In this episode of the Neurodiversity Voices podcast, host Paul Cruz and co-host Gino Akbari engage in a profound conversation with Becca Lory Hector, an openly autistic advocate and professional. Becca shares her journey of receiving a late autism diagnosis at age 36, the impact it had on her life, and how it fueled her passion for advocacy. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by autistic individuals, including stigma, ableism, and barriers to leadership opportunities. Becca also introduces her Self-Defined Living Course, which empowers autistic individuals to design fulfilling lives tailored to their unique needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and the need for inclusive spaces that embrace neurodiversity. Becca's insights on quality of life research and the necessity of advocating for change resonate throughout the episode, culminating in a powerful message about embracing difference and fostering understanding in society.
Takeaways
Becca's late diagnosis at 36 transformed her life and advocacy.
Advocacy is crucial in the current political climate for neurodivergent individuals.
Stigma and ableism create significant barriers in professional settings.
The Self-Defined Living Course helps autistic individuals design fulfilling lives.
Quality of life for autistics is often overlooked in traditional measures.
Inclusive spaces are essential for fostering belonging and acceptance.
Leadership opportunities for autistic individuals are often limited by bias.
Collaboration within the autistic community enhances advocacy efforts.
Newly diagnosed individuals should prioritize self-exploration and reclaiming their identities.
Embracing differences is key to thriving as a neurodivergent individual.
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
Becca Lory Hector (she/her/hers)
Autistic Mentor, Speaker, Researcher, Author, & Consultant
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
Instagram
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/
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Website: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573536992378
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurodiversityVoicesPodcast
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cruz-0541332a
Transistor.fm: https://theneurodiversityvoicespodcast.transistor.fm/
Producers:
Tegan Siganski
Kyle Chambers
Disclaimer:
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect any organization or institution's official policy or position.
The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast does not endorse or recommend any specific products, services, or treatments mentioned during the episodes. Any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The hosts and guests of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast do not represent the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information presented. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Takeaways
Becca's late diagnosis at 36 transformed her life and advocacy.
Advocacy is crucial in the current political climate for neurodivergent individuals.
Stigma and ableism create significant barriers in professional settings.
The Self-Defined Living Course helps autistic individuals design fulfilling lives.
Quality of life for autistics is often overlooked in traditional measures.
Inclusive spaces are essential for fostering belonging and acceptance.
Leadership opportunities for autistic individuals are often limited by bias.
Collaboration within the autistic community enhances advocacy efforts.
Newly diagnosed individuals should prioritize self-exploration and reclaiming their identities.
Embracing differences is key to thriving as a neurodivergent individual.
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
Becca Lory Hector (she/her/hers)
Autistic Mentor, Speaker, Researcher, Author, & Consultant
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/
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Website: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573536992378
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurodiversityVoicesPodcast
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cruz-0541332a
Transistor.fm: https://theneurodiversityvoicespodcast.transistor.fm/
Producers:
Tegan Siganski
Kyle Chambers
Disclaimer:
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect any organization or institution's official policy or position.
The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast does not endorse or recommend any specific products, services, or treatments mentioned during the episodes. Any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The hosts and guests of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast do not represent the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information presented. All information is provided on an as-is basis.