The 50th Show of Today's Autistic Moment: An Achievement by and for Autistic Adults

Segment 1

 

Transcript

 

The 50^th Show of Today’s Autistic Moment:

An Achievement by and for Autistic Adults

 

January 22^nd, 2023

 

 

Welcome everyone to Today’s Autistic Moment: A Podcast for Autistic Adults by an Autistic Adult.  My name is Philip King-Lowe.  I am the owner, producer, and host; and I am an Autistic Adult.  Thank you so much for listening.

 

Today’s Autistic Moment is a member of The National Podcast Association.

 

Today’s Autistic Moment is a free podcast that gives Autistic Adults access to important information, helps us learn about our barriers to discover the strengths and tools we already have to use for the work of self-advocacy. 

 

This first segment of Today’s Autistic Moment is sponsored by The Autism Society of Minnesota: Minnesota’s First Autism Resource.  For over 50 years The Autism Society of Minnesota has been honored to support Minnesota’s Autism Community.  Visit them online at ausm.org.

 

Welcome everyone to The 50^th Show of Today’s Autistic Moment: An Achievement by and for Autistic Adults.

 

Please visit todaysautisticmoment.com where you can listen to the podcast, get the transcripts, program updates, and read the guest bios.  Please visit the Future Shows Page with the titles, guests, and descriptions of all the shows coming up through the end of June.  The transcripts are sponsored by Minnesota Independence College & Community. 

Some of you have written in to tell me that you want to be able to print the transcript, but the darker background uses up the ink from your printer.  Others have mentioned that you want to be able to read the transcript on a lighter background.  Starting with the Premier episode of Season 3, The Strengths, and Achievements of Autistic Adults, go to the actual link on the website, click on that, and as you scroll down to read it; you will find a link that if you tap or click on it, it will take you to a written document with a white background.  You can print it and it won’t use up the ink on your printer and/or you can read it from a white background that works for your sensory input.

 

Thank you to those who wrote in to tell me what you need so that this podcast is acceptable for you.

 

 

Please follow Today’s Autistic Moment on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tic Tok.  Do you want to chat with me and other listeners?  Join Today’s Autistic Moment’s Community Group Page on Facebook. 

 

The first Autistic Voices Roundtable Discussion for this season will be on Wednesday, February 22^nd at 2:00pm central standard time.  The topic will be Autistic Business Owners, Professionals and Employees. The panelists will talk about how they use the best of their Autistic identity and skills to be successful.  The mainstream media and the general public focuses on the deficits of having Autism.  The negativity around Autism suggests that Autistics are not capable of being successfully employed.  The panelists at this roundtable discussion are Autistics who own businesses, work in professional environments, and are employed in jobs where they are thriving.  The panelists will include those who are employed and/or self-employed, working full-time or part-time jobs. The roundtable discussion will be livestreamed and recorded on Today’s Autistic Moment’s YouTube Channel.  I am seeking 6 to 8 Autistic individuals to be panelists.  Whether you work 40 hours a week, 20 hours a week or no more than 5 hours a week; you are welcome to participate.  If you are interested, please send an email to todaysautisticmoment@gmail.com by January 31^st.  

 

The full title of this episode is The 50^th Show of Today’s Autistic Moment: An Achievement by and for Autistic Adults.  On January 10^th, 2021, the Pilot of Today’s Autistic Moment was published.   In my opening remarks I said, “I am so happy that you have joined me in this new beginning in my own life and what I hope will be the beginning of some real social changes for the Autistic Adult Community.”  One of the real social changes for me personally, has been meeting so many wonderful Autistic Adults who have been guests on the show. Guests like Zephyr James, Lyric Holmes, David Gray-Hammond and Yenn Purkis.  These Autistics and many others who have been guests have helped me to find acquaintances and friends who are openly Autistic by sharing their stories and experiences.  The Autistics who have come on the show over the past 49 shows have been through their own journeys of self-acceptance as an Autistic. They are coming onto Today’s Autistic Moment because on this podcast the voices of Autistic Adults are given our opportunity to talk about our experiences without being shut down or spoken over.  We have conversations about topics such as aging, managing relationships, eating disorders, addiction, sensory processing, Autistic women, and self-care with respect for our diversity that shows our strengths.  That is why this 50^th show is an achievement for and by Autistic Adults.

 

I have also had guests who are professionals working with and on behalf of Autistic Adults.  Guests such as Sue Swenson, Dr. Theresa Regan. Leah Bauman-Smith. George Williams. Erin Brandel Dykhuizen.

