others the questions she feels need to be asked. Rita is giving back to others, especially women who are neurodivergent by helping them succeed in the workplace by providing them the tools needed to set them up for success.

Currently pursuing a master's degree focused on neurodivergent leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Rita represents the vanguard of a movement that's transforming how we think about cognitive diversity in the workplace. Connect with her at www.iksana.com to discover how embracing neurodivergence as a gift might unlock possibilities you never imagined.

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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 incidents with his family. As a lot of people tend to do, Aaron tried to find solace in chasing extrinsic things versus turning the mirror to face inwards. However, once Aaron began his healing journey and took the brave step of turning the mirror inwards, the real magic began. Aaron shares his healing journey, gives valuable insight to lessons he gained along the way, and also is a co-host of No Streetlights Podcast where he turned his pain into a mission to help others be heard, seen, believed, and understood when it came to mental health and challenges people face.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to On the Spectrum with Sonia podcast. Visit nostreetlightsorg.com to learn more about Aaron's work or listen to No Streetlights Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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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 validation or attention
• Achievement becomes an identity and unconscious driver when it's how we learned to receive love
• 90% of our behaviors are driven by unconscious patterns that manifest as physical sensations in our bodies
• Learning to identify and sit with bodily sensations rather than automatically reacting to them breaks unhealthy patterns
• Generational and even past life trauma can create fears and behaviors that don't make logical sense in our current lives
• Transforming achievement means moving from pain-driven to aligned, intentional success
• Working with the body through embodiment practices helps access and clear unconscious programming
• Holding a positive perspective is possible even while processing difficult emotions

If you are interested in working with Andrea or wanting to even have a consultation with Andrea, she could be found on LinkedIn Andrea Andree and through her website https://andreaandree.com/

Remember to rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. My book "Dropped in a Maze" is available at all major book retailers online. If you write a review on Amazon, I'll read it out loud on future episodes.

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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 through a book that explained his autism, helping him make sense of social exclusion
• Struggled with peer relationships throughout school, experiencing exclusion rather than direct bullying
• Made breakthrough at sixteen when he stopped people-pleasing and found acceptance among fellow "outcasts"
• Turned his special interest in professional wrestling into podcast opportunities, interviewing wrestling stars
• Created "Autism Rocks and Rolls" podcast to amplify autistic voices and experiences
• Developed into a motivational speaker speaking on big stages.

You can connect with Sam through his website at AutismRocksAndRolls.com where there's a contact information page.

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"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 spectrum.

My story takes you through therapy sessions with Dr. Grey, who despite his expertise in autism, focused more on changing my appearance than addressing my emotional needs. The comments he would make would vacillate between supportive to critical throughout the therapeutic relationship. Instead of making me feel better, it made me feel much smaller and much worse. This only allowed for insecurities to fester until I finally stood in my power and stood up for myself using the tools I had to learn on my own. I learned to validate myself during the 2L (second semester of law school) when my depression hit an all time high after feeling a huge let down.

I allowed myself to put up with toxic friendships due to my lack of self-esteem and vulnerabilities built over the years. I didn't know who I was and accepted anything that came my way. I eventually learned skills that were off putting to others such as how to dine better with proper use of utensils, I learned how to walk better, and I learned about ways to present my best self. Even though it was embarrassing to learn lessons later in life that people learn much earlier, it was worth everything. I was different, I am different, but I am NOT less. At the end of the day, the main person who could ever be your advocate and best support is YOU!

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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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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
• Three key areas of focus: income protection, funding special needs trusts, and long-term care planning
• Financial planning gets more expensive and difficult to qualify for as you age
• Special needs trusts protect government benefits while providing for children's futures
• Building an "A-team" of professionals is essential: attorney, insurance advisor, accountant, and specialized coaches
• Different insurance carriers have different qualification requirements, offering options for varied situations
• The Autism Voyage blog provides resources for parents researching special needs topics

For more information or to connect with Michael, visit www.theautismvoyage.com where you can read blog posts, subscribe to the newsletter, or book a call with Michael or his team.

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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, Heather's story didn't end there. Her living donation ended up turning into a love story; a story that was picked up by Hallmark. Heather Krueger's story was behind the movie "Once Upon a Christmas Miracle."

However, unlike the love and glamour shown on screen, behind the scenes was a complete paradox. Heather's love story was on the rails at the time of the filming that ended in a subsequent divorce. Heather takes us, not only on an emotionally touching path, but also a path that will leave everyone feeling inspired, hope, encouraged, ambitious, and determined. Heather Krueger shows us that when life tries to knock you down, it is so important to get up on your feet and keep on fighting the good fight. After all, it is consistency and persistence that wins at the end. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future inspiring conversations!