Selma Sueli Silva

Selma Sueli Silva (September 17, 1963) is a Brazilian journalist, writer and radio personality. She is the creator of the digital portal O Mundo Autista (2015–present) and co-host of programs and podcasts such as Rádio Vivo (radio program, 1999–2015), Mundo Autista D&I (2015–present), and Boas de Conversa (2026–present).[1] Among her notable books are the autobiography Minha vida de trás para Frente (2017), the journalistic book Camaleônicos (2019), and the anthology Autismo no Feminino (2022).[2]

Career

Silva worked as a producer and presenter on several radio stations in Minas Gerais, where it is estimated that she reached a large audience. In an earlier period of her career, she also worked as a chief advisor at INSS/MG.[3] She also works as a podcaster, addressing themes as autism in elderly people and motherhood on autism.[4][5] In 2025, she began her master's degree in Literature at Federal University of Pelotas.[6]

Selma Sueli Silva is recognized for being one of the creators of the portal "O Mundo Autista", launched in 2015, which has become a relevant digital platform with content created by people within the autistic spectrum in Brazil.[7][8][9] "O Mundo Autista" explores the subjects of behavior and literature, with a specific focus on adults on the autism spectrum.[10]

In "Minha vida de trás para Frente" ("My Life Backwards", 2017), her autobiography, Selma recounts the rediscovery of her own history after being diagnosed with autism at age 53. By revisiting her life, the author realizes that the signs of autism were always present. The book explores different phases of Selma's life: from her childhood and adolescence, where she felt afraid of displeasing others due to her naivety and "non-standard" personality, to her career in radio, where she won over listeners with her professional confidence and humanist ideals.[11][12][13] In the 2019 book-report "Camaleônicos" ("Chameleonics", 2019), Selma blends theory, personal accounts, and interviews to build a comprehensive overview of life on the autism spectrum. The book addresses sensory and communication challenges as well as the unique talents and perspectives of each person, showcasing the diversity within the Autistic Spectrum.[14][15][16]

Her other literary credits include the collection "Autismo no Feminino" ("Autism in Females," 2022) and the memoir and essay book "Diversos Diálogos" ("Diverse Dialogues", 2022), co-written with Sophia Mendonça.[2][17][18] In fiction, she wrote the psychological horror novel "Nem Tudo é o que Parece" ("Not Everything is What It Seems," 2024). The work tackles taboos surrounding atypical motherhood and issues related to gender identity, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the journey of acceptance and overcoming challenges related to neurodevelopment and Borderline Personality Disorder.[19]

Reception

In an analysis of Diverse Dialogues, psychologist and professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Maria Luísa Magalhães Nogueira, highlighted that the narrative written by the duo innovates by transforming the traditional post-diagnostic "grief" process into a stage of "affirmation" of differences. The specialist points out that the work practically illustrates the "double empathy problem," a concept coined by sociologist Damien Milton, evidencing that the socio-communicational challenges of autism are a two-way street. According to Nogueira, the book demonstrates that inclusion requires a change in attitude and language by neurotypical individuals as well, rather than being an exclusive problem of the autistic person. She concludes that the account serves as an invitation for society to deconstruct normalizing barriers and assume a collective responsibility for coexistence in shared spaces.[20]

Jabuti Prize-winning author Leo Cunha commented on the semi-autobiographical nature of Not Everything is What It Seems. In his analysis, Cunha praised the human depth of the protagonists, noting that, although they are portrayed as strong and determined women, they also exhibit flaws, mistakes, and regrets, which adds verisimilitude to the work. Regarding the reading experience, the author argues that the audience's focus should not be on trying to distinguish what is memory from what is invention. Instead, he suggests that the reader act as a witness to the story, turning their attention to the "lights and shadows" presented by the narrative.[21]

Impact

In 2025, Silva was honored as one of the featured figures in the educational material and game Brilliant Minds: Neurodivergent Women, published by the Brazilian Computer Society (SBC), which highlights her work as a communicator and her twice-exceptionality (autism spectrum disorder and giftedness).[22]