 

Later on the show, three of my former guests will be stopping by to take part in the 50^th show.  Tas Kronby, Becca Lory Hector and Dr. Scott Frasard will join me to talk about what being a guest on the show has meant for them.  They will share with us what they love about being guests on Today’s Autistic Moment.  They will also share the excitement and relief they are seeing among Autistic Adults on the social media platforms.

 

Over this past week, I did some searching for music for this 50^th show and season 3 as we are talking about the strengths and achievements of Autistic Adults.  I wanted something that would use a good poetic analogy of what the experience of self-acceptance as an Autistic can be like.  I appreciate that each Autistic has their own experience and what it means for them, will mean something very different for someone else.  The song I have chosen that will be used at the conclusion of this segment speaks very well to my own experience as I have been hosting Today’s Autistic Moment and meeting the guests who have come on the show. 

 

My journey started when I was diagnosed nearly 12 years ago. When I started meeting people at The Autism Society of Minnesota in 2018, and now on this podcast, I feel as if my dream of going home to my authentic self is coming true.  The lyrics in the song you will hear at the end of this segment speaks to finding the leaves falling from trees and seeing the lights in the distance as my dreams of coming home to who I really am are becoming a reality.  I hope that this podcast is helping other Autistic Adults find a greater self-acceptance and discovering Autistic friends who understand them.

 

Come back after this commercial break when Tas Kronby will stop by to celebrate the 50^th show.

 

Commercial Break I

 

 

Segment 2

 

Welcome back everyone. Among the topics and issues, I have been talking with my guests about is the diversity that exists with Autistics who are LGBTQIA+, and nonbinary.  In June 2021 one of my guests was Enzi Tanner who is black, transgender, queer, and Jewish.  Enzi shared his story, and it touched many people.  I do hope to have Enzi back in the future.  Today, one guest who are part of the Autistic, disability and LGBTQ Communities is here. Tas Kronby.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Welcome, Tas, welcome to my 50th show. You've been on quite a few times. And plus, you've been on one of the Autistic Voices Roundtable Discussions. So glad you stopped doing to celebrate this 50th moment this 50th show. So glad you come in, come on in and talk for a while.

 

Tas Kronby

Yes. Oh, congratulations on 50. Honestly, it has been so wonderful. seeing how your podcast has like exploded over the last year and being a part of that has been absolutely amazing. Being on the roundtable, you know, one of the things that I really want to commend you on is including diverse Autistic Voices. The roundtables are like a perfect example of that of getting multiple perspectives on important topics. That maybe can have different opinions, depending on the circumstance, but you highlight all of those voices, and it's just awesome.

 

 

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah, I agree. And I thank you for that feedback. Hey, talk about how the podcast is exploding. Please, please fill us in about how you're about how you're seeing that.

 

Tas Kronby 

Oh, definitely. Okay. So, you know, when I first started on LinkedIn, you were probably one of my earliest connections when I had first started working on there. In I want to say, beginning of 2021 or so I remember seeing would you had your podcast, advertisements going out and seeing, watching them or while not watching but listening to them on Spotify. And then over the last year, it's just been like, I open your posts, and there's like a bunch of comments and likes, there's so much engagement on it. And you have at one point announced the viewership on the podcast, and like, how many 1000s of people are listening. Yeah, that's huge. It makes such an impact for the Autistic community. And the neurodiverse community. Like other neurodivergent sees it just it's huge.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah, it really is. It's really been amazingly successful. And to be honest with you, when I first started it two years ago, now, two, three years ago now, of course, you never know exactly how it's gonna go. Because it's a new thing. And there's no way to tell, except to just, you know, roll stuff out there. And I've been so like, impressed by I started it, I started it. And then I had people coming to me say, hey, I want to interview on your podcast. I love what you're doing. You know, even like Samuel J. Levine, who he spoke about Justice in Employment. And although he's not Autistic, this is somebody who is a phenomenal advocate for Autistic people. And employment matters. And he came to me, and he said, I want to, I want to talk on your podcast, please, I want to talk to you know, and I just was, I was amazed, I was thrilled because that meant that people saw something important that has been going on, you know?

 

 

 

Tas Kronby 

And your podcast is very welcoming the way that you format and how you present the topics and how you engage with your guests, as being on your show a few times. I can attest to like the way that you prepare it and the way that you discuss the topics. It's just you put everyone at ease, and then listening to it that carries over to the viewers, which is a really huge thing. Because you know, podcasts, you want to listen and learn and feel comfortable. And you do that.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah. Well, one of the things I really wanted to do with this podcast is I wanted to give something that Autistic Adults can really feel like they're, it's theirs, they own it, if you will. Because as I started this, I realized that you know, there really isn't a lot of information out there for Autistic Adults, but I have that passion for that information to be given to them. Those facts, those things to be given to them. And, you know, just hearing things like this, it really makes me so happy that I started this because, you know, um, you know, I've had some organizations in Minnesota that have invested in it, as a couple of grants have come in. And you know, I just love how it's been invested into, and to see how it's really being received by Autistics, as, hey, we finally have our say, in something.

