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

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.