TPP 395: Where Are We in the Neurodiversity Movement? with Marcus Soutra

The movement surrounding neurodivergence has evolved so much since I started Tilt Parenting, which I launched as “revolution for differently wired kids” back in 2016. I see changes everywhere — in the language we use, the parenting discussions we have, the deeper understanding of diagnostic criteria for things like autism and ADHD, the adaptations some companies are making to support their neurodivergent employees.

A few months ago, I grabbed a coffee with my friend Marcus Soutra, who until recently was the co-founder and president of Eye to Eye, a national organization dedicated to enhancing the educational journey and outcomes of neurodiverse youth, and we got into a deep conversation about all of these changes, and we thought, hey, why not have this conversation for the podcast to explore it further for the Tilt community. So here we are.

So that’s what this episode is. A thoughtful look at things like how the language and identity within the neurodiversity community has shifted, why community is a cornerstone of the movement, the ways privilege and access impacts a student’s ability to fully embrace neurodivergence, the potential pros and cons of neurodiversity content on social media apps like TikTok, self-identifying versus formal diagnoses, generational differences in experience, how we can help advance the movement in our everyday lives, and much more.

About Marcus Soutra

Marcus began his professional journey as a public school teacher before immersing himself in the grassroots movement of Eye to Eye and ultimately running it for nearly twenty years. Drawing from his experiences as both an educator and an individual with dyslexia and ADHD, Marcus deeply understands the challenges faced by students and teachers in navigating the educational landscape. His commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering confidence among diverse learners is evident in his work and advocacy efforts. Marcus has just embarked on a new venture with For The Good Consulting, where he leverages his expertise, network, and personal journey to support other organizations in scaling their missions.

Things you'll learn

• How the language and identity within the neurodiversity movement has evolved towards embracing neurodivergence
• Why community is a cornerstone of the neurodiversity movement
• How privilege impacts the ability to embrace neurodivergence, particularly regarding access to resources
• Where stigma surrounding neurodivergence persists, and how individuals are challenging stereotypes
• Why early identification and support is crucial for the success of neurodivergent individuals in school and beyond
• How parents can effectively advocate by supporting their child's self-advocacy and building supportive communities

Resources mentioned

• For the Good Consulting (Marcus Soutra’s website)
• Marcus Soutra on LinkedIn
• Email Marcus
• Eye to Eye website
• Rise Act
• Judy Singer
• Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman
• Understood
• Dr. Mel Houser and All Brains Belong

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