 

Tas Kronby

Oh, 100%. Having the one. One of the biggest barriers, as I'm sure you have experienced this, too, is when you're Autistic, they want to listen to everyone that's neurotypical over you. They don't want to hear your experiences and a lot of environments, which creates barriers. So, your podcast does is it gives a population that often has their voice silenced a voice, that can be as loud as it needs to be. And you can express like, this is the reality of what life is this is the positive, this is the barriers, this is the negatives, all of it combined. And then as an Autistic viewer, you can go “Oh, I get that. I didn't know that,” or here's a resource that I didn't know was there. So, it's that nothing about us without us. Yeah. 100%.

 

 

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, I will say this, you know, the times I've had you on, I will say that the responses to me has just been your information that you give. It's well received, I can tell you that. I mean, my friend Zephyr James at the Autism Society, Minnesota, that first one that you did with me about internet safety. I mean, she took one of the things you said, she put it onto an image on Instagram, and she put it out there because it was it was worth hearing. So, I want to say that, you know, you've been one of my get you've been a guest of mine a few times and the information you share. It's good. It's good stuff. And I'm so glad that you've come on to talk with us as you have.

 

Tas Kronby 

That means a lot in having that positive feedback is amazing. And also, just being able to be a part of what you've built. And being a guest on your show. Honestly, truly honored because what you do is immeasurably valuable to the community, and honestly nothing but thanks to you for everything that you're doing.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Thank you so much Tas. I thank you so much for that. That's so encouraging. And I'm so glad you stopped in today. And so, we'll look forward to hearing from you in in future shows. So thanks a lot for coming out. Thanks for stopping by.

 

Tas Kronby 

Thanks for having me.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

You’re Welcome

 

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

 

After this next commercial break, Becca Lory Hector will stop in to celebrate this 50^th show.  Dr. Scott Frasard will stop in for segment 4.  Please stay tuned.

 

Commercial Break II

Logo Lapel Pin

 

Start your New Year by getting a beautiful lapel pin with the logo of Today’s Autistic Moment on them. The lapel pin is stunning with the dark blue background, the podcast globe, and clear lettering. It is the perfect way to start a conversation about the work Today’s Autistic Moment is doing for Autistic Adults. The lapel pin is $10.50 and includes sales tax, shipping, and handling.  There are only 48 of them, and they are going fast.  To buy your lapel pin go to todaysautisticmoment.com/lapelpin. 

 

Be sure to click on Support Today’s Autistic Moment to donate to help keep the podcast on the air to continue to be the best resource for Autistic Adults and their caregivers.

 

Thank you for supporting Today’s Autistic Moment.

 

 

Segment 3

 

In April 2021, Sara Swan, my good friend from Looking Forward Life Coaching was my guest to talk about Community Based Services.  Among the myths that Sara mentioned is the foolish notion that Autistic Adults do not know how to do things to take care of ourselves.  I know that Autistic Adults can take care of ourselves, we just need to get rid of the ableism that supports that nonsense.  We also know that each Autistic Adult is unique and takes care of themselves in their own way.  As my first season in 2021 was wrapping up, I felt that we needed a Summer of Self-Care Series.  In addition to Zephyr James who is so great with sensory processing issues, I got acquainted with Becca Lory Hector.  Becca Lory Hector was on several shows last summer to talk about Self-Care during Seasonal Depression, during a Crisis and during an Election Year.  Becca came back in early December and shared some great information for Managing Holiday Stress.  Becca Lory Hector has an incredible self-knowledge and gives exceptional suggestions to Autistics to do their own self-care.   Becca Lory Hector is coming in now to help celebrate Today’s Autistic Moment’s 50^th show.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Hey, Becca, here you are, you stopped in for our 50th show. It's always been, it's really been a great, great opportunity to have you on this past summer this past year. And so, thanks for stopping in today. How have you been?

