Autism Stories

"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.

"Internalized ableism...I kind of equate it to Stockholm Syndrome. Where you're relating to your captor's or abuser's perspective, until you adopt their point of view and become an advocate for their ways. That's how I view internalized ableism. Society has indoctrinated us with harmful views of ourselves and others who are like us," says Grace Ogden Parker. Grace Ogden  joins this episode to discuss various forms of ableism, the importance of lived experience, and being a parent. 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.

"It's mental health care, but it unfortunately doesn't mean that the people who facilitate it understand autism. I know that may be a broad statement here, but in my personal experience, even in grad school I think I was the only person with documented ASD, and I always felt that I had to keep my professors on their toes. Any place I worked, the feeling that they're not really expecting someone like you to be within their ranks is quite palpable," says Michael Macedo. Michael joins this episode to discuss being a therapist, his experience as an outpatient clinician, and running for his college cross country team. To learn more about Michael visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-macedo-lcsw-0417a873/ 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 it to feel even though it takes place in the modern day, it's kind of an unearthed story. Because it's a story of people that have always been there, yet, never been truly acknowledged up until more recent times. Hopefully, we'll be acknowledged. The day that disabled people have opportunities and have opportunities on screen, and I don't have to make it myself, that'll be a happy day for me," says Justin Janoson. Justin joins this episode to discuss his tv show  What's the Rule and starting his media company IndEP media. To learn more about Justin and What's the Rule visit https://www.indepmedia.com/whatstherule  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.

"Regulation comes in different forms depending on what is dysregulating a person. It could be trying strategies of proprioceptive input, having fidgets or body engagers available, or feeding the brain with high-cognitive materials. My wonderful CRPs vary in their approaches, but all work hard to help me regulate," says Jack Haynes. Jack joins this episode to discuss the importance of regulation with communication partners and why the holidays can be very stressful to non-speakers. 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 is allowed to have their opinions, but those aren't my responsibility. The only thing I'm committed to is conveying myself the way I intended, and making sure those like me know that too. It also helps a lot that my team believes in me so I don't have to worry about miscommunication because I know they have my back," says Justice Killebrew. Justice joins this episode  discuss his keynote at the AAC conference Communication Always Matters All Ways and being a voice character on the Netflix Show "Ada Twist, Scientist". To learn more about Justice visit https://www.instagram.com/whatsjsaynow/ . 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 go back as far as 2010 or so, and the idea of having an autistic person on the research team to inform the design of the study was a completely foreign concept. This wasn't happening at all, there were maybe one or two research groups in the world doing this.  Now, it's not uncommon. At least people do it at the level of consultation or having a community advisory board," says Zack Williams. Zack  joins this episode to discuss where we are and how far we have to go with autistics being part of autism research teams, research on sound sensitivity, and  what psychiatrists need to learn about treating autistic patients. To learn more about Zach's sound sensitivity study visit https://redcap.link/sound_study and the INSAR Community Collaborator Request go to https://www.autism-insar.org/page/ICCR. 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.

"It's a hallowed space for me. I see the impact when people are treated with respect and they have consent over their stories, and they have consent over what they want to focus on and what they can focus on that day. It really works more and more momentum to feeling this curiosity to look below these masks," says Tasha Hansen. Tasha joins this episode to discuss being a social worker, strategies to sustain a reliable flow in your life, and the importance of integrated healthcare. To learn more about Tasha visit https://www.azcpllc.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.

"With their journey with me, we slowly take down those walls in comfortable steps, little by little, and at the same time we build something that I like to describe as an armor made out of light. That is this powerful thing that carries you through life and makes you feel safe within yourself, makes you feel secure, makes you feel like you can trust yourself. You're capable and it's great to be you," says Ana Aragon. Ana joins this episode to discuss how autistics grow from peer mentorship, what makes someone a good mentor, and all the things she loves. To learn more about Ana and Autistic Thoughts visit https://autistic-thoughts.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 I was employed by somebody else, and I needed to sleep like right now, that's not gonna happen. I'm probably gonna get fired. I really stress the importance of self-employment because that money that I'm making is going to me. It's not going through multiple channels where I am probably paid the lowest possible amount for labor that really sucks the life out of me," says Margaux Wosk. Margaux joins this episode to discuss being an entrepreneur, executive functioning while running a business, and providing opportunities for disabled creators. To learn more about Margaux and Retrophillac visit https://shopretrophiliac.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.

