Autism Stories

"I'm an autistic, Asian-American, Jewish adoptee. This is something that makes me unique, it makes me feel special that I'm part of a few different, select communities. But it can also be really overwhelming and exhausting, because I feel, especially in this day and age, I'm constantly fighting for my right to coexist peacefully as a human being. I feel like when one identity isn't attacked, another is. I kind of feel like a boxer that's constantly being beaten down. If one identity isn't punched down, another is, and having to just find the strength to get back up each day", says Ben Vanhook. Ben joins this episode to discuss the impact of intersectional identities on his autistic experience and how developing autistic community has positively impact his life. To learn more about Ben visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-vanhook-970041168/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"I would like to see a complete rewriting of the narrative around autism. Because girls are still getting told their lives are going to be over. That they're not going to be able to have babies or work with children, which there's no evidence for any of that nonsense at all! About half the women in SWAN had families or are raising families. I've got two adult daughters I'm incredibly proud of, they're fabulous, good people", says Dr. Catroina Stewart. Dr. Stewart joins this episode  to discuss the intersection of women and the autistic experience, growing a non-profit from an idea to a sustainable organization, and writing a brief on autism for Police Scotland. To learn more about Dr. Stewart visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catriona-stewart-obe-frsa-145bb920/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"I see the value in hearing from people of every single generation. I think every single generation is worth hearing. Everyone has different wisdom to bring to the table and different experiences. I wanted a book that kind of tackled the idea of ageism that we are all wise beyond our years and young at heart, and seeing what it would look like to come together and experience wisdom together", says Hope Bolinger. Hope joins this episode to to discuss her new book A Country of their Own, being an acquisitions editor, and modeling work. To learn more about Hope visit https://www.hopebolinger.com If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"Additional feedback I gave them based on my experiences in the program led to a resource bank for autistic people in and leaving the program to help them integrate into independent living and often a higher income bracket with more benefits and financial flexibility. Going from fast food to making $8.50 an hour to corporate benefits and salaries was an enormous shock and immense learning curve", says Rebecca Alley. Rebecca joins this episode to discuss workplace improvements for autistics,  helping people with high support needs, and sustainable living. To learn more about Rebecca visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-alley/ . f you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"I love cooking and I love baking, it's another creative outlet. Perhaps to the anger of one or two cooks that are now offended, I've never met a recipe I haven't changed in one way or another, out of necessity sometimes", says Heidi Assman. Heidi joins this episode  to discuss baking, other creative outlets, and how to be autistic and live a fabulous life in your fifties. To learn more about Heidi visit https://www.instagram.com/autistic_enby_elder/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"First, I don't believe there are good or bad poems. I think I am just connected to the big mind. Short poems are quite easier to write with my poor motor skills. I also kind of like the wit possible through brevity", says Sid Ghosh. Sid joins this episode to discuss his poetry, why RPM has been so helpful to him, and being the only AAC present at United Nations World Down Syndrome Day event. To learn more about Sid visit https://www.instagram.com/downlikesid/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"Each time we went somewhere, we made sure we had our letter boards, or AAC and began to have real conversations with the community that freely set the communication expectation. One typer can seem unique, but three together is a force that ignites change", says the Mod Squad. The Mod Squad of Otta Lana, Bella Santoyo, and William Del Rosario join this episode to discuss the power of three, making communication the expectation, and how they are mastering their destiny. . To learn more about the Mod Squad visit https://modsquad4access.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"Autistic teachers and autistic mentors for autistic kids is so important. It's really important and I don't think we have enough of it. So, if someone's interested in teaching, I do recommend it because you can make a big difference in the lives of these students and these families", says Katie Vidler. Katie oins this episode to discuss her tutoring business, best practices for teaching autistic students,  and getting proper testing, diagnosis, and  treatment for PANDAS and Lyme disease. To learn more about Katie please visit https://www.facebook.com/katievidlertutoring/ . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"Everyone at school always tries to guess what I am thinking, and they are usually wrong. So, they never really know me, only the stories they tell themselves about me. Of course, there are well-intentioned people, but to not feel known by the people who are responsible for my future stinks", says Sofi Ghassaei. Sofi joins this episode to discuss how teachers can better support nonspeaking autistic students, the play she wrote, and the songwriting she has done with her fiance. To learn more about Sofi visit https://www.instagram.com/sofighassaei/ If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.

"I would love to help and encourage anybody who is autistic to get into fitness and sports and anything like this. I'd give them the confidence to know that they can compete and the benefits that they can get from it. It's a passion of mine", says Mandy Williams. Mandy joins this episode to discuss competing in the Hyrox competition and mentorship to  autistics that want to get involved in fitness and sports. To learn more about Mandy please visit https://www.instagram.com/n_d_athlete/. If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com. If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com.