 

Becca Lory Hector  

I've been great. I am really excited to be here. Actually, I don't think people understand how much work it takes to do 50 episodes of a podcast. They don't understand. It's a lot of work, there's a lot of, there's a lot more to it than just, you know, the end product that you guys get to hear or see or whatever. So, I'd have to say congratulations, really, to putting it together. And for really putting out the information that you put out for our community. It's just so essential. I mean, we've talked about some really, really important things in my time.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, we really have, you know, you and I have done a lot our talks about self-care. And, you know, I feel like it's one of those topics or something like, you know, do we Autistic Adults? Do we ever really get to talk about our self-care or hear about our self-care without somebody jumping in and saying, oh, no, you don't need to do that? Right. You know? Exactly. We've been validating Yes; you need to do yourself care. Let's talk about what your experience has been like, you know, when you come on to talk about those things? Has that been really great?

 

Becca Lory Hector 

I think I keep saying yes to you because I enjoy our conversations. And I often forget that we're recording when we're talking. And I think that's why I keep coming back. Right? It's really a natural conversation that we end up having about things we really care about. It's important to us that you guys know that you can do your self-care, and that it doesn't have to look a certain way. And it doesn't have to be a certain way for it to be right or wrong, or whatever. We just, I think it's just been an opportunity to in a very real, genuine way to share with people and stuff that we would probably talk about if the cameras weren't running. And so that's what I really enjoy.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I think that's very true. So, what have you enjoyed about being on the show? What do you love about being on Today's Autistic Moment? I mean, what are some things that you yourself, get out of it personally, that you got it, you know, a great thing for you.

 

Becca Lory Hector

For me, it's always it's like, I enjoy the conversation, and I have a good time recording it. But then it's part. For me, it's part of a bigger thing. It's part of, you know, a bigger mission for me that I get out of it. It's like, you know, I get to add my voice to a, you know, a bigger project of many Autistic voices. And anytime I get to do that, and I get to hang out, like in a theoretical group with other Autistic people who are also, you know, with that same mission, I feel like I win. I feel like all the times when I feel defeated as an advocate, when I feel like we're getting nowhere as an advocate, you know, it gets sort of it gets all shipped back into shape when I do something like this podcast, when collectively saying, No, you're not gonna get to do that to us here. Here's what we deserve. We deserve better.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, you know, two years ago, when I started this podcast, one of my first sentences was to say that I hope that this is the beginning of some real social changes for the Adult Autistic Community. Do you think I'm doing I'm we're accomplishing that?

 

Becca Lory Hector 

I think we are. I think, though, the, to me, the way to get to that space is just normalize, normalize our conversations, normalize, talking about these things and normalize that there's lots of different ways to do self-care. Normalize, that there's lots of different ways to get through the holidays, normalize that there's right. And the more that we say being different isn't, you know, something that you have to be ashamed of, and the more different mediums that we used to do it in the bigger the impact, right?

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah. I mean, and we know that that from our own personal experiences of being out there trying to give services or have conversations, it's hard to get validated. Yes. And that's one of those things that I want us to I've always wanted. We validate the experiences of Autistic people, and that's, that's one of those things that our community we just need so much of.

 

Becca Lory Hector

Right. Definitely right like we are constantly told to sort of sideline our sensory needs and our social needs, right, or our cultural norms for what is, you know, some other version of living and, you know, there's a time and a place for that and a time and a place where it stops, and we need our own safe spaces in this place. You know, this podcast is one of the safe spaces that we've created. Right? Yeah, absolutely. It's essential for the growth in the health of our community.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah. Yeah. Have you been able to observe anything? You know, as you've, you know, from your having participated on the, on the podcast itself, have you been able to see, you know, firsthand, or, you know, how people are feeling about the podcast? Have you been able to see any of that?

 

Becca Lory Hector 

I definitely see it in my comments. So, I'm not somebody I do limited meetings, because it uses a lot of my spoons, but I do a lot of social media, right? So, I share the podcast when I have been on another episode. It's always not with so much excitement from other people, right. But it's another episode where they know that they're going to hear our conversation about the Autistic version of the truth. Right? And so, it's, I do you know, it's one of those times where I know, I'm directly servicing our community, right? Yeah. That is helpful to actual people. And I'm not just speaking into a void. And really important, right? It's a good.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah. I mean, one of the things that we have discovered, I discovered that I've done this podcast is that, you know, once we give Autistics the opportunity to use their voices, they will talk. They'll say what they have to say. And once they know they're in the middle, they have other Autistics that they can listen to, they will feel empowered, they'll feel validated, they'll feel like they're part of something bigger than just their own Autistic challenges. You know, that's why I'm using this year to talk about the strengths and the strengths and the achievements because you and I know that when we're given the space to talk about things that are important to us, we achieve, we discover those strengths, and we really get to exercise those muscles that were often told don't, don't, don't use those. You know, think about...