To check out Doug's birth chart as you watch this episode go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQiZqe-U_0YdRM_kGV6S_pNrAayDw0rRaUSdLE88cOqQFkrw3hrUOYSUYfiVrZBH7KtmugL4FwHq0Ax/pub "It's always this weird mix with astrology of like I might see and tell a person, 'You're not doing what makes you happy,' and they're like, 'I know.' I'm never gonna tell anybody to quit your job now, no, you need to also be able to make smart decisions. But what astrology does is it can give us a lot of light, and what most people wind up feeling is a lot of validation and confirmation that what they'd rather be doing, what they're already feeling inkling towards, is the right direction," says Colleen Harrison. Colleen returns to Autism Stories to give a reading of Doug's astrological chart. To learn more about Colleen visit https://www.instagram.com/aneurodivergentastrologer/ 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 take a look back at some great moments on the Autism Stories podcast from the last year as we prepare to bring you more stories than ever from autistics in 2023. If you could subscribe to Autism Stories 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 a lot of autistic women that sign up for my class. So introducing them and creating this neurodiverse community in the classroom where they get to work with actual autistic women and see that we are not what they thought; we are not what society pins us as," says Zhara Astra. Zhara joins this episode to discuss teaching a class"Understanding Neurodivergent Women" as well as female autistic characters in media. To learn more about Zhara visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/zharaastra/.  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.

"Being open about where you come from, your difference, gives an opening for others to say the rabbi is modelling this. The rabbi is showing that people of difference are members of this community and are valued. Modeling is the best thing a leader can do, I believe. Look at yourself as a microcosm of your community, live your own," says Rabbi Tzemah Yoreh. Rabbi Yoreh joins this episode to discuss being a congregational rabbi, his book "So Compassionate It Hurts", and what he learned about his autistic identity studying ancient wisdom literature. To learn more "So Compassionate It Hurts" visit https://www.amazon.com/So-Compassionate-Hurts-Rabbi-Spectrum-ebook/dp/B0B3SJ93S3 . To read Doug's article about honoring his limitations an autistic entrepreneur visit https://autismspectrumnews.org/honoring-my-limitations-as-an-autistic-entrepreneur/. 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 todoug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"he big issue is that colleges are mostly for very functional students that can talk right and can control their body. But for individuals like us, options are very less. For me, I feel lucky. My body has to learn how to control and one has to be in the environment to learn how to control, and more colleges should show this path to all," says Akhil Lad. Akhil joins this episode to discuss ways in which the college experience, working with Deepak Chopra, and how asking him questions about autism has helped him. 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 todoug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"Autistic people have the ability to decompose the soundscape, to take the sound of the world around them and to focus in on particular aspects of it and to hear that detail. People don't listen in this way on the whole. This is a distinct difference," says Andrew Hugill. Andrew joins this episode to discuss founding the aural diversity project, digital culture, and the importance of being  transdisciplinarity in his career. To learn more about Andrew visit https://andrewhugill.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.

"Many of us, if we're just provided the proper accommodations, and if we're provided the opportunities to advocate for ourselves and be taken seriously, we would thrive. We would be able to live lives that we shape ourselves as opposed to having society impose on us what we're supposed to be based on how they assume we are from an outsider view," says T Jamaica Rogue. T Jamaica Rogue joins joins this episode to discuss deconstructing autism and ADHD one fallacy at a time, intersectionality in research, and her podcast. To learn more about T Jamaica Pogue visit https://www.tjamaicapogue.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.

“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. In healthcare, you're picking your setting, your picking your furniture, your picking your lighting, your picking your sensory and communication supports. We offer this to all the patients, not just people who identify as having a disability,” says Dr. Melissa Houser. Dr. Houser 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. 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.

