From Picky Eating to Passionate Advocacy w/ George Muniz Gund
May 7, 2024
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George Muniz Gund, neurodiversity advocate, discusses autism, picky eating, and embracing one's unique way. Topics include societal patience, struggles with education, acting classes for unmasking, and the journey to autism advocacy. Emphasizes the importance of listening to neurodivergent experiences and challenging neuronormativity.
Autism intersects with eating behaviors, impacting food preferences and aversions based on sensory issues.
Embracing neurodiversity and challenging societal norms can lead to personal growth and success in unconventional career paths.
Deep dives
Support Program for Autistic Loved Ones with Eating Disorders
A new program aims to empower and guide parents of autistic individuals with eating disorders by combining lived experiences of autistic individuals and parents. The program offers group coaching calls, community support, and expert resources to aid in the recovery process.
Growing Up with Neurodiversity and Food Sensitivities
George shares his journey of growing up in Brazil and the US, noticing social and speech differences early on. He recognized his aversion to certain foods, particularly textured vegetables, driven by sensory issues. His experience with social challenges and preferences for specific foods highlighted the intersection of neurodiversity and eating behaviors.
Navigating Eating Disorder Recovery as an Autistic Individual
The podcast delves into the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals with eating disorders, emphasizing the role of autistic traits in shaping disordered eating patterns. The free audio training outlines three steps to aid in recovery, emphasizing the importance of leveraging one's autism as a strength in overcoming eating disorders.
Embracing Autistic Identity and Individuality in Education and Career Choices
George and Liv discuss their paths of embracing their neurodivergent identities and making unconventional career decisions. They stress the significance of trusting one's instincts, challenging societal norms, and finding success by following their unique passions and talents. The conversation underscores the power of individuality in shaping personal growth and professional pursuits.
When it comes to understanding autism, picky eating, and the infinite array of neurodivergent traits, nothing is more powerful than stories of lived experience. In this episode, Livia Sara speaks with George Muniz Gund, a Brazilian American autistic and ADHD actor, neurodiversity acceptance and disability justice advocate, podcast host, and blogger.
Topics covered:
Autism and texture-based food aversions
Society's lack of patience for autistic food preferences
Realizing social differences at a young age
Struggles with traditional education as a neurodivergent person
How acting classes assisted with autistic unmasking
The journey of stepping into the role of an autism advocate
The benefit of listening to neurodivergent experiences
Challenging neuronormativity to embrace one’s own unique way