 

Becca Lory Hector

How great I mean; it really is so much of what happens. So much of the Autistic experience, I think, right now is about exactly that. Right? It's been about having our deficits focused on, learning how to work around our deficits, where are our deficits gonna get us in trouble, deficits, deficits, deficits, and nobody's you know, singing our praises about our strengths. Nobody wants to spend their life talking about the things that stink. We don't want to, right? We there we deal with, but there are so many amazing things about being Autistic. And there are so many things that we are good at, and really good at. Right? That deserves attention. Right?

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And, you know, um, yeah, I mean, you know, a lot of a lot of podcasts. Even a lot of conversations around Autistics, is to, as we said, kind of, you know, silence us, or talk over us. And, and also, like, you know, I had this conversation back in, in November 2022. About how, you know, often people talk about us, as if we're not even in the room, because they're too nerdy. They're neurotypical if you're talking about us. Oh, they don't they don't hear me, you know, that sort of thing. Oh, I hate that. You know?

 

 

 

 

Becca Lory Hector 

I do I hate that too. You just talked about that on a different I was on a panel the other day, and I said, we see you, we see you, we hear you we know you're doing it, like we know it, so don't even try.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Right. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I mean, yeah, I mean, like I say, I just really enjoy doing this podcast. And I mean, it does take a lot of work. You know, getting interviews done, getting the show set up and put out there, finding the sponsors every year, and then just, you know, keeping track of, you know, how it all gets used up. But, you know, I feel like, you know, for one thing, there's some great organizations and companies in Minnesota and beyond who have seen the importance of this, so they're investing in making it happen. And then to hear that, you know, as I'm, as I'm preparing the shows for, for this year, I mean, I've got some people who have seen who are coming forward and say I would love an opportunity to be on your show and talk about something that's important to me. I've got some great people coming up this year, authors and, and I'm going to be doing one show this upcoming May about Autistic mothers and I'm going to do one in June about Autistic fathers to talk about, you know, those sides of both sides of things. You know, you know, and then just to, you know, to be getting people like Autistic women finally being able to say, Yeah, hello, here we are, we are here, you know, that sort of thing. You know, and even, you know, some brilliant authors that are coming forward. You know, Eric Garcia, I've got David Gray-Hammond coming back this year. You know, because, as I say, part of this, you know, Ana was on this last episode, and she said, once we discover the strengths we have, it's almost, we get to a place where we say, if I weren't Autistic, I wouldn't be able to have these successes. You know, quite frankly, we're extraordinary. You know, I and I think we need the spaces to be able to say, Yeah, that's right. We're extraordinary. And while the world was telling us to shut up, no, no, no, we're going to talk about us whether you like it or not.

 

 

 

Becca Lory Hector 

That's right. We're gonna, you know, are, we have really moved ourselves from a community to a culture, people are finally starting to understand that we have our own way of communicating. And it's not less than it's just different. It's just different way of socializing. And that's okay. It's just different. Right? And it's happening. And so, we have to continue, we have to keep having these conversations so that our culture can continue to grow.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. And boy, you know when we have our conversations, you really do help me do that. And I'm always, you know, great to have you come on and support me, even out in in LinkedIn and other places. It's great to have you doing that. And, you know, so, you know, like I say, we continue to talk about truth and the issues you bring forward and the things that you know, we have to talk about, so. So, anyway, Becca, thank you for stopping in today. For our 50th the 50th here, you know, it's so great to have you come on when you come on, you just give so much great information and some things that you have found helpful. And I know my listeners appreciate it, because when I put them out, I see the listeners that listen in, so I know they're hearing us, so that's just great.

 

Becca Lory Hector

Well, keep at it. Congratulations on 50 and let's make 50 more. Okay,

 

Philip King-Lowe 

I agree. Oh, yeah, we will. Okay. Thanks for coming in. Have a good day.

 

Becca Lory Hector

You too.

 

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

 

After the final commercial break, my good friend Dr. Scott Frasard will stop in to add his comments about Today’s Autistic Moment’s 50^th show.

Immediately following Scott’s conversation, Today’s Autistic Community Bulletin Board.  Please stay tuned.