“Currently, that is the one place where I am entirely unmasked. I don't guard myself when I'm running; it's true self expression. It's the only place I'm really fully authentic and fully able to be in a way that I don't feel self-conscious about, or I'm not wondering if I look weird, or if people are going to notice me in the wrong way. It's the purest form of joy I have access to,” says Jesse Timm. Jesse joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss how running has impacted his life, working in the running industry, and honoring his limitations. To learn more about Jesse visit https://www.itsstorytimm.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 personally am not an eye contact person. So, when I'm working with my clients it's nice that neither of us have that expectation that we have to make eye contact, we have to shake each others' hand, we have to have small talk. Realistically, we don't have to do that. We're both very comfortable with each other, and that alone has made it easier to work in my career because I know I am understood by my clients,” says Demi Rivera. Demi joins this episode to discuss running a hair salon that supports neurodivergent minds and what she does to make sure her business is inclusive. To learn more about Demi and Talking Hairs visit https://linktr.ee/talking_hairs. 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 so much work that needs to be done to gain communication for the estimated 31 million human beings who are locked in a silent cage. I want to make sure we focus on the initiatives that will help the greatest number of non-speakers to learn to type, so they may live full lives,” says Elizabeth Bonker. Elizabeth joins this episode to discuss her non profit that is empowering non-speakers to live meaningful lives and her commencement address that went viral. To learn more about Elizabeth and Communication 4 All visit https://communication4all.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'd really like to tell more stories about women growing up not knowing that they are autistic, like finding out later in life, in their 20s 30s 40s. And exploring both sides of it. Not only the good part, but not only the bad part. I like to see both sides of the coin. I'd like to show what are the challenges, but if there is a good part, what is it?” says Izabelle Azevedo. Izabelle joins this episode to talk about her film Purple Heather, how solitude is helpful in her life, and stories she would like to tell in the future. To watch Isabelle’s film visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1p5_HS77QL4 . 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.

“ know that I just love being alone; I love spending time by myself. I think that has been frowned upon, especially for girls, especially in high school. You wanna be social, and you wanna connect, and you wanna be at all the things and make the connections. Looking back, I wish I could've told myself, hey, it's okay to enjoy time by yourself and to be entertained by yourself. I would've let myself kind of chill,” says Taylor Heaton. Taylor joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss how life would be different if she knew she was autistic in high school, her experience as a homecoming queen, and how finding resources that are actually helpful to autistics. To learn more about Taylor visit https://www.momonthespectrum.life. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 it helps the emotional thing, cause it's not just the logic of knowing about death and stuff. For me, it was more learning a lot more about death denial and how it impacts people, and how important grieving proper is. I think if I didn't have that foundation before I lost someone who meant so much to me, I would be even more lost,” says Marianne Eloise. Marianne joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss learning about things you are fearful of and her book Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking. To learn more about Marianne visit https://www.marianneeloise.com. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 so many life coaches out there. Just like there's so many doctors, and there's so many psychologists and psychiatrists, and occupational therapists....but there's not a lot of autistic ones. And I thought, how amazing is it that I Can go out there, and I can speak to somebody, and I know what they're going through, and I can help them. There's not a lot out there, but it's such a necessary thing,” says Matthew Lawrence. Matthew joins this episode to discuss being a life coach, the autistic experience in different countries, and what autistic joy means to him. To learn more about Matthew visit https://www.theautisticcoach.com. subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 am telling the story one last time- my life leading up to my diagnosis, what it looked like before, and a little of what it looked like after- and that's pretty much it. I want to be hired for other things. Not that I won't still talk about my story, but I don't want it to be the focus of why people are hiring me. I want to be a part of the bigger conversations around disability in leadership,” says Becca Lory Hector. Becca joins the 200th episode of Autism Stories to discuss writing her new book, autistic burnout, and moving halfway across the United States. To learn more about Becca visit https://www.trulyinclusiveleadership.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episodes subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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.

"4 of the cast were autistic and 2 were not autistic. That I felt was important as well. I didn't want people to look at the play and be able to say, "oh look, there's the autistic people doing their thing over there." I wanted people to say, "It's okay for all of us to be in this room together, and look how much better it is,” says Jody O’Neil. Jody joins this episode to discuss her play "What I Don't Know about Autism", how the theatre can be more inclusive, and what she wants to continue to learn about autism. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episodes subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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.