Awards

In 2023, the Mundo Autista channel, hosted by Silva and Sophia Mendonça, won the Digital Microinfluencers Award, in the people with disabilities category, during the fifth edition of the award, by popular and technical votes.[23]

Personal life

Selma Sueli Silva is the mother of Sophia Mendonça, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age 11. Early in Sophia's childhood, Silva noticed some signs of autism, such as head-banging, hyperfocus, and advanced intelligence. When Sophia received her diagnosis, Silva’s journalist husband struggled to accept it. He was suffering from severe depression at the time and filed for divorce in 2008. As a result, Silva took on the full responsibility of caring for her daughter, including managing her schedule, treatment costs, and emotional well-being, as well as making necessary routine adjustments.[24][25]

In 2016, Silva received her own ASD diagnosis. Inspired by her personal journey, she began sharing her experiences and insights about autism through writing and digital platforms.[26][27][28]

She is a Nichiren Buddhist.[29]

Works

Books

  • Minha vida de trás para Frente (2017)
  • Dez anos Depois (2018)
  • Camaleõnicos (2019)
  • Autismo no Feminino (2022)
  • Diversos Diálogos (2022)
  • Nem Tudo é o que Parece (2024)

Podcasts

Year Title Painelist Notes
1999-2015 Rádio Vivo[30] Painelist, Co-host
2015 Variedades[30] Painelist
2015-2016 Em Boa Companhia[30] Host
2015-present Mundo Autista D&I[31] Co-host with Sophia Mendonça
2017-2018 Manhã Super[30] Painelist
2019-2020 Introvertendo[32][33] Painelist, Reporter
2020 Interessa[30] Host
2021 Saída de Emergência[34] Painelist
2022 Vozes da Maturidade[35] Co-host with Sophia Mendonça
2022 Conexões[36] Painelist
2022 TransParente[37] Co-host with Sophia Mendonça
2023 Humanistas[38] Painelist
2023 Desterioriza[39] Painelist
2026-present Boas de Conversa[1] Co-host with Sophia Mendonça

