Autism Stories

"When we talk about stereotypes, stereotypes don't always have to be all bad. For example, when you hear something like all Asians are smart, all Asians are math whizzes. All Indians are doctors and engineers. It's not a bad thing to be those things, but to paint it with that broad stroke brush creates undue pressure, obviously. I think that's what created pressure for me growing up is seeing the Indian community around me being portrayed in one way, and questioning why it had to be that way, and why I was almost made to feel guilty if I didn't fit that mold," says Mrinal Ghokhale. Mrinal joins this episode to discuss stereotypes, sexual health in South Asian communities, and how weight lifting has positively impacted her life. To learn more about Mrinal visit https://www.instagram.com/mrinalg_/ .

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 are autistic people who have identified wanting to hold down a typical job as their goal, and we want to honor that. There can be great benefits that come from working including community with your colleagues, feeling important, doing something for society. But if we stop there, we never get to question why we work the way that we do? That's the critical disability theory lens", says Zosia Zaks. Zosia joins this episode to discuss critical disability theory and what being neurodiversity-affirming truly means. To learn more about Zosia visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/zosia-zaks-a72536195/

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.

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 an autistic, Asian-American, Jewish adoptee. This is something that makes me unique, it makes me feel special that I'm part of a few different, select communities. But it can also be really overwhelming and exhausting, because I feel, especially in this day and age, I'm constantly fighting for my right to coexist peacefully as a human being. I feel like when one identity isn't attacked, another is. I kind of feel like a boxer that's constantly being beaten down. If one identity isn't punched down, another is, and having to just find the strength to get back up each day", says Ben Vanhook. Ben joins this episode to discuss the impact of intersectional identities on his autistic experience and how developing autistic community has positively impact his life. To learn more about Ben visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-vanhook-970041168/.

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 would like to see a complete rewriting of the narrative around autism. Because girls are still getting told their lives are going to be over. That they're not going to be able to have babies or work with children, which there's no evidence for any of that nonsense at all! About half the women in SWAN had families or are raising families. I've got two adult daughters I'm incredibly proud of, they're fabulous, good people", says Dr. Catroina Stewart. Dr. Stewart joins this episode  to discuss the intersection of women and the autistic experience, growing a non-profit from an idea to a sustainable organization, and writing a brief on autism for Police Scotland. To learn more about Dr. Stewart visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catriona-stewart-obe-frsa-145bb920/ .

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 see the value in hearing from people of every single generation. I think every single generation is worth hearing. Everyone has different wisdom to bring to the table and different experiences. I wanted a book that kind of tackled the idea of ageism that we are all wise beyond our years and young at heart, and seeing what it would look like to come together and experience wisdom together", says Hope Bolinger. Hope joins this episode to to discuss her new book A Country of their Own, being an acquisitions editor, and modeling work. To learn more about Hope visit https://www.hopebolinger.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.

"Additional feedback I gave them based on my experiences in the program led to a resource bank for autistic people in and leaving the program to help them integrate into independent living and often a higher income bracket with more benefits and financial flexibility. Going from fast food to making $8.50 an hour to corporate benefits and salaries was an enormous shock and immense learning curve", says Rebecca Alley. Rebecca joins this episode to discuss workplace improvements for autistics,  helping people with high support needs, and sustainable living. To learn more about Rebecca visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-alley/ .

f 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 love cooking and I love baking, it's another creative outlet. Perhaps to the anger of one or two cooks that are now offended, I've never met a recipe I haven't changed in one way or another, out of necessity sometimes", says Heidi Assman. Heidi joins this episode  to discuss baking, other creative outlets, and how to be autistic and live a fabulous life in your fifties. To learn more about Heidi visit https://www.instagram.com/autistic_enby_elder/ .

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.

"First, I don't believe there are good or bad poems. I think I am just connected to the big mind. Short poems are quite easier to write with my poor motor skills. I also kind of like the wit possible through brevity", says Sid Ghosh. Sid joins this episode to discuss his poetry, why RPM has been so helpful to him, and being the only AAC present at United Nations World Down Syndrome Day event. To learn more about Sid visit https://www.instagram.com/downlikesid/ .

