Welcome to Autism Stories. Cover art photo provided by Federica Giusti on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@federicagiusti
"Anytime you have a default, anyone whose brain learns things, processes, communicates differently is going to feel othered. The idea with universal design is not having any defaults, and to have a menu to all people", says Dr. Mel Houser. Mel joins this episode to discuss universal design in healthcare, her non profit All Brains Belong VT, and what she wished medical school and medical training had taught her. To learn more about Dr. Houser and All Brains Belong VT visit https://allbrainsbelong.org. Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I was going down the rabbit hole of adult play and the benefits of that could bring to a corporate environment when it comes to things like communication, creativity, innovation and ingenuity. I came across this concept of Lego Serious Play that started in the mid 90s [...]", says Rolondo Talbott. Rolando joins this episode to discuss the benefits of play for adults and his book of poetry about his corporate career. Learn more about Rolando by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolondotalbott/Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"The veils are perceptual filters and autistic people have fewer filters. And so they're receiving a lot of information. [...] Bright lights, the way things sound, the way textures feel. And we say, their filters are lowered that way. But also the filters are lower for the invisible world", says Wendy Roff. Wendy joins us to discuss her new book about her new book about the connection of science and mysticism. To learn more about Wendy visit https://www.tiktok.com/@darling_bubblesThank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I want to feel connected to you, but if you're talking at me or if I'm bored with the conversation, then we have to adjust and your feelings being hurt isn't really my responsibility anymore. [...]. My responsibility is to myself and I'd love to be connected, but we really have to find somewhere to connect", says Lee Hopkins. Lee joins this episode to discuss meaningful relationships for autistic people. To learn more about Lee visit https://www.patternsofpossibility.com .Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I'm hoping that what is happening with AI can go down a path that ultimately allows more people to tell their stories more effectively and with less limitations and with less gatekeeping than ever before", says Anthony Leckie. Anthony joins this episode to discuss being the editor for Autism Stories and ethical uses of AI. To learn more about Anthony visit https://www.anthonyleckie.com . Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Autistic women, especially those of us who are late identified, have spent our entire lives performing outside of our comfort zones just to survive, just to pass, to feel safe. [...] And that caused us chronic burnout, sensory overload, and a disconnection from our authentic selves. So telling us to get out of our comfort zone, it's like pouring water on someone who's already drowning", says Carole Jean Whittington. Carole returns to Autism Stories to discuss her new book Living Unmasked An Autistic Women's Guide to Get Into Your Comfort Zone .Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit https://www.amyscurria.com .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"[My book's] about the generational trauma that can come from masking for generations and the complexity of neurodivergence and the complexity of how it can manifest, how it can present, how we can all have this thing in common, but all treat it in really different ways", says Meg Eden Kuyatt. Meg joins us to discuss generational trauma, writing poetry, and her new book The Girl in the Walls. To learn more about Meg and The Girl in the Walls visit https://www.megedenbooks.com/girl-in-the-wall-mg. Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I would go so far as to say that there is a distinct form of people pleasing that autistic people engage in[...]. [...] It's like, this is my personality because it's my mask. I've created this person that whose worth is entirely dependent on how other people perceive me and how useful and how little needs I have, how much I can provide for other people, because [I feel] so strange and unacceptable", says Josselyn Crane. Josselyn joins this episode to discuss masking, fluctuating capacity, and building community. To learn more about Josselyn please visit https://josselync.com .Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"A huge part of my early discovery and then building a life that's more resilient to burnout has been understanding my sensory profile, getting to know what actually works for my sensory system, what soothes it, what comforts it, what triggers it", says Dr. Megan Neff. Dr. Neff joins this episode to discuss her Autistic Burnout Workbook. To learn more about Dr. Neff and her workbook visit https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-burnout-workbook/For bulk order discount information: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/bulk-burnout/Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"But for me, at least, music has always emphasized my emotions with an internal soundtrack, if that makes any sense, it's as much a part of my brain and internal dialogue as anything else, really", says Mitch Boucher. Mitch joins this episode to discuss rejection sensitive dysphoria and his love of baroque music. To learn more about Mitch and his music visit https://www.youtube.com/@MitchBoucherComposer .Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"That's kind of where I stepped in with, yes, if I want to help people to improve their quality of life, I need to understand what quality of life looks like for autistic people", says Becca Lory Hector. Becca makes her return to Autism Stories to discuss the research from her and her team regarding quality of life for autistic people. To learn more about Becca and her research visit https://beccalory.com/publications-research/Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode. if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I think that's one of the things that's helped me [...], writing about it, right. Writing about these characters that are not afraid to advocate for themselves. [...] And think about how can I be more like my main character?", says DeAndra Davis. DeAndra joins this episode to talk about her new book All the Noise at once. In this compelling, moving story about brotherhood, identity, and social justice, a Black, autistic teen tries to figure out what happened the night his older brother was unjustly arrested. To purchase All The Noise at Once visit https://www.deandradavis.com/all-books .https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=422b205cf8817bf1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zqGPy2sjBLlA11mfLQjk4Kzu84YGg:1743872297655&q=&si=APYL9btOMaxI48tKjOYdlPW3RyBplN8gAQzBdTKkB2IKbJ7kM9T8RmW6e56f40nA_2X21d9mSrGLngPcOpmhvjtg5XNYJPcy7w8VeuhHph_MUnX-m-Qx_E-UjzSrmaCq_EexvqEOSFsU&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMmtfGrsGMAxW-q4kEHc9KPP8Qv_UKegQIKRAD&biw=1428&bih=734&dpr=2If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"It was actually fascinating because going into [The Traitors], I thought the missions would be the thing that I would like the least. [...] But the missions for me in my season were actually great and really exciting because there was always an element of strategy involved in the sense that you could make choices to further your own game in our mission", says Dan Bird. Dan joins this episode to discuss The Traitors and how his autism impacted his experience. To learn more about Dan and The Traitors visit https://www.instagram.com/djzb100/If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"That diagnosis when I got it, just really floored me, because I've always been verbal, very verbal, and I'm very outgoing, [...] I just have always been what I am, and things just didn't work out right, and I just kept trying", says Marilyn Roy. Marilyn joins this episode to discuss being diagnosed with autism in her sixties.If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
""The services [Autistic Black Coders] are going to be providing is that it's going to be a business service that is providing people in the black community that are going to be [...] getting into tech and learning the software engineering side to become a full stack developer eventually", says Oluwaseye Ogunfidodo. Oluwaseye joins this episode to discuss founding Autistic Black Coders. To learn more about Oluwaseye visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mr-oluwaseye-ogunfidodo-91b6a61a9/If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"One of the rules is that you don't discuss certain topics in public. And those topics include things like sex and body parts. So it can be hard to overcome that taboo and realize that a sexual or reproductive health appointment is exactly the appropriate place to discuss these topics", says Stephanie. Stephanie joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss supporting patients with their sexual and reproductive health needs as a registered nurse. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"In the film [Sensory Overload], it's based on the premise that 20% of the population has significantly higher sensory processing than everyone else, it's a large proportion of people", says Burnett Grant. Bernard and Burnett return to Autism Stories to discuss their involvement in the documentary Sensory Overload coming to Hulu this week. To learn more about Sensory Overload visit https://www.vox.com/ad/396458/sensory-overload-new-documentary-trailerIf you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"We're still paying [airline] customers, [...] I feel like wheelchair users or people that use mobility aids should still be treated like human beings and seen as valuable as just any other person that is using a service", says Jay Manuel. Jay joins this episode to discuss traveling with mobility aids and his tv show that will be coming to the tv channel TLC. To learn more about Jay visit https://www.instagram.com/miniproducer/ .If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"A place where we spend a lot of time is in front of our laptops, computers and phones, and in many cases those spaces aren't very calming because the colors and other things on websites can be very overwhelming. So [the] calmspaces.org website looks to address this", says Marion Hersh. Marion joins this episode to discuss the creation of the calm spaces website and important research for autistic people. To learn more about the Calm Spaces vist https://calmspaces.org and Marions visiion study at https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/glasgow-research/designing-recommender-systems-for-blind-partially-sighted-and-a . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Many leaders are fearful of coming out, so to speak, with being neurodistinct. That's unfortunate. There is a popular statistic that 20, 25% of Fortune 500 CEOs identify as neurodivergent or specifically dyslexic, but they only talk about that in private circles", says Grant Harris. Grant joins this episode to discuss his work as a certified diversity executive and the way in which he works that best suits his brain. To learn more about Grant visithttps://www.compliancetocommunity.com.If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Autism is my divinity, so I am grateful to my mind for being different. I am grateful to my parents for being my support system. Gratitude is my attitude. Always be grateful for this life because this life was lived once", says Navneet Kulkarni. Navneet and Padma Jyothi join this episode to discuss Indian non-speaking autistics and the power of gratitude. To learn more and purchase Talking Fingers books visit https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Fingers-Vol-2-Non-Speaking-Autistics/dp/8196629591 If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
""I was the drawing kid, I was the art kid always. And it was part of my regulation is just to draw, and I would get in trouble all the time in school for drawing when actually I could think and hear and understand and learn better if I was actually drawing" says Kaz Windness. Kaz joins this episode to discuss heir children's book that includes multiple autistic characters. To learn more about Kaz and their books please visit https://kazwindness.blog/2023/01/14/bitsy-bat-school-star-media-kit-lesson-plans-activity-sheet/If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
