We Put Wheels on Inclusion (And Yes, They’re at Target) with Drew Ann Long

We Put Wheels on Inclusion (And Yes, They’re at Target) with Drew Ann Long

Author: Sonia Krishna Chand | Adult Autism and Neurodivergent Mental Health Expert | Empowerment Coaching October 6, 2025 Duration: 20:16
Send us Fan Mail A store manager said, “There’s no such thing as a special needs shopping cart.” That moment lit the fuse for Drew Ann Long, who turned a napkin sketch into Caroline’s Cart—now standard in Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, and a symbol of what happens when families refuse to accept exclusion as normal. We walk through the emotional and practical beats: Caroline’s Rett syndrome diagnosis, the day-to-day realities of caregiving, and the exact problem that made shopping unsafe and...

Sonia Krishna Chand brings her perspective as an adult autism and neurodivergent mental health expert to every conversation in On the Spectrum Empowerment Stories with Sonia Krishna Chand: Adult Autism, Neurodivergent, and Mental Health Expert. Moving beyond theory, this podcast lives in the nuanced realities of neurodivergent life, weaving together personal narratives with actionable guidance. You'll hear from a wide range of voices-autistic adults, parents navigating complex systems, clinicians rethinking their approaches, and educators creating inclusive spaces. The discussions are grounded in Sonia's own advocacy and her work in empowerment coaching, offering a blend of heartfelt storytelling and practical strategies that address real-world challenges. Rather than offering simple answers, this podcast explores the intersections of neurodivergence, mental health, and societal relationships, documenting the authentic journey toward self-understanding and advocacy. Each episode feels like a thoughtful dialogue, one that acknowledges the complexities while fostering a sense of community and resilience. Tune in for a deeply human exploration of what it means to live, work, and thrive on the spectrum, all through a lens of empowerment and lived expertise.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

On the Spectrum Empowerment Stories with Sonia Krishna Chand: Adult Autism, Neurodivergent, and Mental Health Expert
Podcast Episodes
Inside NeuroWell: Safer, Happier Classrooms That Work with Lisa Riegel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:48
Send us Fan Mail The biggest problem in schools isn’t disengagement—it’s relevance. We sit down with education leader and author Lisa Riegel to unpack NeuroWell, a practical framework that aligns brain science with daily…
When Love Sees The Person, Not The Label with Christopher Carazas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
Send us Fan Mail What if the story you were told about yourself was the wrong one—and the right words finally set you free? We sit down with Christopher Carrazas who was diagnosed autistic at 35, to unpack a life of mask…
From Sensory Overload To Strengths-Based Parenting with Sara Hartley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
Send us Fan Mail Big feelings don’t have to mean big blowups. We sit down with author and mom Sarah Hartley to unpack the real-world signals of ADHD and sensory processing disorder, why two siblings can present in opposi…
Rethinking Bipolar Disorder with Sean Blackwell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:49
Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: This is not to be taken as a therapy directive, but rather this is for learning and entertainment purposes only! Please consult with your physician and/or mental health care team to decide wh…