In this engaging discussion, Duena Blomstrom and David Gunter delve into the multifaceted realities of living and working as an autistic individual. David opens up about his deeply personal journey of self-discovery, from navigating life pre-diagnosis to embracing his identity post-diagnosis. Together, they unpack the challenges of thriving in professional spaces, the courage it takes to self-disclose, and the powerful ways autism can be reframed as a superpower. The conversation highlights the critical role of clear communication, workplace inclusivity, and community support while exploring society's evolving understanding of neurodiversity.

Takeaways

David was diagnosed with autism after turning 50.
Many autistic individuals excel in analytical and decision-making roles.
Finding a job that aligns with one's strengths is crucial for success.
Autism is recognized as a disability, but it also has positive traits.
Unmasking one's autism is a gradual process, not an all-or-nothing situation.
Clear communication is essential for effective workplace interactions.
Everyone has needs, and these should be recognized in the workplace.
Building trust with employers can facilitate better working conditions.
The younger generation is more self-aware about their neurodiversity.
Community support plays a vital role in the lives of autistic individuals.

Titles

• Navigating Autism in the Workplace
• The Journey of Self-Discovery and Advocacy

Sound Bites

• "I was diagnosed after I was 50 years old."
• "Clear communication is key in the workplace."
• "Lack of disclosure is for fear or reprecussions"
• "We all have needs, not just special needs."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Autism and Personal Journey

03:34
Understanding Autism and Its Misconceptions

06:26
The Role of Autism in Professional Success

09:28
Navigating Challenges in the Workplace

12:14
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Adaptation

15:10
Advocacy and Sharing Personal Experiences

18:10
Building Community and Finding Connection

20:58
Redefining Autism and Its Prevalence

23:26
Understanding Autism and Its Impact on Society

24:45
The Importance of Disclosure and Acceptance

25:46
Navigating Workplace Challenges as Autistic Individuals

28:21
The Process of Unmasking and Its Implications

30:13
Building Supportive Work Environments

33:54
Effective Communication in the Workplace

39:43
Managing Burnout and Emotional Labor

44:49
Advocacy and Future Perspectives on Autism

Summary

In this intensely heartfelt and very emotional conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Dave Bulhart discuss the challenges of mental health in the workplace, particularly for those who identify as neurodiverse or LGBTQ+. They reflect on their experiences in the corporate world, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for a cultural shift towards accepting emotional expression in professional settings. Dave shares his personal journey from a high-pressure banking career to advocating for mental health, emphasizing the significance of understanding trauma and personal accountability. They also explore the future of work for those who are "queer", the role of technology in mental health solutions, and the urgent need for change in how we approach emotional well-being in the workplace.

Takeaways

• Mental health challenges in the workplace are prevalent and need addressing.
• The journey from corporate life to mental health advocacy can be transformative.
• Understanding trauma is crucial for personal accountability and growth.
• Neurodiversity impacts emotional expression and workplace dynamics.
• Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership.
• Cultural shifts are necessary to accept emotional expression in professional settings.
• Technology can play a significant role in mental health solutions.
• Education systems should teach empathy and emotional management.
• The future of work requires embracing change and emotional connection.
• The mental health crisis at work is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention.

  Titles
  
  

  • Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace
  • The Journey from Corporate Life to Mental Health Advocacy

Sound Bites

• "You are not your diagnosis."
• "If we don't do it now, then machines will replace us."
• "The mental health crisis at work is an emergency."

Chapters

00:00
Navigating Identity in the Corporate World
04:09
The Journey to Authenticity
10:03
Transformative Experiences and Self-Acceptance
14:10
Understanding Trauma and Personal Growth
20:14
The Challenges of Neurodiversity in Professional Spaces
26:14
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
32:32
The Future of Work and Emotional Connectivity
36:37
Innovating Mental Health Solutions

Summary

In this conversation, Duena Blomstrom interviews Nathan Chung, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, particularly women in tech. Nathan shares his personal journey of late diagnosis with autism and ADHD, the challenges faced by women in the tech industry, and the stigma surrounding disclosure of neurodivergent conditions. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in advocacy and the need for organizations to adopt best practices for inclusivity. The discussion also touches on the future of remote work, the nonlinear career paths of neurodivergent individuals, and the critical journey of self-acceptance.