""Basically, preventing dysregulation is the biggest lever that we can push to improve the medical and behavioral health. So anything we can do to [...] give [people] a little bit more capacity, a little bit more room to act, take any kind of that cognitive or sensory load off can be really helpful", says Dr. Shannan Palma. Shannan returns to Autism Stories to discuss an app that her organization created to help neurodivergent folks make better decisions in their lives. To learn more about and download the Decide app visit https://itiassistivetechnologies.com/decide/ If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"What is your responsibility to your community? [...] One thing I often say is you have the right to ask for help and the duty to assist when possible. I think that really creates what this whole program is for", says Percy De La Luna. Percy joins this episode to discuss a volunteer program he created for adolescents and teens as well as the intersection of being indigenous and autistic. To learn more about Percy visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-de-la-luna-49a400246/ If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I think the first thing people need to remember is that their experiences aren't one size fits all. The autistic community is incredibly diverse. So just because someone's experience is different than yours doesn't make it good, bad or less than", says Charlotte Bachelor. Charlotte joins this episode to discuss the impact of storytelling and how comic con has been a healing experience. to learn more about Charlotte visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-bachelor/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I co-wrote the opera with my partner Zane, who wrote the words. And it was very important to both of us that we both capture my experience as an autistic adult [...], but also to create an opera that embraces this idea that no matter who we are [...], exactly who we are, is enough," says Amy Scurria . Amy joins this episode to discuss being an opera singer and how music has helped her to communicate and develop community. To learn more about Amy visit https://www.amyscurria.com. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Within the drag community I just see [people] struggling to be themselves and they're too worried about what everyone else thinks of them, which is why I create spaces so people can know that they are loved and can just let go and be themselves on stage and perform", says Rachel Caton. Rachel joins this episode to discuss being a drag show performer and organizer. We also discuss Rachels experience as a licensed cosmetologist and artist. To learn more about Rachel visit https://rachelcatonsalon.glossgenius.com and https://www.instagram.com/sunreiireii/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Tone tags have taught me the importance of advocating for my needs, while also accepting that not everyone will understand or accommodate them. When people do respect that request though, it makes communication so much easier and less anxiety inducing for me," says Mykie Mubarak. Mykie joins this episode to discuss how being Arab impacts their autistic experience, competitive gaming, and tone tags. To learn more about Mykie visit https://www.instagram.com/autistic.mykie/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"Maybe I could say I'm autistic out loud at a meeting at work. So I'm finding that as I stand up and talk about autism a lot of people at work are reaching out to me discreetly saying, hey I don't want anybody to know this, but you know what should I do here, so just being visible as simple as that sounds can be big," says David Gunter. David joins this episode to discuss disclosing his autism in the workplace and what he is doing to support other autistic people. To learn more about David visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgunterllc/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I used to encounter burnout a lot when I was undiagnosed because I was a bit of a perfectionist. Everything had to be perfect all the time. And I had to, you know, you hear that people tell you, give 100%. Well, for me, 100% was 150%," says Bridgette Hamstead. Bridgette joins this episode to discuss supporting and empowering autistic women and how she supports organizations to develop neuro-inclusive environments. To learn more about Bridgette visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgette-hamstead/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"There's a lot of neurodivergent scientists that are [...] becoming more confident in calling ourselves neurodivergent scientists. We are, you know, leaving academia. We are operating outside of the system that doesn't want to support us," says Dr. Miyabe Shields. Miyabe joins this episode to discuss her research of Cannabis use for neurodivergent people and the impact of the endoendocannabinoid system on the body. To learn more about Miyabe and their visit https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I'm going to make the claim. We want to be creative. We want to have agency over our lives. [...] But if you're in a workplace or a home life or whatever kind of environment where those options aren't open to you because of punishment or whatever, then that's going to make you miserable. And so that is what [this] book's about," says Katie Rose Guest Pryal. Katie joins this episode to discuss creativity and mental health and how AI is impacting creative writing. To learn more about Katie visit https://katieroseguestpryal.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
""You know, I think [NASCAR is] doing a pretty good job right now when it comes to sensory needs, because you go to the tracks and you'll see earbuds for children. I've seen some tracks that have full sensory sets," says Michael Klein. Michael joins this episode to discuss being a race car driver and voice actor. To learn more about Michael visit https://www.facebook.com/michaelkleinracing/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"One of the biggest parts of how I move through my life is when I deal with stress or overwhelm, is to have some sort of practice to channel that energy forward instead of letting it spin into anxiety. And I think tarot is one of those things [for me]", says Neisha Hirsch. Neisha returns to Autism Stories to discuss being a coach at Autism Personal Coach and how her experience as a tarot reader makes her a better coach. To learn more about Neisha visit https://www.youtube.com/@TreyaTarot . