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: 65

On the Spectrum Empowerment Stories with Sonia Krishna Chand: Adult Autism, Neurodivergent, and Mental Health Expert
Podcast Episodes
Escaping Toxic Love with Lindsay Abernathy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:30
Send us Fan Mail Lindsay Abernathy shares her powerful journey through domestic abuse and offers practical guidance for survivors trying to rebuild their lives after toxic relationships. • Abuse can hide behind the appea…
Why Gen Z's Struggle Isn't Just About Social Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:24
Send us Fan Mail Trigger Warning: Suicide and SA was discussed. What if everything we think we know about the Gen Z mental health crisis is incomplete? In this eye-opening conversation, suicide survivor, author, and ment…
Rewiring the Brain: The Power of Neurofeedback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:34
Send us Fan Mail By now, everybody has heard of traditional going to therapy and taking medications, if necessary. However, what role does neurofeedback play in treating mental health? Meet Meg Stuppy, founder of the Los…
When Your Inner Child Drives Your Success Bus with Andrea Andree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:50
Send us Fan Mail 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…
Breaking Autism Stereotypes with Sam Mitchell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
Send us Fan Mail 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…
EndoDNA....Using Genetic Testing to Guide your Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:10
Send us Fan Mail 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: h…
Beyond the Diagnosis: Financial Planning for Special Needs Families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Send us Fan Mail 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 insu…