“Sex is deemed an inappropriate subject. People either shut down or they start giggling, or maybe they just blurt out everything and say too much. It is deemed inappropriate and something to be ashamed of. There's so much shame in our country in the way that people think about sex. We are oversexualized when it comes to the media, but we're also very shamed when it comes to our personal selves. It really is confusing,” says Angela Locashio. Angela joins this episode to discuss being a clinical sexologist, the impact of sex on the lives of autsitics, and what it means to be an intersectional octopus. To learn more about Angela visit https://www.mamapistachio.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episodes subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 main things that I'm in charge of is granting ADA requests. I want an employee to be super comfortable with me, and know that I will go after their manager looking for approval for an ADA accommodation. I just had to do so a couple weeks ago. There was a lot of back and forth with the manager, but I really stick to my guns- I'm here to help employees out,” says Dominique Cyntryn. Dominique joins this episode to discuss granting her fellow employees ADA requests as well as her other responsibilities as a benefits analyst. To learn more about Dominique visit https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/dominiquecytryn. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episodes subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 also use self disclosure as a therapist. I am very open about being neurodivergent and struggling with that myself, which I think makes a big difference. Because I've learned that neurodivergent people tend to build relationships and share information through storytelling. I tell my stories, they tell their stories, we share special interests to build rapport. Everything is custom to the neurodivergent client's experience “ says Vanessa Quinn. Vanessa joins this episode to discuss being a neurodivergent therapist and inclusive waiting rooms. To learn more about Vanessa and her services visit https://www.bloomtherapycincinnati.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episodes subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 am partial to children's books because I feel children have an open mind. To me, autism needs children to understand us because they are in school with autistics everyday. I want autistics to feel understood and accepted. My childhood would've been much better if that had happened for me,” says Gregory Tino. Gregory joins this episode to discuss his new book “The Autistic Boy in the Unruly Body: Autism and I Series" and the experiences of apraxic autistics. To learn more about Gregory visit https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtb4PV6YCEtrrSyeZ2ZeTMA and search for his books on Amazon. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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.

“Running my own art therapy private practice has been one of the greatest vehicles for self growth I've ever had, because I have to take ownership of every single decision in my practice. Do I want to maintain my policies? It's been such a process of looking at myself and standing true to my values, and designing my practice in a way that both really meets my clients' needs, but also meets my own needs,” says Jackie Schuld. Jackie Schuld joins this episode to discuss how art therapy can be helpful to autistics. Jackie also talks with us about coaching other therapists who are running their own private practice and coaching them to achieve the goals with their businesses. To learn more about Jackie visit https://www.jackieschuld.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 would like to learn more about the personal development course for autistics please visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com/selfdefinedliving

“The first 15 minutes of class, we are teaching about the brain. We are teaching about the autistic neurotype and the strengths. It's a strengths-based approach, because you gotta play to the strengths. It's not fun to be in a situation where like oh, here's something that you're not good at, let's just keep on doing that, because you're not good at it. That's so deflating,” says Mara McLoughlin. Mara joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss teaching social skills taking a neurodiversity affirming approach. Mara also talks with us about being appointed to Oregon Commission for Autism and the interventions subcommittee. To learn more about Mara visit https://irlsocialskills.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 would like to learn more about the personal development course for autistics please visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com/selfdefinedliving

"I don't understand when someone gives me something that's more than three steps, I can't do it and I just panic, but I can write you a book in three days. It's one of the reasons that I have trouble with functioning labels, and why the autistic community in general, has trouble with functioning labels. Because you can't call someone like me high-functioning because that's not accurate, and you can't call me low-functioning because that's not accurate. They're both accurate depending on what's going on,” says Jaime A. Heidel. Jaime joins this episode us to discuss “The Articulate Autistic”, step by step instructions, and setting boundaries. To learn more about Jaime and her blog visit https://www.thearticulateautistic.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 would like to learn more about the personal development course for autistics please visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com/selfdefinedliving