 

Commercial Break III

 

 

Advertisement

 

Are you Autistic and the owner and/or host for a podcast that is by and for Autistics?  If so, I have a very exciting networking opportunity for you. I am cordially inviting you to attend a live virtual initial meeting to talk about the creation of the International Autistic Podcasters Association on Thursday, March 16^th, 2023, at 11:00am-12:30pm Central Standard Time. During this meeting we can talk about what we might like an International Autistic Podcasters Association to look like and what we could do. The association members can share with each other what our podcasts are about, what is working well, what might need improvements and promote ourselves and each other to attract more listeners. The meeting will be recorded with a transcript and made available on Today’s Autistic Moment’s YouTube channel.  To read more about the meeting go to todaysautisticmoment.com/apa/.  Please share the news and link with any Autistic person you know who owns and/or hosts a podcast for other Autistic people. If you have any questions or concerns, send an email to todaysautisticmoment@gmail.com .

 

 

 

Future Shows

Today’s Autistic Moment will be recognizing black history month in February.  

 

The first show will be on February 5^th and will be Black Autistic Adults: Stop the Whitewashing, with my guest Precious Lesley.   The movement for Neurodiversity like many others has its own version of systemic racism.  Many of the programs, classes, presentations, and schedules are created by and for the white majority.  If the movement for Neurodiversity is to be inclusive, then we must listen to the stories of Autistic people of color and learn from them how we can address the issue of racism.  Precious Lesley is a black Autistic Adult who will be talking about this sensitive topic.  In keeping with the theme for 2023, Precious will talk about the strengths and achievements of Black Autistic Adults.

 

There will be a second show in February to recognize black history month.  I am completing the details with the guest and will update the Future Shows Page, with an announcement on February 5^th.

 

There will be a third show in February on February 19^th.  My guest Lisa Morgan will be here for the episode A Journey from Suicide to Autism Crisis Support.  Autistic Adults are pioneers on their own journeys.  Lisa Morgan is a pioneer as part of a family with a history of suicide because of Autistic needs that were not being met. Lisa is an example of someone who met their tragedies and used them to build herself up and founded her own company to support Autistics in moments of crisis.  Lisa’s story will move and inspire you in whatever situation you find yourself in, to work with and through it as an Autistic Adult to create and live your own life as you are.  Don’t miss this special show.

 

Go to the Future Shows page for todaysautisticmoment.com to read about other episodes coming up.

 

Thank you for listening to Today’s Autistic Moment.

 

 

Segment 3

 

 

Welcome back to the 50^th episode of Today’s Autistic Moment. 

 

In February 2021, I discovered LinkedIn.  Within three months after joining LinkedIn, I began connecting with so many Autistic Adults who are engaged in the work of self and community advocacy.   Many of my guests that you have heard from on the podcast, were connections I made on LinkedIn.  Guests such as, Nicola Whiting.  Yenn Purkis.  Pete Wharmby.  Candice Christiansen. Over this next year, you will be hearing from others that I have met on LinkedIn.

 

Among the friends I have met, Dr. Scott Frasard has become one of my best Autistic connections.  As Scott and I have gotten to know each other, we have discovered what we have a lot in common.  I have learned over time, to think of Scott as my straight, Autistic twin brother.  Scott and I chat with each other to support each other.   I can think of no better guest to end the 50^th show, than Dr. Scott Frasard.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Hey, Scott, welcome. It's our 50th show. And, you know, it's been so great to get to know you and talk with you. And I, hey, come on in, celebrate, pull up a chair, or whatever you're going to do. And, you know, tell us, what are you liking about Today's Autistic Moment, telling us. Tell, tell us what your you've been watching.

 

Dr. Scott Frasard. 

So, first off, thank you for inviting me, and congratulations on your 50th. I know you've put your heart and soul into this. And it really shows and to answer your question. I see a lot of people not only talking about, "Hey, have you heard this podcast?" Or "have you participated in this roundtable discussion?" I see that a lot more of these days. And I hear people referenced the podcasts more and more. So, whatever you're doing its working.

 

 

 

Philip King-Lowe 

That's awesome. I'm glad to hear that. Yeah. I actually said in my intro, that the very first show that I released, which was in January 2021, I said that I hope that this will begin to begin some real social changes for the Adult Autistic community. Do you think that's happening?