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.

"Each time we went somewhere, we made sure we had our letter boards, or AAC and began to have real conversations with the community that freely set the communication expectation. One typer can seem unique, but three together is a force that ignites change", says the Mod Squad. The Mod Squad of Otta Lana, Bella Santoyo, and William Del Rosario join this episode to discuss the power of three, making communication the expectation, and how they are mastering their destiny. . To learn more about the Mod Squad visit https://modsquad4access.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.

"Autistic teachers and autistic mentors for autistic kids is so important. It's really important and I don't think we have enough of it. So, if someone's interested in teaching, I do recommend it because you can make a big difference in the lives of these students and these families", says Katie Vidler. Katie oins this episode to discuss her tutoring business, best practices for teaching autistic students,  and getting proper testing, diagnosis, and  treatment for PANDAS and Lyme disease. To learn more about Katie please visit https://www.facebook.com/katievidlertutoring/ .

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.

"Everyone at school always tries to guess what I am thinking, and they are usually wrong. So, they never really know me, only the stories they tell themselves about me. Of course, there are well-intentioned people, but to not feel known by the people who are responsible for my future stinks", says Sofi Ghassaei. Sofi joins this episode to discuss how teachers can better support nonspeaking autistic students, the play she wrote, and the songwriting she has done with her fiance. To learn more about Sofi visit https://www.instagram.com/sofighassaei/

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 would love to help and encourage anybody who is autistic to get into fitness and sports and anything like this. I'd give them the confidence to know that they can compete and the benefits that they can get from it. It's a passion of mine", says Mandy Williams. Mandy joins this episode to discuss competing in the Hyrox competition and mentorship to  autistics that want to get involved in fitness and sports. To learn more about Mandy please visit https://www.instagram.com/n_d_athlete/.

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.

"But, believe it or not, I auditioned, he cast me as the lead. And with that go-getter personality, I had all of these ideas that he didn't know how to contain, and he said, "Do you want to take these ideas and put them together?" And I'm like sure, so I wrote a script", says Jennifer Goodman. Jennifer Goodman and Ryan Atkins joins this episode to discuss their production company Lakefront Pictures, their upcoming horror film The Unseen. To learn more about The Unseen visit https://www.lakefrontpictures.com/theunseen .

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 would say if you're passionate about it, find the thing that makes you happy, and just keep going, don't stop. You will eventually run into obstacles along the way. I've run into a bunch of obstacles myself, especially when I was trying to break into broadcasting coming out of college", says Matt Nelson. Matt joins this episode to discuss his career as a public address announcer, turning his passion into a career, and being an advocate on social media. To learn more about Matt please visit https://www.nelsonvoices.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.

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.

"The main idea I wanted to share in this screenplay was that if we hold onto anger, it will hurt us more than the person or people we are angry at. We need to learn to forgive and let go, to really be free to love", says Emma Cladis. Emma joins this episode to discuss screenplays she has written and being the first non-speaking autistic student at her university. To learn more about Emma visit https://www.hopeneverending.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.

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 also asked about oral-motor dyspraxia. As an apraxic individual, I have a hard time coordinating my speech with my thoughts. So, my default word is yes, yes, and yes", says Tessa McEvoy. Tessa joins this episode to discuss oral motor dyspraxia, homelessness for autistics, and her love of slot machines. To learn more about Tessa visit https://www.facebook.com/ApraxiaStory .

" I don't really like it when people apologize, because I feel that it is a knee-jerk reaction. Is that apology coming from an acknowledgement of a problem caused that hurt that person's feelings? Or is it a reaction to this socially-conditioned "get out of jail free" card? An apology to me is action, not words", says Dani, The Punk Rock Autistic. Listen to the second part of Dani's episode as we discussthe intersection of philosophy and late diagnosis of autism as well authentic and direct communication for autistics.  To learn more about Dani visit https://thepunkrockautistic.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.

