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Something strange happens when you stop asking “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking “What is this part of me trying to do for me?” I sit down with coach Tina Estrella to talk about existential kink, a somatic, parts-based approach that helps people untangle self-sabotage, shutdowns, and repeating patterns without turning their inner world into a battlefield.

Tina shares her path through early diagnoses like depression, borderline personality disorder, and OCD, and what changed when she later recognized ADHD and neurodivergence through a more strength-based lens. We talk candidly about self-injury as a form of grounding, why certain treatment settings can feel safer than “real life,” and how group support and honest therapy can rebuild a sense of self over time.

From there we get practical. Tina explains what existential kink means outside of any sexual context, how “full approval” reframes the parts of us we usually shame, and what a typical session can look like: clarifying what you actually want, tracking body sensations, having guided conversations with inner parts, and using simple practices between sessions to create new habits with less friction. We also dig into growth, resistance, and why building change can feel like shedding an old shell, especially for neurodivergent people navigating pressure, purpose, and energy limits.

If you’re curious about nervous system regulation, parts work, and a different route to lasting behavior change, hit play. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who’s tired of fighting themselves.

Resources:

Visit our Website: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/

Buy "Dropped in a Maze" book on Amazon: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/book

Need Socio-Emotional Coaching or Self-Esteem Coaching? Book a call with Sonia today: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/self-esteem-emotional-coaching-adults-services

Read our 100+ Blogs: https://www.soniakrishnachand.net/blog

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Reading out loud as a kid can feel like standing on a stage with no script, and Willie Blake knows that pressure firsthand. We sit down with Willie to talk about being diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade, getting pulled into extra support classes, and the quiet ways that “help” can still lead to isolation when classmates start treating you differently. We get honest about what that does to self-esteem, why confidence and learning are tied together, and how shame can make dyslexia feel louder than it has to be.

We also go deeper than grades and spelling lists. Willie shares how overcompensating shows up in personality, friendships, and later in adult life, especially in workplaces full of emails, memos, and presentations. We unpack anger as a secondary emotion, what’s happening underneath the outbursts, and how simple emotional regulation practices help kids find language for hurt before it turns into something bigger. If you’re a parent, educator, or a neurodivergent adult searching for dyslexia strategies that are realistic, this conversation stays practical without pretending it’s easy.

From there, we shift into solutions that actually fit real life: focusing on what you love to rebuild confidence, breaking goals down to one small step a day, and matching teaching to learning styles like visual, hands-on, or text-based learning. Willie also explains why dyslexic entrepreneurs can thrive when they niche down, tell the truth in their branding, and use modern supports like AI tools, text-to-speech, Grammarly, and ChatGPT to reduce friction in writing and communication.

Listen, share this with someone who needs it, and then subscribe, rate, and review so more dyslexic learners and professionals can find the support they deserve.

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Join Sonia Chand as she speaks with Vicki Christensen, founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy, about navigating the world of special education, IEPs, and parenting children with neurodiverse needs. Learn how to find support, understand your legal rights, work with schools on accommodations, and hear Vicki's personal journey raising two children with unique needs.

Discover actionable advocacy tips, the importance of building your village, and insights from Vicki’s upcoming memoir, "Uniquely Fully Enough." Perfect for parents, educators, and professionals looking for guidance and hope on the neurodivergent journey.

Who Is This For?
This episode of "On the Spectrum with Sonya" is for:

• Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children or those with special needs
• Individuals navigating IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans
• Educators, therapists, and advocacy professionals
• Anyone interested in inclusive education, neurodiversity, and special education law

Key Moments & Timestamps

• Introduction of Vicki Christensen and her background 00:00:00
• How Vicki Christensen's son Luke was diagnosed and connected with Unique magazine 00:01:30
• Impact of Luke’s chromosomal abnormality and development 00:04:16
• Vicki Christensen's experience navigating IEPs for Everett (ADHD, auditory processing) 00:07:31
• Signs Everett needed more support at school 00:09:16
• Executive functioning/organization skills taught by the IEP team 00:11:10
• Auditory processing disorder and accommodations 00:14:35
• Importance of self-advocacy and communication in school 00:13:02
• Vicki Christensen starting Blue Glasses Advocacy 00:17:57
• The IEP process: challenges, parent advocacy, and common missteps 00:18:05
• Key pitfalls: communication breakdowns, parent overwhelm, legal aspects 00:27:28
• Vicki Christensen's book and biggest advice for parents: Find your village 00:35:25
• How to start building your support network 00:39:01
• Where to find Vicki Christensen and her book 00:41:45

FAQ

Q: What is an IEP and why is it important?
A: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding plan for students with special needs, outlining specific goals and accommodations for their education 00:23:38.

Q: How can parents prepare for IEP meetings?
A: Learn your rights, review documents in advance, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring an advocate 00:23:10.

Q: What accommodations helped Everett with ADHD and auditory processing?
A: Copies of notes, seating close to the teacher, scheduled breaks, and executive function coaching were crucial supports 00:15:36.

Q: How can families find their support network ('village')?
A: Start by connecting with PTA, school groups, local SELPAs, therapy providers, and other parents at school or local programs 00:39:01.

Q: Why did Vicki Christensen start Blue Glasses Advocacy?
A: Her personal challenges navigating IEPs for her own child inspired her to help other families with special education guidance 00:17:57.

Action Steps for Listeners

1. Review your child’s IEP or 504 Plan; understand your rights as a parent 00:18:58.
2. Reach out to advocacy resources such as Blue Glasses Advocacy if you need support 00:41:45.
3. Begin connecting with other parents through school groups, social media, or local organizations 00:39:01.
4. Foster self-advocacy and organization skills in your child; use planners, check-ins, and regular communication with teachers 00:11:10.
5. Check out Vicki Christensen’s book "Uniquely Fully Enough" for further guidance 00:35:25.

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