 

Dr. Scott Frasard 

Absolutely. You know, I think back to one of the roundtable discussions that I was a part of, and one of the things that really stuck out in my mind, is the fact that number one, those of us who are actually Autistic, had a voice. We didn't have people stifling our voice. And we get to say and share our experiences. And then the other part of it is the questions that people would ask in the forum, whether through the chat or online, asking great questions and making great comments, things that they get to see firsthand and get to interact with us firsthand, so that they get the benefit of it. So, I really think that not only is that allowing that forum, but people are accessing that forum for their own a benefit and the benefit of the entire community.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, that's great. Oh, I'm so glad to hear that. Now, two years ago, I mean, I had no idea where it would go, what it would do. I had some plans of what I wanted it to do. And it wasn't long before I saw that it was actually happening. And then once I started connecting with all the amazing Autistic folks on LinkedIn, and then I had people coming to me like Samuel J. Levine, came to me and he is an attorney and a professor of law. And he did that fantastic show in May of 2021, about Justice in Employment for Autistic Adults, and it was just brilliant. You know, I have people coming forward, say, "Hey, let me get let me get into this," because they saw their opportunities, and they've been taking them. So, I'm so glad to hear that. You know, there are Autistic Adults and others responding so. So, so, tell me what, what you yourself are enjoying about it?

 

Dr. Scott Frasard

Sure, going back to what I said a moment ago, is it's a forum for us to express our experiences and that's one of the things that I still continue to see is our experiences being dismissed. And what and labeled as well, that's not how things really are, when we're saying this is how things really are for us. And coming to your platform, your roundtables, listening to others as they're doing the podcasts. It lets me it gives me the sense of yes, we're we are definitely getting this platform to be able to share our experiences and not be diminished. So that's probably my number one thing that I just absolutely love about this, and hope that more people get involved both Autistic and non-autistic, getting involved so that we can learn from each other, and hopefully make the world a better place for everyone.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean, take a look at what, at the Adult Autistic communities on the social platforms that have been responding. And you know, and I've been hitting some very relevant topics, things that really are impacting us. And, you know, I've got to just say it, the reason I can is because I'm an Autistic Adult who's experiencing them. And that was one of the things when I was thinking about creating the podcast, you know, I was working with someone from the Minnesota Department of Rehabilitation Vocational Services. And we said, you know, how do we how do we make? How do I make my connection? How do I use the fact that I love Autistic advising as part of my life? And the thing is, is when I went looking, I mean, I went looking through the podcasts, and various places, Apple, Google, all sorts of places. The only thing I didn't see, at the time was a podcast about Autistic Adults from the point of an Autistic Adult. Yeah. I remember saying, in my pilot that I saw a lot of shows about Autistic children, I saw plenty of shows, with some miracle, so called miracle therapy, or something like that. And I just said, you know, no, this isn't, you know, this shouldn't be the whole story. And so, my angle was, I'm an Autistic Adult, I know what my experiences are. And to put my experiences and also, to get other Autistics who have really been coming, I mean, I've been having a lot of great folks, you know, some, some amazing advocates come forward and say, I know, you know, I know what you're experiencing. And this is how it feels to me. I mean, I've seen it on the subject of sexuality, on jobs, employment, the whole matter of identity language we've seen, you know, they've come forward to say, this is where my feelings are. And, you know, and from that, I just see this Autistic Adult community exploding, expanding, it's, they're, we're talking to each other now. We're conversing. We're finding each other now. And that's been one of the great compliments that I think we've done.

 

Dr. Scott Frasard 

Absolutely. And I'll add this to it, your environment is a safe place to be authentic, whether that's somebody who's Autistic or not Autistic, being able to safely share, here's my perspective and know that it's not going to be judged. Even within our own community. To, to your example of language, you've had people that have been on shows that are pro identity, first language, and pro a person first language, and we're able to share those ideas and perspectives, and know that we're not gonna get blasted. Because we think differently, right, we're gonna have a different perspective, even though we're all Autistic. And at the same time, those that are not Autistic get to see that as well. And I think, I think one of the things that's really important is for people to embrace differences and learn how to navigate that versus learn how to make everybody the same.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah. And you know, between Tas Kronby, and Becca Lory Hector, we have I was talking earlier about Matthew, The #ActuallyAutistic Coach, I've got Lisa Morgan, these incredible Autistics who are doing so much to, again, connect to the Autistic community. And one of the wonderful things I get to do is to connect everybody, you know, here's a place where you can find others who others and you can start to connect with each other and find help with each other and, and, and, and create some of that community that it's so hard for us to find.

 

Dr. Scott Frasard 

Absolutely, absolutely. That's very needed.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Well, I mean, one of the things my podcast I don't I don't mind talking a little bit about that. My podcast has enabled me to do my connections has been able to do is to create some really great friendships and you have been one of them. I mean, just interacting with you on LinkedIn. It's an incredible experience. What do you think?

 

Dr. Scott Frasard

Absolutely. You know, I certainly value our friendship. And it truly has become that, you know, I'm connected to 1000s of people on LinkedIn, but there's only a handful that I've truly get to know on a personal level, you being one of them, and to be able to bounce ideas off or just chat. That's truly one of the things that I enjoy about knowing you and being able to call you, my friend.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, I totally agree. Well, Scott, thanks for stopping in today. And I look forward to further interactions with you. And you know, you do a lot of statistical data gathering, is that how you call it what you call it?