"The American education system is very focused on controlling kids more so than it is on learning. It's almost too authoritarian for the kid to really learn, because they're so focused on neurotypical social norms and pleasing the teacher- making eye contact, sitting still, when a lot of kids can't do that", says Ben Fanta. Ben joins this episode to discuss becoming a teacher, developing healthy relationships, and  why he loves hugs. To learn more about Ben visit https://www.instagram.com/ben.thedoorguy/ .

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.

"If someone is looking to develop a better understanding on what it means to be autistic, what that looks like for their kid, or ways that they could advocate for them. My entire focus rather than looking at it as something that needs to be changed within a person, it's what can we change for that person to make life easier for them?", says Dani, the Punk Rock Autistic. Dani joins us to discuss the consulting they provide for autistics and their loved ones. They also discuss the importance of social media to the autistic community. To learn more about The Punk Rock Autistic visit https://thepunkrockautistic.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.

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 wanted to expand it so that people could express themselves in any possible way, whether that's a math formula about how it feels to be engaged with an animal, or a sculpture about being bullied or rejected, or a painting about the great gift of sensory expansiveness that we enjoy. It's been neat to watch that process unfold for people. There's no limit to the way folks can communicate", says Dawn Prince Hughes. Dawn joins this episode to discuss an ethnography project exploring autistic culture, the children's book she recently wrote, and the decades of work she has done with animals. To learn more about Dawn's ethnography project visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismethnography .

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 don't think anyone should assume that they're unlovable or unworthy if they don't have any friends or a job right now. Our worth is much deeper. We're all just temporarily abled, but also temporarily friended, and temporarily employed. Why base our worth on something that will change for all of us throughout life?" , says Amanda Bancroft. Amanda joins this episode to discuss listening to others' Autism Stories, social entrepreneurship, and tiny houses. To learn more Amanda visit https://makeripples.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 would love to live in a world where it doesn't have to be so brave to share your truth. I don't think we would call a neurotypical woman brave for writing an article about her personal life. Women and men are doing that every hour of every day as we speak right now. There are probably  billions of those types of articles or listicles that are being circulated right now. We don't think of them as brave, we think this is life," says Lucy Aiken. Lucy joins this episode to discuss the impact of sharing your truth, being a performer in many genres, and creating a one woman show. To learn more about Lucy visit https://www.lucyaiken.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.

"In the high vibrational state, which is where we all want to be (of course some days are better than others), we are emanating this sense of love and peace and compassion. You're kind of growing a higher personal power, but you're also being able to just be yourself, your true authentic self, and allowing others to see you for the confident person you are," says Ariel Cullison. Ariel joins this episode to discuss high vs low vibrational states, non-traditional forms of therapy, and growing her social media platform. To learn more about Ariel visit  https://www.instagram.com/ariel.cullison/  

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.

"First of all, everybody is a person and everybody counts. And it comes down to the idea that we should never give up on any human; we should never leave anyone completely on their own with no hope. Everybody needs somebody in their corner, especially when everybody has left their corner. As a defense lawyer, I am very cognizant that I may be the only person left standing with this individual," says Christine Sunnerberg. Christine joins this episode to discuss being a criminal defense attorney, social justice within the context of the autistic experience, and support groups for autistics. To learn more about Christine and Partners for Justice visit: https://www.partnersinjustice.com .

"There's so many talented artists and writers, but they don't get showcased because they are somebody that's disabled, autistic, or ADHD. We saw that barrier and we want to create an avenue for the people that can't get published, whether they can't get published because of the politics of publishing, or because they don't have the energy, mental health, or the ability to go through the steps. We wanted to remove that issue," says Tas Kronby. Tas joins this episode to discuss their creation of Neurodiversity Times Magazine, being part of a D.I.D. System, and their other exciting projects that will be happening this year. To learn more about Tas and Neurodiversity Times Magazine  visit https://tasthewriter.com/coming-soon-in-2023/ .

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.