Could understanding autism help create more inclusive spaces—at work and in life?

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, host Laurie Ruettimann talks with Dr. Lisa Scott, an assistant professor of psychology at Utah Tech University. Dr. Scott has spent her career teaching, practicing therapy, consulting with businesses, focusing on important topics like autism and neurodiversity. Together, they explore the concepts of autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities—what they mean, how they show up, and why understanding the nuances matters.

Dr. Scott explains how a late-in-life autism diagnosis can be life-changing, not just for self-acceptance but for navigating professional spaces. She and Laurie discuss how most workplaces are designed for neurotypical and non-autistic employees and what needs to change—from better management strategies to seeing accommodations as a way to unlock talent rather than a “compliance issue.” They also examine the rising trend of women, particularly in midlife, self-diagnosing autism and how social media has played a role in raising awareness.

At the heart of their conversation is a simple idea: curiosity and empathy create better workplaces and stronger communities. Dr. Scott challenges listeners to rethink neurodiversity not as a problem to fix or work around, but as a perspective to embrace.

This episode offers fresh insights and practical takeaways for anyone looking to build a more inclusive workplace.

In this episode, you will hear:

What neurodiversity really means beyond the buzzwords
How an autism diagnosis can shift someone’s career and life
Why flexible work isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential
The connection between self-diagnosis, social media, and late autism discoveries in women
What companies—especially in tech—can do to better support neurodivergent employees

Resources from this Episode

Dr. Lisa Scott, Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lisa-scott-saint-george-ut/1152464
Connect with Dr. Scott on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-scott-b3aa50100
Dr. Scott on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr_everybrain/#

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