References

  1. 1 2 Autista, Mundo (2026-04-03). "Mãe e filha lançam "Boas de Conversa", podcast que une cinema, comportamento e visão neurodivergente inédita no Brasil". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  2. 1 2 "6 influenciadores com autismo que destroem o preconceito". Catraca Livre (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2022-04-01. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  3. ↑ admin (2023-07-19). "AUTISMO EM ADULTOS LIVROS E E-BOOKS PUBLICADOS NO BRASIL". Instituto Inclusão Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  4. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2022-11-11). "'É preciso que a gente aprenda a ser pai e mãe', diz Selma Sueli Silva". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  5. ↑ Jr, Francisco Paiva. "Podcast discute autismo na terceira idade: 'Vozes da Maturidade'". Tismoo.me (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  6. ↑ "Despacho" (PDF).
  7. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2024-09-14). "'Junto com a mãe, nasce a culpa', diz Selma Sueli Silva sobre maternidade atípica". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  8. ↑ Manreza, Roberta (2016-11-24). "Mãe e filho compartilham experiências sobre a Síndrome de Asperger. Conheça a história do Victor e da Selma". Papo de Mãe (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  9. ↑ MG Inter TV 1ª Edição - Grande Minas | Evento sobre autismo reúne estudiosos sobre a síndrome em Montes Claros | Globoplay (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12 – via globoplay.globo.com.
  10. ↑ Vieira, Nathan (2022-04-02). "Dia Mundial do Autismo: 5 canais no YouTube que conscientizam sobre o transtorno". Canaltech (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  11. ↑ "Influenciadores autistas: 8 nomes para você conhecer que ajudam a entender o autismo - Instituto SER" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  12. ↑ "Pibid da UFV-Florestal aborda o tema Inclusão em palestras". Multicampi UFV. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  13. ↑ Autista, Mundo (2025-03-16). "Resenhas do livro "Minha vida de trás para frente: a jornalista que se descobriu autista"". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  14. ↑ Linguagem e Autismo (PDF).
  15. ↑ Duarte, Luiz Gustavo; Bortoletto, Maira Sayuri Sakay (2024). "Cartografia Como Uma Cripistemologia: Reflexões A Partir De Um Território Autista". Kalagatos: Revista de Filosofia. 21 (3): 4. ISSN 1984-9206.
  16. ↑ Autista, Mundo (2025-04-24). "Desvendando o Mundo Adulto Autista: Uma Análise de "Camaleônicos" de Selma Sueli Silva". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  17. ↑ Duarte, Luiz Gustavo; Bortoletto, Maira Sayuri Sakay (2024). "Cartografia Como Uma Cripistemologia: Reflexões A Partir De Um Território Autista". Kalagatos: Revista de Filosofia. 21 (3): 4. ISSN 1984-9206.
  18. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2022-03-30). "Sophia Mendonça e Selma Sueli Silva lançam o livro Diversos diálogos: Autismo(s), meios e mediações". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  19. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2023-08-26). "Selma Sueli Silva e Sophia Mendonça lançam livro de terror psicológico". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  20. ↑ Autista, Mundo (2026-07-06). "Análise do Livro "Diversos Diálogos": Autismo, Neurodiversidade e a Dupla Empatia". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2026-07-06.
  21. ↑ Autista, Mundo (2024-07-01). "Vencedor do Jabuti comenta romance de escritoras autistas". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2026-08-02. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
  22. ↑ http://almanaquesdacomputacao.com.br/gutanunes/publications/S16V12.pdf
  23. ↑ Redação, Da (2023-02-09). "5º Prêmio Microinfluenciadores Digitais: confira os (as) vencedores (as)". Portal da Comunicação (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  24. ↑ redacaonos. "Conheça mãe e filha que são a voz do autismo feminino no Brasil". Terra (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  25. ↑ Pessoa, Sônia Caldas (2013-04-22). "Entrevista Selma Sueli Silva". Espaço aberto para diferença e inclusão: que tal um debate sobre sociedade inclusiva? (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  26. ↑ www.agenciaprimore.com.br, Agência Primore-. ""Eu com asperger?" - Revista Mais". www.revistamais.com (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  27. ↑ Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas (2022-04-04). "Abril Azul: autismo do ponto de vista das mulheres é tematizado no Conexões". Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  28. ↑ Redação (2022-02-11). "Rádio e Inclusão: Mundo Autista é tema do terceiro episódio". Humanista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  29. ↑ Introvertendo, Equipe (2020-09-07). "Introvertendo 127 – Religião: Autistas Religiosos". Introvertendo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Autista, Mundo (2020-01-03). "Jornalista autista apresenta programa diário de rádio". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  31. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2023-10-02). "Além do Introvertendo, conheça outros 10 podcasts feitos por autistas". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  32. ↑ Introvertendo, Equipe (2020-09-07). "Introvertendo 127 – Religião: Autistas Religiosos". Introvertendo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  33. ↑ Introvertendo, Equipe (2019-11-08). "Introvertendo 78 – Autistas na Comunicação". Introvertendo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  34. ↑ "#25 - Autismo - Desafios do diagnóstico tardio - Podcast Copastur" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2021-04-01. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  35. ↑ Jr, Francisco Paiva. "Podcast discute autismo na terceira idade: 'Vozes da Maturidade'". Tismoo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  36. ↑ https://www3.ufmg.br/comunicacao/noticias/abril-azul-autismo-do-ponto-de-vista-das-mulheres-e-tematizado-no-conexoes
  37. ↑ Autismo, Redação do Canal (2022-11-11). "'É preciso que a gente aprenda a ser pai e mãe', diz Selma Sueli Silva". Canal Autismo. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  38. ↑ Autista, Mundo (2022-02-16). "Rádio e Inclusão: Mundo Autista é tema de podcast". O Mundo Autista (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  39. ↑ "Etarismo é tema do novo episódio do podcast Desteoriza - Notícias - UFPE". www.ufpe.br. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
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