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## Alyson Stoner opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Mental Health work
Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner is now working as an on-set mental health coordinator, hoping to normalize the role as a standard practice, similar to intimacy coordinators [[1]]. Stoner, who began performing at age 8, shared with *The Guardian* that she was diagnosed with alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying emotions, wich she believes was a response to trauma experienced during auditions and early career experiences [[1]].
Stoner describes child stardom as the “toddler to train-wreck pipeline” and is sharing her experiences in her new memoir, *Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything* [[1]]. Her goal is to empower others with information, rather than assigning blame, believing that increased knowledge will lead to better choices, especially for young people [[1]].Stoner’s early career included roles as a co-host on Disney Channel’s *Mike’s Super Short Show* in 2001,appearances on *The Suite Life of Zack & Cody* and *That’s So raven*,and roles in the *Cheaper by the Dozen* and *Camp Rock* films [[1]]. She also appeared in music videos and the *Step Up* franchise [[1]].