 

Dr. Scott Frasard 

If you're talking about my advocacy work is it's more about asking probing questions to really, critically reflect on and evaluate our values, beliefs, and assumptions about different perspectives. I do a lot of polls in my posts. Yes. I don't do it necessarily for data collection, but they usually produce some really interesting data points. And while they're not representative of the entire community, if nothing else, they do give us something to really start to question. A lot of the assumptions that that we have about Autistics and Autistics as a whole.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I do watch it with interest. And I'm often interested in the people who are replying and watching where they go. So, you're doing your own valuable work and it was yeah, it is very much appreciated. Okay, Scott, thanks for stopping in today.

 

Dr. Scott Frasard 

You're quite welcome. I like I said, Thank you for inviting me. I really love your work, your podcast, your website, which by the way, I see that you have some cool lapel pins. I love them. I collect those pins. And I have purchased one myself look forward to that coming in the mail. So, thank you very much.

 

Philip King-Lowe 

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy it when you get it.

 

Dr. Scott Frasard

Awesome. I will. Thank you.

 

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

 

As I wrap up my 50^th show, I want to reiterate what I said on my last show in December 2022.  

 

All of the energy, guests, work, and money to produce Today’s

Autistic Moment and Autistic Voices Roundtable Discussions would mean very little if it wasn’t all for you, my audience.   You are the ones that all of us are investing in the work to make this podcast happen.  You are the Autistic Adults, caregivers, professionals, etc., for and by whom this podcast is for, about and by you.  As the guests on this show have said, we know there are Autistic Adults out there who are not being heard when you try to communicate with others about what your experiences are.  We know life can really suck, and we understand why.  Among the purposes of Today’s Autistic Moment is to tell you that you are an incredible person as an Autistic.  You have strengths that we see, know, and celebrate.  You have the ability and right to make your Autistic life worth living on your own terms.  You can and you are making a difference, even if it is telling your stories that seem to land on ears, hearts and minds that are shutting you down.  Today’s Autistic Moment is here to encourage you to keep telling your stories.  Keep looking for friends and relationships that validate you and will help you get the supports that you need.  You can and will find them in time.  Don’t ever give up or give in to the idea that you are disordered and therefore you cannot achieve great things.  I know you can.  Keep up the good work.

 

Today’s Autistic Community Bulletin Board

All of these events with their links can be found on todaysautisticmoment.com/bulletinboard

 

Understanding Autism virtual classes will be offered by The Autism Society of Minnesota. These classes are perfect for Autistic individuals, caregivers, those who want to understand the basics of Autism and support Autistic people.  Classes will be held on February 20^th from 2pm-4pm. March 20^th from 2pm to 4pm. April 17^th from 6-8pm.  May 15^th from 10am to 12 noon. Classes are free of charge, but you must register to attend.

 

On Tuesday, February 28th, starting at 7pm to 9pm Victor Thompson will present a virtual skillshop at The Autism Society of Minnesota entitled: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a well-sought topic for both employees and employers.  In this skillshop we will navigate the importance of creating conversations in the workplace about invisible disabilities through DEI training.  Join AuSM and Flexible Solutions as we discuss what DEI for invisible disabilities looks like, how, and when to request DEI training and the importance of inclusion for invisible disabilities in the work place.  

 

Mark your calendars now to attend the 28^th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference that will be held at the Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel April 26-28^th.  Keep listening to Today’s Autistic Moment and checking the website for when registration will open.

 

Go to ausm.org for more information about these and other events at The Autism Society of Minnesota.

 

Matthew the #ActuallyAutistic Coach has room in his Finding Your Autistic Self Group Coaching Sessions.  Go to autisticcoach.com and click on Autism Groups for more information.

 

 

Today’s Autistic Moment is sponsored in part by Looking Forward Life Coaching.  Looking Forward turns stumbling blocks into stepping stones towards success.  Go to lookingforwardlc.org for more information.

 

Today’s Autistic Moment is sponsored in part by Therapy Dynamics.  Go to therapydynamicsmn.com for more information.

 

If you would like to sponsor an ad or have questions about Today’s Autistic Moment, please send an email to todaysautisticmoment@gmail.com.

 

Thank you for listening to Today’s Autistic Moment: A Podcast for Autistic Adults by An Autistic Adult.

 

May you have an Autistically Amazing day.