In this heartfelt episode, Maddy Dever (they/them), a non-binary Autistic advocate and parent of four Autistics, joins Elizabeth Plouffe for an open and emotional discussion on grief, mental health, and resilience. The conversation reflects on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the complexities of loss, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to grieve.

Key discussion points include:

🔹 The Queen’s impact and legacy as a symbol of service and community.

🔹 Why “it’s okay not to be okay” is a vital message for everyone.

🔹 Personal stories of loss and how grief manifests differently for each of us.

🔹 The importance of advocacy, allyship, and supporting mental health in the autism community.

💡 Takeaway: Grief is a natural part of life, but healing starts when we acknowledge our emotions and seek support.

📣 Join the conversation by leaving a comment about your own experiences with grief, mental health, or resilience. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for updates on future episodes.

🌐 Learn more at:

• Spero Careers Canada

• The Autistic Rambler

• https://fb.com/autisticrambler
• https://instagram.com/autisticrambler
• https://x.com/mattjdever

#GriefSupport #MentalHealthMatters #Accessibility #Inclusion

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Autistic Rambler

01:46 - Navigating Grief and Emotions

05:47 - The Queen's Legacy and Personal Connections

11:14 - The Importance of Emotional Expression

16:23 - Health, Stress, and Emotional Release

21:52 - Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

28:35 - Creating Safe Spaces for Expression

32:29 - Navigating Parenting Styles and Communication

36:58 - The Impact of Parental Examples on Mental Health

40:43 - Understanding Grief and Its Many Forms

46:02 - The Importance of Asking for Help

50:52 - Honoring Legacy and Service

#autism, #grief, #emotions, #mentalhealth, autism, #support, #loss,#community, #parenting

In this episode of the Autistic Rambler podcast, Maddy Dever and Elizabeth Plouffe discuss the complexities of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for Autistic students. They explore the importance of parental involvement, the challenges of informal versus formal IEPs, and the necessity of including students in the process. The conversation highlights sensory challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the need for leadership and advocacy skills in education. The hosts emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and students to create effective IEPs that truly meet the needs of the child.

Takeaways

• IEPs are crucial documents that guide educational support.

• Parental involvement is essential in the IEP process.

• Students should be included in discussions about their IEPs.

• Informal IEPs can lack enforcement and clarity.

• Sensory challenges significantly impact learning experiences.

• Leadership skills are vital for neurodivergent individuals.

• Advocacy is a key component of navigating education systems.

• Collaboration among all stakeholders is necessary for effective IEPs.

• The education system needs to adapt to better support neurodivergent students.

• There is a growing recognition of the need for change in educational practices.

Follow us on Social Media at

https://fb.com/autisticrambler

https://instagram.com/autisticrambler

https://x.com/mattjdever

website https://autisticrambler.com

And Elizabeth Plouffe, Founder of Spero Canada at

https://sperocanada.ca

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Autistic Rambler Podcast

02:21 - Understanding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

04:54 - The Role of Parents in the IEP Process

07:22 - Challenges with Informal and Formal IEPs

10:11 - The Importance of Student Involvement in IEPs

12:59 - Sensory Needs and Accommodations in Education

15:37 - The Shift in IEP Focus: Strengths vs. Deficits

18:10 - Navigating the Education System: Advocacy and Support

20:51 - The Impact of Social Dynamics on Autistic Students

23:31 - The Need for Inclusive Education Practices

26:32 - Changing Perceptions of Special Education

29:08 - The Future of Neurodiversity in the Workforce

33:59 - Understanding Accommodations in the Workplace

37:05 - The Role of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

41:51 - Leadership Development for Neurodiverse Individuals

47:06 - Advocacy and Self-Advocacy Skills

50:18 - The Importance of Collaboration in IEPs

56:23 - Building Leadership Skills Through IEPs

01:03:00 - The Future of IEPs and Community Involvement

#IEP, #autism, #education, #advocacy, #neurodiversity, #sensoryprocessing, #leadershipskills, #parenting, #self-advocacy

In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever, a non-binary autistic advocate, discusses the intersection of autism and creativity, the representation of autistic individuals in media, and the importance of accessibility in creative expressions. The dialogue explores how sci-fi serves as a creative outlet for many autistic individuals, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Maddy emphasizes the need for authentic representation in media and the impact of creative mediums on the autistic community. In this conversation, Maddy Dever explores the multifaceted experiences of individuals with autism, emphasizing the importance of creativity, representation, and the challenges posed by societal stereotypes. The discussion highlights the mundane aspects of life that often go unnoticed, the need for accurate representation in media, and the value of creative expression as a means of personal growth and community connection. Maddy also addresses misconceptions about autism and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity, encouraging listeners to break down barriers to creativity and embrace the infinite possibilities that exist within the autism community. Takeaways - Autistic individuals often face stereotypes that limit their perceived creativity. - Creative expressions can serve as powerful tools for advocacy and representation. - Sci-fi provides an imaginative escape for many autistic individuals. - Authentic representation in media is crucial for understanding autism. - Accessibility in creative mediums can empower autistic voices. - The portrayal of autism in media often lacks nuance and realism. - Creativity can bridge gaps and foster understanding in society. - Community and collaboration among autistic artists can lead to meaningful connections. - The evolution of media has changed how stories are told and experienced. - Embracing one's uniqueness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Fighting for rights is a reality show in itself. - Representation of autism often skews towards extremes. - The mundane days are just as important as the extraordinary ones. - Creativity is a vital aspect of the autism community. - Misconceptions about autism can hinder understanding and support. - Society often values individuals based on economic contributions. - Creative expression can be a powerful tool for stress relief. Chapters 01:23 - Creative Expressions in Autism 07:50 - The Intersection of Sci-Fi and Autism 12:48 - Breaking Barriers through Creativity 20:37 - Accessibility in Creative Mediums 31:07 - Misrepresentation in Media 32:00 - Reality vs. Representation in Autism 34:13 - The Mundane and the Extraordinary 36:39 - Creativity in the Autism Community 39:14 - Misconceptions and Stereotypes 40:27 - The Importance of Creative Expression 44:06 - Cultural Sensitivity and Respect 47:13 - Navigating Creativity and Career Choices 49:46 - The Value of Creativity in Society 53:03 - Breaking Barriers to Creativity 56:57 - The Infinite Possibilities of Creativity #Autism, #creativity, #advocacy, #representation, #neurodivergent, #neurodiversity, #media, #art, #community, #support, #Autistics

