857: Sivan Hong: Understanding, Celebrating, and Advocating for Neurodivergent Kids

Sivan Hong is both the author and illustrator of the top-selling children's series, The Super Fun Day Books. Her acclaimed titles, including Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day, Avery G. and the Scary End of School, and Joey T. and the Winter Holiday Worries, depict the victories of neurodiverse children as they tackle difficulties with perseverance and bravery. Furthermore, The Super Fun Day Books are available in Spanish and as audiobooks, ensuring they resonate with all kinds of learners. Her influential work has garnered attention from multiple news outlets.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Sivan actively serves as a Trustee on the Board of the Rita Allen Foundation, using her vast expertise and passion to effect positive change. Away from her professional endeavors, Sivan cherishes her roles as a wife and mother to two delightful children. The family, which includes their beloved dog and cat, lives in Connecticut.

Listen in to hear Sivan share:

• What her life as a neurodivergent woman and mother to two neurodivergent children looks like
• A comparison of the academic structures of traditional classroom settings and classrooms specifically for neurodivergent kids
• How the term neurodiverse came into common use, what it means, and what it doesn’t mean
• Why it’s so important for “neuro-typical” people to understand neurodiversity
• The tremendous losses that occur societally when we aren’t open to creating accommodations for neurodiversity
• The importance of being a proud self-advocate as a neurodivergent person
• The role of “neuro-typical” people in advocating for neurodivergent people 
• The problem with framing diagnoses from a position of deficits rather than strengths or uniqueness

Links mentioned:

• Get Sivan’s Books: The Super Fun Day Books
• Connect with Sivan: sivanhong.com
• Sivan on IG
• Sivan on FB

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