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"With online learning, I can concentrate better on what truly matters, which is my academics. In fact, for junior and senior year of college, I'm doing fully online, not necessarily to save money, but so I can concentrate on academics," says Kadin McElwain. Kadin joins us to discuss what has been helpful to him as a college student and the importance of writing in his life. To learn more about Kadin visit https://www.youtube.com/@Kadin73 If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"One of the skills that I realized that I had early on is I could read text written by one person. And if I had enough of it, I could mimic their style. I could mimic their vocabulary, their cadence, and basically duplicate their writing style, " says J.D. Barker. J.D. joins us to discuss being a New York Times Bestseller, how his autism impacts his creativity, and how collaboration helps his writing. To learn more about J.D. please visit https://jdbarker.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"My goal is to have us be a part of, not exclusionary. I think that there is a way that we could have everything be sensory safe across the board", says Joanna Cetaj. Joanna joins this episode to discuss making environments more sensory safe and how therapy has been helpful to her. To learn more about Joanna visit please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannabelievesinu/
"But traveling is definitely instrumental in me dealing with the burnout and sensory overload because when I travel, [...] the experiences [of] not only the nonstop responsibilities that I have every day, but the nonstop noise and traffic, I don't ever deal with that in most of the places that I go to", says Darnell Lowe. Darnell joins this episode to discuss raveling around the world and the overwhelm of New York City. To learn more about Darnell visit https://dlowe6396.wixsite.com/manvsworld . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I've gotten a lot better at recognizing when I'm feeling overwhelmed and like trying to address it before it gets to [elopement]. And it's just like learning other ways to cope on, you know, using my headphones and fidgets and weighted vests," says Olivia Debortoli. Olivia joins us to discuss elopement as an adult, writing her memoir, and being an identical twin. To learn more about Olivia visit https://www.amazon.com/Articulate-Autistic-Olivia-Debortoli/dp/B0CHH6VLM2 If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I believe, and my guides revealed to me, that in all that 240,000 years of existence, it was the autistic people who were the people other people came to for help in communicating with the divine. That's just our natural role", says Leah Welborn. Leah joins this episode to discuss reiki, spirit guides, and the importance of celebrating each season. To learn more about Leah and her services visit https://www.leahwelborn.net If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"We all like rest and relaxation. [...] So the changes that I made were really about trying to say, OK, well, what are the [stressful] things that we might not think are going to regular retreat? And how can I lower that stress level and make it welcoming and inclusive to everyone who comes?", says Sam Stein. Sam joins this episode to discuss her YouTube channel Yo Samady Sam and creating a retreat for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. To learn more about Sam please visit https://yosamdysam.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"So emotions as an empath can get heightened when we are uncertain if they are, as you said, ours or those of others. But when we put emotional boundaries in place, we can definitely use this gift to our advantage", says Gaby Desmarais. Gaby joins this episode to discuss being an empath, getting her sensory needs met, and living in South Africa. To learn more about Gaby visit https://instagram.com/paths4peace . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I mean, we obviously talk about autism being this spectrum, so when you're coming from a Caribbean background or an African background or an Asian background, there were definitely cultural similarities in being autistic that we may have in common that say someone from an Irish or Scottish or American background may not have", says Tee Cee Johnson. To learn more about Tee Cee visit https://www.teeceeofficial.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Peter Jung joins this episode to discuss facilitating D & D social skills groups, silos in the autism community, and routines in socially demanding situations. To learn more about Peter and his blog visit https://rollforkindness.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Russ Coleman joins this episode to discuss accessibility in art and creating one million drawings over the next five years. To learn more about Russ visit https://russcolemanstone.com If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Jade Stuart joins this episode to discuss the journey of unmasking and healing from trauma. To learn more about Jade visit https://jmswellbeing.co.uk. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Vince Rinicella joins this episode to discuss energy and its connection to apraxia. We also talk about hosting his first Christmas party for his closest non speaking friends. To learn more about Vince and his blog visit https://theunfilteredmindofvincent.wordpress.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Sam Brandsen joins this episode to discuss bias in AI , starting a playgroup for autistic children, and supporting those with high support needs. To learn more about Sam and All Neurotypes visit https://www.allneurotypes.com If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
"I noticed there wasn't much of a poetry space online for autistic poets so I figured why not create one so I did that a few years ago. The main way it has improved my life is making new friends who experience the world so similarly", says Rei. Red joins this episode to discuss their poetry and how greek culture has impacted their autistic experience. To learn more about Ravyn visit https:/https://www.instagram.com/spectral_rei/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Tanya Valencia joins this episode to discuss how mobility aids have improved her life and accessibility at music festivals. To learn more about Tanya visit https://www.instagram.com/audiotism_tanya/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
Josh Merritt joins this episode to discuss his experience in developing a career as a screenwriter. To learn more about Josh visit https://joshmerritt.co.uk/index.html If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.
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