"I've been preparing to move and I know it's gonna be a big change, so I've been prepping myself, sort of, and trying to prepare what in my routine is gonna stay the same. That's brought me a lot of comfort. I also went to a support group for late-diagnosed autistis last week, and I got some amazing advice from them. They said to have all your comfort items easily accessible,” says Ziale Evans. Ziale joins this episode to discuss how moving takes a toll on her mental health, the sensory nightmares of shopping, and creating videos on social media. To learn more about Ziale find her at https://www.TikTok.com/@zialeevans . To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 would like to learn more about the personal development course for autistics please visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com/selfdefinedliving

“Design, and art as a larger umbrella, is storytelling. Just like music is storytelling, even without lyrics. I think that we all tell stories. I really feel that every single thing we experience is some sort of story. We tell ourselves stories; everything that comes out of our mouths is a story. It's how we navigate the world,” says Neisha Hirsch. Neisha joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss the impact of storytelling on our lives, her business Shadow Sage Designs, and how tarot has been helpful to her. To learn more about Neisha and Shadow Sage Designs visit https://www.shadowsagedesigns.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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.

“Sometimes autistic movement differences can cause pain or functional limitations, and sometimes they are truly just differences. They may look different from the "reference norm," but they actually work just fine for that person and their body. It takes a lot of teamwork between the patient and the provider in order to tease that out,” says Iris Warchall. Iris joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss autistic movement differences, being a physical therapist, and anti-ableist and neurodiversity-affirming healthcare. To learn more about Iris visit http://iriswarchall.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 last commissions paper about the future of clinical autism research I think is a very good example of how there is mismatch between the priorities and needs of autistic people and the priorities of researchers. Autistic people should be included as equal partners in autism research, but that is currently rarely happening,” says Heini Natri. Heini joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss her career as a computational biologist and functional genomics as well talk about research that benefits the autistic community. To learn more about Heini visit https://www.heinimnatri.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 lines are so meaningful. Whenever you're capturing something, the lines alone can trigger the mind to know what you're looking at- just the lines. Using clean lines and just spotlighting certain colors, I'm filtering out all of that extra information that even neurotypical minds have to sort through,” says Amanda Hebert Hughes. Amanda joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss creating art that caters to neurodivergent minds as well as being an author and illustrator for a children's book. To learn more about Amanda visit https://www.amandaheberthughes-americanartist.com. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 so many community priorities that have just not had anywhere close to adequate research, and I think that part of the reason why the research hasn't gone further, is because they haven't, for the most part, they have not had an adequate theory of autism. They're trying to make sense of this phenomena without a uniform theory to ground it on.” Dr. Wenn Lawson and Fergus Murray return to Autism Stories to discuss their website which is a central resource for learning about monotropism. To learn more about monotropism please visit https://monotropism.org. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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 certain things that neurotypical researchers are doing that I appreciate, but they get things wrong. Fundamentally they don’t understand the experiential side of things. Then experience alone doesn’t always work because a lot of us are living with multiple diagnoses so I love the idea of teaming up and finding patterns and themes and starting to understand,” says Denielle Rose. Denielle Rose joins this episode to discuss critical psychology, neurodivergent households, and autism assessments. To learn more about Denielle visit https://www.Instagram.com/autistic_prose. To be updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review 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.

“When I came back off my period of time out with burnout I suddenly realized we need a top down disclosure approach to mental health problems. If senior doctors aren’t disclosing, if patients get that doctors don’t get that then it becomes more stigmatized. If we don’t disclose nobody else will disclose. Openness means that somebody else who is struggling may feel like they can talk about their mental health problems too. Autism is not a mental health problem, but may come with mental health problems too,” says Dr. Becky Akroyd. Dr. Akroyd joins this episode to discuss being a medical doctor, why waiting rooms are overwhelming, and the work of Autistic Doctors International. To learn more about Autistic Doctors International visit https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com. To updated on the latest Autism Stories episode by subscribing on your favorite podcast listening platform. If you could give us a positive rating and review on your favorite listening platform we would really a