Schizoaffective disorder – with Sonido Reyes

Schizoaffective disorder – with Sonido Reyes

Author: Carolyn Kiel February 23, 2026 Duration: 27:12

Sonido Reyes is an award-winning and bestselling author who is best known for tackling difficult topics through a hopeful lens. They write stories celebrating their own queer and Mexican identities, including The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, The Luis Ortega Survival Club, The Broposal, and The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar. They also have contributed short stories to the anthologies Transmogrify! and For the Rest of Us.

Sonido is also the vice-president of My Galvanized Friend, a nonprofit focused on providing access to and amplifying LGBTQ+ writing, art, and creators.

During this episode, you will hear Sonido talk about:

  • How they were diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder
  • What life was like growing up with schizoaffective disorder 
  • How manic episodes have affected their writing
  • What they want people to understand about schizoaffective disorder
  • How they choose the topics of the stories they write
  • The importance of representation in books
  • How they became involved with the nonprofit My Galvanized Friend

Visit SonidoReyes.carrd.co for links to Sonido's website, writing and social media.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy my conversation about schizoaffective disorder with Sally Littlefield on episode 243 of this podcast.

This episode is sponsored by Tas Kronby, Accessibility Consultant & Designer: Parallax scrolling, scroll bar hijacking, flickering, and neon colors are ruining your design—they trigger dizziness, migraines, and vertigo. You've audited for vision and hearing compliance. But does your online content make people sick? Tas Kronby offers Vestibular Accessibility Audits that go beyond compliance. Learn what you need to make your business truly inclusive. Tas will help you Design with All in Mind. Visit TasTheArtist.com/design-services/ to schedule your free consultation.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Tourette's advocacy on TikTok – with Monica Nguyen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:44
Note: This episode contains occasional swearing (coprolalia). Monica Nguyen is a 20-year-old disability advocate who lives in Sydney, Australia. Monica began sharing her experiences online after facing a lot of discrimin…
Apraxia Story – with Tessa McEvoy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
Content warning: This episode mentions emotional abuse. Tessa McEvoy is autistic, has a speech disability called Oral Motor Apraxia, and was recently diagnosed bipolar. She talks about her experiences on her popular Face…
ADHD and the Black neurodivergent community – with Rickey Z [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Rickey Z is a Pre-K Special Education teacher who started her podcast management business in 2020. She is a co-host on Woe Nelly Media's "Geekin' Out" and is in partnership with ADHD + Black, an up-and-coming organizatio…
Disability representation in media – with Jeremy Andrew Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
Jeremy Andrew Davis is a screenwriter, film director, and consultant for disability representation in media. He describes himself as multi-disabled with several neurodivergencies as well as chronic illnesses. As a recogn…
Leaning into your ADHD strengths – with Dr. Lola Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
Dr. Lola Day is a multi-passionate busy mother of 3, a pediatric cardiologist, podcaster and ADHD trained life coach and productivity strategist for women. She is also the CEO and Founder of LollieTasking, a coaching and…
Tourette Syndrome representation in film - with Jack RH O'Sullivan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Jack RH O'Sullivan is an award-winning independent filmmaker and film director based in London. He is autistic, has Tourette Syndrome and OCD. He has directed ten short films including "Tourettes & I", a coming-of-age dr…
An autistic Christian experience – with Miya Sae [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
Miya Sae is an autistic Christian, blogger, and aspiring author. Through her writing, she strives to help bridge the neglected gap between autism and Christianity, while bringing hope and encouragement to other misunders…