26: Changing the Narrative: Autism Advocacy in Pakistan with Sunnia Khan

In this episode of Unmasking Social, Sharon Baum sits down with Sunnia Khan, a psychologist and advocate working in Pakistan and internationally, to explore the realities facing neurodivergent children, teens, and families. Sunnia shares how stigma and shame often force neurodivergent individuals to remain at home and out of sight in her country, leaving them extremely vulnerable and without access to essential inclusive supports. These cultural barriers prevent families from seeking help and delay meaningful intervention during critical developmental years that would allow for these individuals to become independent. Sunnia discusses her strengths-based approach, rooted in the belief that fostering independence is the greatest gift a parent can give their child. She works not only with neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens, but also proves counseling to parents who carry the emotional weight of societal judgment. By validating each family and leading with compassion, Sunnia helps caregivers move past shame and begin to see their child’s strengths, potential, and right to support.

As a mother herself, Sunnia is courageously speaking up to challenge systems that remain far behind and under-resourced. While she acknowledges that change is slow, she remains hopeful that the culture she is deeply connected to will continue to move toward inclusion. Her work is a powerful reminder that advocacy and empathy can rewrite the future of neurodivergence in places with limited resources in Pakistan and beyond. Sunnia Kahn can be found through a simple google search, on linked in, or on instagram. To get in touch or follow Sunnia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnia-khan-4a2510180/ or https://www.instagram.com/khansunnia?igsh=eHE2aTZ0cnUzZ2N6

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