Neuro‑Spicy isn’t just a catchy label—it’s a way to honor the courage it takes to move through a world designed for someone else’s brain. In this episode, Brian sits down with longtime friend Sonia Brantley for a candid, generous conversation about dyslexia, ADHD, autism parenting, and the everyday resilience required when systems still reward masking over authenticity.From a second‑grade diagnosis to finding refuge in clubs, creativity, and performance, Sonia traces how confidence grows when kids are allowed to shine where they’re strong and get real support where they struggle. Together, we dig into self‑advocacy—why it starts at home, how teachers and peers shape it, and what happens when difference is misread as deficiency.The challenge‑support framework comes alive here: big challenges require equally thoughtful support, or the outcome isn’t growth—it’s trauma. Sonia opens the door to the realities of parenting an autistic teen: sensory overload in grocery aisles, deficit‑heavy annual assessments, and the quiet grief of constantly apologizing for a child’s neurology. Drawing a boundary around that apology becomes a turning point—less shame, more presence, clearer expectations.We also rethink representation. Sonia is developing a documentary series that centers families with autism—especially families of color—beyond savant tropes and stereotypes. Expect the full picture: joy, fatigue, logistics, safety, and the messy beauty of real care. We explore universal design, why one in eight adults being neurodivergent should reshape schools and workplaces, and how the X‑Men analogy helps kids see their wiring as ability that needs training, not correction.If you’ve ever felt pressured to be “standard,” this conversation offers language, perspective, and practical steps to build environments where difference isn’t just accepted—it thrives.If this episode resonates, share it with someone who deserves to feel seen. Subscribe for more voices, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: what support helps you bring your whole self forward.Let us know what you think of the episode!Thank You to all of our supporters that have contributed a couple of bucks to keep this show up and running! All proceeds go back into the show to make it better and increase the reach out to the community.If you like what you have heard and to support the show, just click on the link for support! Every dollar helps us bring more stories and inspiration to your ears!Thanks for being amazing!Support the showIf you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to [email protected] or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

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