In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever and Elizabeth Plouffe explore the multifaceted concept of #allyship, particularly in the context of autism advocacy. They discuss the importance of building supportive communities, the nuances of micro allyship, and the critical role allies play in breaking down barriers. The conversation emphasizes that allyship is an action that requires #awareness, #empathy, and a willingness to recognize and address diversity. They also touch on the significance of teaching #leadership and allyship skills to foster a more inclusive society, and the value of collaboration as a form of allyship.

In this conversation, Maddy Dever discusses the complexities of parenting autistic children, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs and navigating the challenges posed by the #education system. Maddy shares insights on creating safe spaces for autistic voices, the significance of boundaries in allyship, and the necessity of managing energy while advocating for others. The discussion highlights the power of small acts of allyship and the impact they can have on the community.

#Autism, #Advocacy, #Tokenism, #LeadershipSkills, #SocialInclusion, #parenting, #education, #individualneeds, #mentalhealth, #safespaces, #boundaries

In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever, a non-binary #Autistic advocate, shares their journey of self-discovery, the importance of pronouns, and the intersectionality of identity within the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion explores the impact of societal norms, religion, and cultural appropriation on personal identity, while also highlighting the role of comedy in fostering understanding and acceptance. Maddy emphasizes the need for visibility and the importance of embracing one's true self in a world that often imposes rigid gender norms.

In this conversation, Maddy Dever explores the complexities of gender identity, the importance of pronouns, and the biases present in healthcare systems. The discussion delves into how societal labels can impact mental health and identity, the challenges faced during puberty, and the need for respect and understanding in conversations about gender. Maddy emphasizes the importance of patience and the willingness to learn in order to foster a more inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

#non-binary, #autism, #LGBTQ+, #identity, #pronouns, #culturalappropriation, #intersectionality, #acceptance, #genderidentity #non-binary,#mentalhealth

In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever and Elizabeth Plouffe explore the intersection of autism, mobility challenges, and the importance of outdoor activities. They discuss personal experiences, the impact of technology, and the benefits of gamifying outdoor engagement. The conversation also delves into the significance of understanding different perspectives and overcoming barriers to outdoor participation, ultimately highlighting the role of nature in managing anxiety and promoting well-being. In this conversation, Maddy Dever shares their profound connection to nature and how it serves as a source of healing and grounding. They discuss the importance of outdoor activities, even in small doses, for mental health and well-being, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for community support and the potential of gamifying outdoor experiences to encourage engagement with nature. Maddy's personal anecdotes highlight the transformative power of simply being outside and connecting with the environment. Find us on our socials Instagram https://instagram.com/autisticrambler Facebook https://fb.com/autisticrambler TwiXter https://x.com/mattjdever Webpage https://autisticrambler.com #autism, #outdooractivities , #mobilitychallenges, #gamification, #anxietymanagement #neurodiversity, #advocacy, #community, #nature, #healing, #outdooractivity, #mentalhealth, #mindfulness, #personalgrowth#autistic

In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever, a non-binary autistic advocate, shares their journey and insights on autism advocacy, education challenges, and the importance of inclusivity and accommodations for autistic individuals. The discussion delves into personal experiences with sensory overload, bullying in schools, and the need for a shift in attitudes towards neurodiversity. Maddy emphasizes the significance of agency and respect for individual needs, while also reflecting on the intersection of identity and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. In this engaging conversation, Maddy Dever discusses the importance of love, support, and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for those who are also part of the autistic community. The dialogue explores themes of intersectionality, the fluidity of gender and sexuality, and the significance of agency and inclusion. Maddy shares personal experiences and insights on navigating societal norms, the journey of self-discovery, and the need for a culture that accommodates everyone, emphasizing that inclusion is not just for marginalized groups but for all individuals. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace their authentic selves and support one another in creating a more inclusive society. Find us on our socials Instagram https://instagram.com/autisticrambler Facebook https://fb.com/autisticrambler TwiXter https://x.com/mattjdever Webpage https://autisticrambler.com Maddy Dever, #autismadvocacy, #sensoryneeds , education challenges, #universaldesign #bullying, #agency, #identity, #acceptance, #neurodiversity, #LGBTQ+, #autism, #intersectionality, #genderidentity , #selfacceptance, #agency, #inclusion, #societalnorms, #empowerment