Show Notes

What happens when autism, severe mental illness, trauma, and unimaginable family challenges collide?

Sonia Hebden knows that journey firsthand.

In this powerful episode of Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, author, speaker, and homeschooling mother Sonia Hebdon shares the remarkable story behind her book, The Crazy Mother's Guide to Parenting Exceptional Children. She opens up about raising a daughter with autism and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), surviving years of crisis, navigating suicidal ideation, bullying, psychosis, hormonal mental health challenges, and discovering hope through faith, resilience, and unwavering love.

Sonia also discusses why parents must trust their instincts, the importance of finding the right support system, and why conversations about autism, mental illness, and suicide can no longer remain hidden behind closed doors.

This is an inspiring conversation for parents, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone searching for hope during life's most difficult seasons.

In this episode:
Raising children with autism and complex mental health challenges
Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Bullying, self-harm, and suicide prevention
The impact of hormones on girls with autism
Parenting through crisis and trauma
Faith, resilience, and finding hope
Supporting families facing mental illness
Why community and connection matter
Sonia's books and mission to help other families

Show Notes
What happens when autism, severe mental illness, trauma, and unimaginable family challenges collide?
Sonia Hebden knows that journey firsthand.
In this powerful episode of Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, author, speaker, and homeschooling mother Sonia Hebdon shares the remarkable story behind her book, The Crazy Mother's Guide to Parenting Exceptional Children. She opens up about raising a daughter with autism and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), surviving years of crisis, navigating suicidal ideation, bullying, psychosis, hormonal mental health challenges, and discovering hope through faith, resilience, and unwavering love.
Sonia also discusses why parents must trust their instincts, the importance of finding the right support system, and why conversations about autism, mental illness, and suicide can no longer remain hidden behind closed doors.
This is an inspiring conversation for parents, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone searching for hope during life's most difficult seasons.
In this episode:
<ul data-start="1356" data-end="1813">
<li data-section-id="y773mn" data-start="1356" data-end="1423">Raising children with autism and complex mental health challenges</li>
<li data-section-id="9bfvbk" data-start="1424" data-end="1474">Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)</li>
<li data-section-id="1frsr54" data-start="1475" data-end="1520">Bullying, self-harm, and suicide prevention</li>
<li data-section-id="1j8wwn6" data-start="1521" data-end="1566">The impact of hormones on girls with autism</li>
<li data-section-id="1it40sr" data-start="1567" data-end="1604">Parenting through crisis and trauma</li>
<li data-section-id="1eksbk3" data-start="1605" data-end="1642">Faith, resilience, and finding hope</li>
<li data-section-id="1ongaku" data-start="1643" data-end="1686">Supporting families facing mental illness</li>
<li data-section-id="xk7m57" data-start="1687" data-end="1724">Why community and connection matter</li>
<li data-section-id="9fp854" data-start="1725" data-end="1813">Sonia's books and mission to help other families</li>
</ul>

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Author Sonia Hebden shares her family's powerful journey through autism, severe mental illness, trauma, and hope, offering encouragement and practical wisdom for families facing extraordinary challenges.

 Sonia Hebdon: When Hope Wins: Parenting Autism, Trauma, Mental Illness, and Finding the Light Again

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/68c7988c-9a94-4c80-bc22-b49200001929/transcript