Navigating Symbolism in Autism Advocacy

Navigating the world of autism advocacy can be an emotional and complex journey, filled with deeply personal conversations about identity, representation, and systemic change.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Tiffany Hammond, mother, storyteller, and the creator of Fidgets and Fries, about the intricate landscape of autism advocacy, especially done through stories, which Tiffany says are the best teachers, to create relatability and allow space for people to feel how they feel.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain insight into the debate over autism symbols, like the puzzle piece, and explore who decides what represents a community—a conversation that extends beyond iconography to embody the true essence of representation and inclusion.
2. Listen to Tiffany Hammond as she explores the diverse spectrum of Autistic experiences with an intersectional lens. She delves into the lives of non-speaking individuals and those in the offline community, broadening our understanding of advocacy and highlighting the urgent need for genuine societal change.
3. Learn about Tiffany's journey through advocacy as she bridges the gap between storytelling and education, challenging academic approaches, and embracing raw, emotional realities, paving the way for authentic conversations on race, disability, and privilege.

For many within the autism community, advocacy is not just about raising awareness. It's about challenging deeply ingrained beliefs and constructs, fighting for a space where a diversity of voices, especially those often overlooked or marginalized, are heard and appreciated, acknowledging the diversity of experiences, and working toward a future that honors all. Whether online or off, it’s important to work toward a future that embraces every piece of the spectrum.

More about Tiffany Hammond:

Tiffany Hammond is the voice behind Fidgets and Fries. She is an Autistic mother and advocate. Tiffany is a storyteller, using her own personal experiences with Autism and parenting two Autistic boys to guide others on their journey. Her activism is rooted in challenging the current perception of Autism as being a lifelong burden, cultivating a community that explores the concept of Intersectionality and Autism, and inspiring thought leaders through storytelling, education, and critical discourse. She has a Masters in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University.

• Tiffany’s Website: fidgetsandfries.co
• Tiffany’s Book: adaywithnowords.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries 
• Facebbok: Facebook.com/fidgetsandfries

Pre-Order Self-Care For Autistic People: 

Dr. Neff is running a promotional this month. If you pre-order Self-Care for Autistic People you will also get a free digital workbook through Neurodivergent Insights. To learn more about this sign up here: newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care

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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout.

• Use the following link to grab this offer: neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64
• After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062

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💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Autistic Burnout Workbook

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout. Use the following link to grab this offer: https://neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64 After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062