The Squarepeg Podcast

95. S8 E3: Shelving the quest for normal: reframing, regulating, and removing the stigma from autism

Apr 15, 2023
Ebonie Allard, an award-winning International Master Coach, author, and artist, discusses her journey as an autistic individual. She emphasizes the importance of reframing past experiences and embracing neurodiversity. The conversation touches on replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms, navigating emotional meltdowns, and normalizing expressions of autism like stimming. Ebonie advocates for self-acceptance and community support, illuminating the path towards understanding one's unique identity and fostering genuine connections in a neurotypical world.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Diagnosis Reframes Identity

  • Ebony discovered her autism diagnosis at 42, which reframed her sense of identity as a 'Misfit Maven'.
  • Diagnosis shifted from feeling broken to being a unique operating system with traits needing understanding.
INSIGHT

Freed from Quest for Normal

  • Receiving an autism diagnosis brought Ebony relief and front-loaded acceptance of her differences.
  • The reframe from "feeling wrong" to "knowing you're right" freed her from the quest for normality.
ANECDOTE

Dual Childhood Traits Conflict

  • Ebony experienced dual parts in childhood: hyper-focused nature fascination and ADHD-like energy.
  • This binary confusion caused frustration and masking or withdrawal to cope socially.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app