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In their incredibly impactful life, Sonny Jane Wise has gone from overdosing at aged 11 to now powerfully advocating for a neurodiverse affirming world. In this fascinating chat, Jo and Mimi explore Sonny’s new book, ‘We’re All Neurodiverse’, in which they educate, enlighten and broaden our minds to the point where society and the constructs we live within are blown apart. Sonny’s vulnerability in sharing their personal journey from mental distress to self-acceptance is truly beautiful.
About Sonny Jane Wise
Sonny Jane Wise stands as an internationally recognized speaker, author, creator and a powerful voice in the neurodiversity space.
Diagnosed as a child, Sonny faced a world dominated by a deficit narrative surrounding their neurodivergence, before using their experiences as a springboard for positive change.
Sonny is a source of inspiration and knowledge for over 100,000 online followers and has authored impactful works such as “We’re All Neurodiverse” and “The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills,” challenging neuronormativity and promoting a neurodiversity-affirming future for generations to come.
In 2021 Sonny founded the Drop-In Care Space, a peer-led community that serves as a crucial hub for LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals and a vibrant platform where people can connect, participate in activities, and access valuable resources.
Resources
- Get a copy of Sonny Jane Wise’s book here
- Find out more about the Drop-In Care Space here
Find the moment you're seeking
1:48 Breaking down the concept of ‘normal’ with Sonny Jane Wise, author of ‘We’re All Neurodivergent.’
4:15 Exploring the dichotomy: Are labels reductive or empowering? It hinges on significant historical, societal, and theoretical factors.
6:13 Explaining the flawed nature of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) and its potential for harm in diagnostic categorization.
9:34 Deconstructing the pathology paradigm and challenging the notion of a singular ‘right way’ to exist in the world.
11:52 “Everyone was telling me that there was something wrong with me.” Sonny opens up about their early years of unhappiness and difficulty.
14:06 Understanding Applied Behavioural Analysis Therapy (ABA) as a way of diminishing autistic traits and the trauma that can cause.
17:51 Finding themselves in fights, having to constantly change schools and being supported by Ms Callahan.
20:24 How Sonny’s schooling experience made for an impossible learning environment and how their great intelligence today isn’t bound to traditional ideals.
22:04 How Sonny’s trauma fueled their passion to change the narrative around neurodivergence and how they found their people.
25:03 What was Sonny’s ‘Aha’ moment?
29:08 How Sonny has created a hub of community and support through a drop-in centre.
30:56 We’re always been told that the doctor knows best, so Sonny’s work is challenging parents to re-think their approach when trying to do the best for their children.
35:15 Sonny’s powerful advice for those in a dark place: “There is nothing wrong with you.”
38:26 How can we unlearn what we’ve learned? Get comfortable being wrong.
44:27 What does it mean to ‘Be’ Sonny?
Meet Jo
Jo Stanley is Founder and CEO at Broad Radio – radio for women, by women. Comedian, author, MC, speaker. Co-host of The House of Wellness TV and Radio. Hope messenger. Equality warrior. Mother, wife, awesome friend.
Broad Radio Insta • Broad Generation Insta • Broad Radio Web
Say hi to Mimi
Mimi is the Author of House of Kwa, Journalist, MC, Facilitator, Keynote, Mum of four, studying to become a mindfulness mediation teacher, also did architecture at university and didn’t become an architect. Quite a good friend.
BUY House of Kwa • Mimi Kwa Web