ANOMALOUS with Em Rusciano
Episode 2 - PART A - The Neurodiversity Movement, Masking & A Love Note to Your 10 Year Old Self
May 12, 2024
Em, a passionate neurodiversity advocate with ADHD, is joined by her son Elio, who also experiences the nuances of neurodivergence. They share their personal journeys, discussing the complexities of autism and ADHD. Em reflects on her childhood struggles with masking and societal pressures. The duo highlights the importance of recognizing neurodivergent identities, criticizing outdated perceptions, and emphasizing the significance of the neurodiversity movement in fostering acceptance and understanding.
28:15
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Quick takeaways
- The speaker's reflections reveal how societal pressures led to a lifelong struggle with self-identity and the impact of masking behavior.
- The podcast underscores the significance of the neurodiversity movement in advocating for a more inclusive understanding of autism and ADHD, promoting acceptance over deficit.
Deep dives
Reflecting on Childhood Experiences
In reflecting on her childhood, the speaker recalls feeling like an outsider, often overwhelmed by sensory inputs. Despite being talented in various areas like athletics and art, she felt inadequate and disconnected from her peers, which fueled her drive to conform to societal expectations. This struggle led to a quest for approval and acceptance, often resulting in self-minimization and people-pleasing behavior. The metaphor of trying to hold onto rainbow-colored sand illustrates the exhausting effort to maintain a façade while grappling with deep-seated insecurities.
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