Episode 44: Careers are Autistic

A: And yes, that is what we want. If it is your special interest, there is no one we want more than you.

Embracing Neurodiversity: An Autistic Advocate's Perspective on Redefining Support

• Autistic guest Maisie Soetantyo shares her experience transitioning from working in ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy to a neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based approach.

• Maisie emphasizes the importance of allowing Autistic children to nurture their interests and passions, which can guide them towards meaningful careers, rather than trying to fit them into a neurotypical mold.

• She cautions against the pressure on parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children to follow "expert" advice, urging them to reconnect with their own instincts and recognize the harmful nature of institutions that prioritize profits over people.

• Maisie co-runs Autism Career Pathways, connecting Autistic adults with families raising Autistic kids and educating the wider community on neurodiversity.

• She advises Autistic individuals seeking sustainable careers to invest in learning about themselves from Autistic-led resources, find community, and define ideal work conditions for their needs, as self-advocacy starts with self-knowledge.

• For businesses hiring Autistic employees, Maisie encourages them to avoid underestimating or making snap judgments based on ableist stereotypes, and instead recognize the unique strengths Neurodivergent people can offer when given the right opportunities and accommodations.

• The discussion highlights the need for more paid Autistic-led advocacy to ensure Autistic voices are valued and not exploited.

• Maisie shares her favorite aspects of being Autistic, including her constant creative flow of ideas and ability to connect with diverse individuals, demonstrating the richness of neurodiversity.

• Maisie shared about her neurodivergent family and upbringing. In the comments, tell us which aspects of Autistic culture played a strong, positive role in your childhood.

• Find Maisie and her work at www.autismcareerpathways.org

• Twitter thread on Autistic experts

• The highly ableist (and fascinating train wreck) “Recruiting Giants” presentation

Listen to next:

• Episode 13: Labels & Autism

• Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple

• Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis

• Episode 38: Productivity is Autistic

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