Selma Sueli Silva


Selma Sueli Silva is a Brazilian journalist, writer and radio personality.

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. She also works as a podcaster, addressing themes as autism in elderly people and motherhood on autism. In 2025, she began her master's degree in Literature at Federal University of Pelotas.
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. "O Mundo Autista" explores the subjects of behavior and literature, with a specific focus on adults on the autism spectrum.
In "Minha vida de trás para Frente", 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. In the 2019 book-report "Camaleônicos", 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.
Her other literary credits include the collection "Autismo no Feminino" and the memoir and essay book "Diversos Diálogos", co-written with Sophia Mendonça. In fiction, she wrote the psychological horror novel "Nem Tudo é o que Parece". 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.

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.

Personal life

Selma Sueli Silva is the mother of Sophia Mendonça, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder 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.
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.
She is a Nichiren Buddhist.

Works

Books

Minha vida de trás para Frente Dez anos Depois Camaleõnicos Autismo no Feminino Diversos Diálogos
  • ''Nem Tudo é o que Parece''