Living Authentically: Redefining Autism and Success with Becca Lory Hector
Download MP3Guest: Becca Lory Hector reflects on how her late autism diagnosis at 36 transformed her life and deepened her commitment to advocacy amid today’s challenging political climate. She discusses the pervasive stigma and ableism that create barriers in professional and social spaces, and why inclusive environments are essential for genuine belonging.
Becca shares insights from her Self-Defined Living Course, designed to help autistic individuals reclaim their identities and create fulfilling lives beyond traditional measures of success and quality of life. She emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, leadership development, and prioritizing self-exploration for individuals newly diagnosed with neurodivergence.
This conversation is a vital resource for anyone seeking to embrace differences, overcome systemic bias, and thrive authentically in the autistic community.
Becca’s late diagnosis sparked a powerful journey of advocacy, identity, and authentic living.
Connect With Becca Lory Hector:
Website: https://beccaloryhector.com
DEIB Disability Consulting via Truly Inclusive Leadership: https://www.trulyinclusiveleadership.com/
LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccaloryhector
Grab a Copy of My Book: Always Bring Your Sunglasses https://a.co/d/bYoYLYL
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BeccaLoryHector
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/BeccaLoryHector
https://www.instagram.com/beccaloryhector/
Self-Defined Living Course: A Path to a Quality Autistic Life
https://beccalory.com/downloads/self-defined-living-course-a-path-to-a-quality-autistic-life/
Self-Defined Living Shoppe
https://beccalory.com/selfdefinedshoppe/
Connect With Us
- Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com
Share Your Voice
Your story matters — and it could help someone else feel seen.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.
If you’re a late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic professional navigating work, creativity, or burnout, we’d love to hear from you.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is collecting real experiences, insights, and stories from neurodivergent adults who are ready to speak honestly about what it’s really like to thrive (and sometimes struggle) in a world not built for our brains.
You don’t have to be a speaker or expert — just someone with a story that deserves to be heard. For more information, please visit our website.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
02:23 Becca's Journey to Diagnosis
05:45 Impact of Late Diagnosis on Advocacy
08:13 Reflections on Childhood and Self-Discovery
10:04 Stigma and Bias in Professional Settings
14:11 Advice for Navigating Stigmas
14:30 Self-Defined Living Course Overview
19:05 Feedback and Impact of the Course
22:36 Research Insights and Community Engagement
23:55 Survival vs. Thriving: The Autistic Experience
24:57 Quality of Life: Autistic vs. Neurotypical Perspectives
26:44 Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Organizations
29:05 Barriers to Inclusive Leadership
31:03 The Autistic Glass Ceiling: Personal Experiences
34:29 Collaboration in the Autistic Community
36:27 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Autistics
41:15 The Future of Neurodiversity Inclusion
42:33 Challenging Myths: Autistic Leadership
43:40 Embracing Difference: A Key to Fulfillment
Disclaimer:
Information from this podcast is provided for general educational information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by your physician or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of something in this podcast. Information contained in this podcast or any websites to which a link is provided should be used only under the supervision of an appropriately qualified physician. Please consult with your physician before making any decision regarding treatment and /or medication. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. Reliance on any information in this podcast is solely at your risk.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
02:23 Becca's Journey to Diagnosis
05:45 Impact of Late Diagnosis on Advocacy
08:13 Reflections on Childhood and Self-Discovery
10:04 Stigma and Bias in Professional Settings
14:11 Advice for Navigating Stigmas
14:30 Self-Defined Living Course Overview
19:05 Feedback and Impact of the Course
22:36 Research Insights and Community Engagement
23:55 Survival vs. Thriving: The Autistic Experience
24:57 Quality of Life: Autistic vs. Neurotypical Perspectives
26:44 Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Organizations
29:05 Barriers to Inclusive Leadership
31:03 The Autistic Glass Ceiling: Personal Experiences
34:29 Collaboration in the Autistic Community
36:27 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Autistics
41:15 The Future of Neurodiversity Inclusion
42:33 Challenging Myths: Autistic Leadership
43:40 Embracing Difference: A Key to Fulfillment
Disclaimer:
Information from this podcast is provided for general educational information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by your physician or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of something in this podcast. Information contained in this podcast or any websites to which a link is provided should be used only under the supervision of an appropriately qualified physician. Please consult with your physician before making any decision regarding treatment and /or medication. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. Reliance on any information in this podcast is solely at your risk.
Creators and Guests
Host
Gino Akbari
He is a global citizen with a passion for understanding the human experience. Having lived across multiple cultures and worked in a wide range of industries—from military training to acting, politics, and entrepreneurship—Gino has developed a deep appreciation for how people think, behave, and thrive within their environments. With over 12 years of experience training military personnel, he brings discipline, adaptability, and leadership into every space he enters. A multilingual speaker and lifelong learner, Gino’s journey has also led him to the performing arts, where he owns a dance company and embraces movement as a form of expression and connection. Today, Gino is a certified life coach with credentials across various disciplines. His mission is simple yet powerful: to explore what it means to live a truly full life—and to guide others on their own paths of growth, purpose, and continuous self-improvement.
Guest
Becca Lory Hector
She is a passionate and seasoned autism and disability advocate, consultant, researcher, and author with a career dedicated to supporting and educating about autism in adulthood.
