Society's perspective on autism has shifted, but there is still work to be done to combat misinformation and stigma.

In this episode, Jordan James and Simon Scott interview Steve Silberman, the author of NeuroTribes. They discuss the impact of Silberman's book on the neurodivergent community and the importance of embracing neurodiversity. They delve into the history of autism and the misconceptions surrounding Hans Asperger, the legacy of autism, the shift in society's perspective on autism and the importance of finding support within the neurodivergent community. Silberman shares his perspective on the medical model of autism and we explore the impact of the book 'NeuroTribes' in creating advocates for neurodiversity, the concept of the autism spectrum, the need for more frequent and dedicated opportunities for autistic children to engage in their special interests, as these interests can lead to meaningful and successful lives.

Takeaways

• The history of autism reveals the mistreatment and discrimination faced by neurodivergent people.
• The medical model of autism focuses on deficits and dysfunctions, but a more inclusive and positive perspective is needed.
• Neurodiversity is a natural variation of human neurology and should be embraced and accommodated.
• The autism spectrum is not linear but encompasses a range of neurodivergent experiences.
• Special interests are a vital part of the lives of autistic individuals and should be embraced and nurtured.
• Finding support within the neurodivergent community can be invaluable for both autistic individuals and their families.

00:00 RTN Sponsor

01:12 Introduction

03:14 The Impact of Steve Silberman's Book, NeuroTribes, on the Neurodivergent Community

09:54 The History of Autism and the Progress of Neurodiversity

36:33 Embracing Neurodiversity

37:31 The Autism Spectrum

42:57 Unpacking the History of Autism Diagnosis

44:22 From Deficits to Strengths

49:32 Challenging Ableism and Cure Culture

53:48 The Power of Special Interests

01:08:10 Support and Accommodation

Steve Silberman: Award-winning science writer, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity (Avery 2015).

Website: https://www.stevesilberman.com/

Book: NeuroTribes

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Navigating romantic relationships can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss their experiences with romantic relationships. They share stories from their teenage years including the challenges of navigating dating and intimacy, the impact of past traumas and the importance of being true to oneself in a relationship, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Jordan discusses how meeting his wife, Sylvia, changed everything. They formed a deep connection and understood each other on a level that no one else did and attributes their successful relationship to both of them being neurodivergent. He expresses gratitude for having Sylvia in his life and credits her for helping him better himself. Simon reflects on his past relationships and how they were influenced by his neurodivergent traits and shares his experiences of being taken advantage of and feeling misunderstood in past relationships.

Takeaways

• Being true to oneself is important in building a healthy and fulfilling relationship but past traumas can impact how we approach and experience them.
• Dating and intimacy can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent individuals, who may struggle with social cues and communication.
• Building a relationship without masks and being open and honest can lead to a stronger connection, being in a relationship with someone who is also neurodivergent can lead to a deep connection and understanding.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Topic

07:42 Navigating Dating and One Night Stands

26:30 Difficulties with Initiating Intimacy

35:21 Building Relationships while Masking

44:11 Confidence and Attracting Attention

57:36 Finding Connection and Understanding in a Relationship

01:05:32 The Power of Gratitude in a Successful Relationship

01:15:26 Reflecting on Past Relationships for Personal Growth

Whether you're Neurodivergent yourself, a friend, family member, or simply curious about this extraordinary way of experiencing the world, this podcast is your guide to unravelling The Neurodivergent Experience.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: theneurodivergentexperience

Youtube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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Art and creative expression can be a powerful way for neurodivergent individuals to communicate and share their unique experiences.

In this conversation, Jordan James and Simon Scott talk to Bret Malley, a recently diagnosed neurodivergent individual, and father of an autistic son. They discuss Brett's journey of self-discovery, his experiences as a filmmaker and artist, talk about his upcoming documentary film, The Divergent Gift: Unboxing Autism, led by Bret and starring Jordan and the challenges he and his son face in the US education system.

The conversation explores the need for flexibility and multiple ways of learning in education, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and emphasize the importance of listening to parents and understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each child.

The upcoming documentary film 'The Divergent Gift; Unboxing Autism, led by Brett Mallie, aims to amplify the voices of the neurodivergent community and promote acceptance and inclusion.

Takeaways

• The education system often fails to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of neurodivergent students, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.
• There is a need for a shift in the education system to prioritize individuality, autonomy, and support for neurodivergent students. Education should provide flexibility and multiple ways of learning to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of students, particularly neurodivergent individuals.
• Teachers should listen to parents and take the time to understand each child's unique strengths and weaknesses in order to provide appropriate support.
• Storytelling, animation, and creativity can be powerful tools for expressing the neurodivergent experience and promoting understanding and acceptance.

00:00 Introduction and Background

14:10 Art as a Form of Communication

35:50 The Need for a Shift in Education

44:34 Flexibility and Autonomy in Education

51:48 The Importance of Listening to Parents

01:08:00 The Power of Documentary Film in Advocacy

Bret Malley: Educator, Speaker, Professional photographer, author of Adobe Master Class; Advanced Compositing in Adobe Photoshop CC, and all around Photoshop magician specializing in surreal, epic, and imaginative image creation.

Website: https://www.bretmalley.com/

Documentary: https://www.thedivergentgift.com/

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Whether you're Neurodivergent yourself, a friend, family member, or simply curious about this extraordinary way of experiencing the world, this podcast is your guide to unravelling The Neurodivergent Experience.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: theneurodivergentexperience

Youtube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.