Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Sarah Hartley—Author, Advocate, ADHD/Neurodiversity Coach, Healthcare Executive
Episode Title: “Sara Hartley: Purposely Me: Navigating Neurodiversity With the Power of Stories”
Date: February 25, 2026

This episode explores how Sarah Hartley—creator of the “Purposely Me” children’s book series and an advocate for neurodiversity—uses storytelling to foster understanding, acceptance, and healing for children and families navigating autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, and other neurodivergent experiences. Through a candid conversation, Tony and Sarah discuss the origins of her work, the challenges of addressing sensitive subjects, and her vision for destigmatizing neurodiversity and mental health in schools and beyond.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Sarah Hartley’s Background and Inspiration (04:44–06:21)

• Sarah introduces herself as a mother to two neurodivergent boys, a healthcare executive, and now author of 14 children’s books centered around neurodiversity and difficult topics for kids.
• Her son’s early ADHD diagnosis was the catalyst for her advocacy and writing:
  “It was my son's journey...that really took me on a journey of understanding my own ADHD a bit more…” (05:13 – Sarah)
• She embeds calming strategies and discussion questions in her books to support both children and parents.

Addressing Sensitive Topics in Children’s Literature (06:21–07:07)

• Topics include bullying, death, divorce, anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and the emotional toll of school safety drills.
• Sarah is mindful of age-appropriateness and providing supportive, accurate information:
  “I wanted to ensure what I was articulating...was as accurate as possible because I am touching on very sensitive subjects.” (05:38 – Sarah)

Early Feedback and Iterative Development (07:25–09:58)

• Initial feedback from therapists and education professionals was essential:
  • One therapist noted, “I see myself in this book, but I see my daughter in the other book.” (07:51 – Sarah)
  • The books are written for children but resonate with adults as well.
• Her son contributed by reviewing drafts:
  “He’s walked through all of them with me... ‘I don't think we’re going to understand what that means. We’re going to need a definition for that one.’” (10:49 – Sarah)

Format and Accessibility (08:32–09:58)

• Books use Open Dyslexic font to support kids with dyslexia.
• Written in lyrical formats with classroom-based characters.
• Designed to be digestible for all ages, appealing even to adults (“self-help in disguise”).

Writing and Publishing Process (12:02–13:46)

• The project began during a personal low point:
  “I was really at a low point... diagnosed with Lyme disease...My oldest had just been diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing disorder...” (12:11 – Sarah)
• Her approach evolved from a handful of stories to a 14-book series with the help of a book coach.
• The books use a “person-first” language to emphasize the individual, not the diagnosis:
  “We ultimately went with person first...Autism is not defining who you are, but it is a part of who you are.” (13:31 – Sarah)

Expansion and Vision for the Future (15:20–17:03)

• Sarah’s ambitions:
  • Integrate her books into school curricula.
  • Form book clubs/reading groups guided by counselors.
  • Foster early intervention and emotional support to preempt crises:
    “If we can start earlier...that they’re accepted for all of their differences, that’s going to grow into something along the way.” (19:37 – Sarah)
• She hopes her model will address the mental health crisis in schools and prevent violence by fostering connection and support.

Navigating Controversy and Book Bans (18:05–20:29)

• Acknowledges risks of book bans due to sensitive mental health terms:
  “I had moments throughout the entire last year of pause... I heard of other books being banned in other states...” (18:05 – Sarah)
• Despite fear and self-doubt, she continues, reaffirmed by her sense of purpose.

Distribution and Access (20:29–22:57)

• Books will be available direct to consumer via her website and Instagram (SarahLewisHartley).
• Plans to make books available on Amazon and through schools.
• Ebooks and classroom resources to aid group reading and discussion.

Advocacy Message: Echo Parenting & Aligned Parenting Method (23:09–24:51)

• Sarah introduces “echo parenting”—the idea that parents and children are on a parallel neurodiversity journey, reflecting and healing together.
• Shares her “aligned parenting method”:
  • Awareness of bodily emotions
  • Label emotions and identify triggers
  • Use grounding techniques
  • Practice nurturing self-compassion and empathy
• “Their behaviors are really a reflection of what you may need to heal with your inner child.” (23:22 – Sarah)

School Visits and Student Reactions (24:51–26:34)

• Read “Purposefully Calm” to a third-grade class; received positive feedback from son and students.
• Book addresses sensory processing disorder and anger management.
• “I wanted for them to really have that moment of, okay, this resonates with me.” (26:19 – Sarah)

Professional Insights and Learning Process (26:34–29:12)

• Balances roles as health care executive and author.
• Collaboration with mental health professionals has been key for credibility and effectiveness.
• The creative process was cathartic and reflective:
  “I am in most of these books, especially the one about ADHD, what this child is feeling...that was me.” (28:10 – Sarah)
• Emphasizes strengths-based, not deficit-based, perspectives on neurodiversity.

Emotional Impact and Authenticity (29:33–31:01)

• Writing was both healing and vulnerable, especially when sharing publicly.
• Advocacy helps her own continued healing:
  “There’s a moment of where I had to get over what other people might think...this is my purpose and I’m here to help someone.” (30:21 – Sarah)
• Relates to and encourages authenticity, hoping her transparency resonates and helps listeners feel less alone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Their behaviors are really a reflection of what you may need to heal with your inner child."
  —Sarah Hartley (23:22)

• "I was really at a low point...My oldest had just been diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing disorder...I was having that moment in the shower of what is my purpose? Why am I here? And that really sparked my creativity for the first book."
  —Sarah Hartley (12:11)

• "We ultimately went with person first. Autism is not defining who you are, but it is a part of who you are.”
  —Sarah Hartley (13:31)

• “There are specific schools that this will resonate with, and that’s a great place to start…The earlier that we start with building that foundation that they’re accepted for all of their differences, that’s going to grow into something along the way.”
  —Sarah Hartley (19:30, 19:37)

• "Echo parenting is really understanding and learning that you’re on this parallel journey with your child, and you’re really learning alongside of them.”
  —Sarah Hartley (23:16)

• “If it doesn’t do anything else, you know, I’ve at least helped, you know, some people.”
  —Sarah Hartley (30:40)

Important Timestamps

• 04:44 – Sarah’s introduction, books, and coaching
• 05:13 – Inspired by her son’s neurodiversity journey
• 06:25 – Sensitive subjects covered (bullying, death, drills, mental health)
• 07:51 – Early feedback from therapists and professionals
• 09:12 – Son helps shape language and accessibility
• 12:11 – Spark of the book series during personal crisis
• 13:31 – “Person first” language discussion
• 15:33–17:03 – Vision for school curriculum integration and support
• 18:05 – Book banning and navigating controversy
• 20:35 – Nationwide book availability and different formats
• 23:09 – Echo parenting and the aligned parenting method
• 25:08 – Classroom experience with “Purposefully Calm”
• 27:21 – Lessons learned from professional and child perspectives
• 29:33 – Emotional journey and healing through writing

Final Thoughts – Takeaways for Listeners

• Sarah’s books fill a critical niche for children and parents navigating neurodiversity—offering empathy, accessible language, and practical strategies.
• Her approach to advocacy is grounded in lived experience, deep professional consultation, and a commitment to early intervention and emotional literacy.
• Echo parenting and the aligned parenting method empower families to heal collectively, recognizing the shared nature of neurodivergent journeys.
• Despite setbacks or fears of censorship, Sarah’s unwavering dedication is itself a model of resilience and authenticity for listeners across ages and experiences.

For more updates, resources, and to order Sarah Hartley’s books:

• Website: saralewishartley.com
• Instagram: @saralewishartley