

Embracing autism and neurodiversity
8 snips May 9, 2025
Sarah Bergenfield, an autism educator and author, shares her journey of navigating life with autism after a diagnosis in her 50s. She discusses the confusion and challenges of sensory overload and societal expectations. Maureen Dunne, a cognitive scientist and neurodiversity expert, highlights the necessity of including neurodivergent thinkers in the workplace to inspire innovation. Together, they emphasize the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity as a valuable strength, promoting acceptance and supportive environments for all.
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Autism As Different Perception
- Autism means perceiving the world differently due to brain processing variations.
- The autistic brain overweighting sensory data leads to unique experiences and traits.
Late Autism Diagnosis Changes Life
- Sarah's autism diagnosis in her 50s gave her a framework to understand her life and needs.
- It led to self-acceptance and unlocking her strengths despite ongoing challenges.
Support Neurodivergent Employees
- Create workplaces where neurodivergent employees feel safe to ask for support without masking.
- Use technology and accommodations like sensory-friendly headphones to optimize diverse talent.