Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children TPP 476: Rebecca Duffus & Lyric Rivera on Supporting Kids Autistic Identity Development
Nov 25, 2025
Rebecca Duffus, an experienced advisory teacher and author, joins Lyric Rivera, an autistic self-advocate and consultant, to discuss the essential topic of autistic identity development. They explore the importance of starting identity conversations early and the impact of education systems in the UK and US. The duo suggests practical strategies for engaging reluctant children and warns about the overuse of the 'superpower' narrative. Listeners learn how to effectively use their workbook while emphasizing the significance of ongoing, affirming dialogues around identity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Identity Prevents Lifelong Shame
- Identity work prevents autistic children from internalizing shame and blaming themselves for struggles.
- Lyric and Rebecca argue early, ongoing identity conversations help kids understand needs and self-advocate.
Late Diagnosis Sparked This Work
- Lyric discovered they were autistic at 29 and found few adult resources to unpack what autism meant for them.
- This personal gap drove their involvement in making a resource for young people to avoid the same struggles.
Start With A Guide Then Personalize
- Use a personalized, visual workbook to introduce autism gradually and let the child edit content that doesn't fit.
- Provide a parent/professional guide first so caregivers feel confident before starting conversations.
