The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane
Embracing autism and neurodiversity
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.
50:25
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Quick takeaways
- Sarah Bergenfield's journey emphasizes that understanding autism can transform confusion into clarity, improving quality of life and acceptance.
- Maureen Dunne advocates for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, highlighting the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals that enhance innovation.
Deep dives
Understanding Autistic Experiences
The episode discusses the confusion and overwhelm experienced by individuals before receiving an autism diagnosis. Sarah Bergenfield, who was diagnosed at 50, reflects on her journey of misunderstanding relationships and sensory overload, which left her exhausted. Following her diagnosis, she gained clarity about her experiences, leading to a transformative understanding of her needs and identity. This perspective illustrates that knowledge about one’s condition can significantly improve quality of life by reducing confusion and fostering acceptance.