Takeaways

• Nathan Chung is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals.
• Late diagnosis of autism and ADHD can lead to self-discovery.
• Women in tech face unique challenges that need addressing.
• The stigma of disclosing neurodivergent conditions is prevalent.
• Remote work is becoming less common, impacting neurodivergent individuals.
• Empathy is essential in advocacy and support for others.
• Organizations need to adopt best practices for neurodiversity.
• Nonlinear career paths are common for neurodivergent individuals.
• Self-acceptance is crucial for acceptance by others.
• Advocacy work can be tiring but is necessary for change.

Titles

• The Journey of Self-Acceptance
• The Fight for Women in Technology

Sound Bites

• "We need more advocates for neurodivergent women."
• "The stigma of disclosure is still very real."
• "Remote work is slowly going away and we must stop that."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Neurodivergence Advocacy

01:50
Personal Journey of Diagnosis

05:11
The Importance of Community and Belonging

08:30
Advocating for Neurodivergent Women in Tech

11:38
Challenges Faced by Women in Tech

16:25
The Impact of Remote Work on Neurodivergent Individuals

19:59
Stigma and Disclosure in the Workplace

23:19
Best Practices for Neurodiversity in Organizations

26:25
The Future of Neurodiversity in Tech

31:20
Courage and Acceptance in Advocacy

NOTE: This episode's video is out of sync despite our better efforts but we chose to feature its content as the discussion is important and the message too valuable to waste.

In this lively conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Angela dive into their personal journeys with neurodiversity, shining a light on the importance of building workplaces that truly embrace neurodivergent individuals. They explore crucial topics like psychological safety, the hurdles of traditional schooling, and how gender intersects with neurodiversity in unique ways. With humor and insight, they unpack how cultural views on neurodiversity vary and the challenges of disclosing neurodivergent traits in different work environments.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—like the struggles of misdiagnosis and the gaps in the mental health system—but it also celebrates the strengths that neurodivergent minds bring to the table. They highlight the potential of technology, like the Neve Learning platform, to create more inclusive, accessible learning experiences for everyone.

Ultimately, it’s a passionate call to action for organizations and individuals alike to prioritize psychological safety, drive innovation through diversity, and tear down the barriers that prevent neurodivergent talent from thriving.

Takeaways

• Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of neurodivergent conditions, and it is important to recognize and respect the unique experiences and identities of individuals within this community.
• Self-awareness and understanding are key to creating a better work environment for neurodiverse individuals. It is important to recognize and appreciate both the strengths and challenges that come with neurodivergent conditions.
• The cultural context and societal attitudes towards neurodiversity can vary, and it is important to consider these factors when discussing and addressing neurodiversity in different workplaces and communities.
• Disclosure of neurodivergent conditions is a personal choice and can be influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and individual experiences.
• Creating a psychologically safe work environment is crucial for supporting neurodiverse individuals and fostering their success and well-being. Psychological safety is crucial for fostering diversity, improving performance, and driving innovation in the workplace.
• Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges, including misdiagnosis and a lack of understanding within the mental health community.
• Technology, such as the Neve Learning platform, has the potential to create inclusive and accessible learning environments.
• Creating systemic change and removing barriers to education and inclusion requires collaboration between individuals and organizations.

  Sound Bites
  
  

• "Neurodiversity is an umbrella. It's meant to take in everyone."
• "Neurodiversity was my movement. And then I realized that my whole family is just a hot mess of this stuff."
• "The amount of self-awareness it allows you, and the amount of being able to put two and two together, why are you in a maelstrom of emotions? Why are you so dysregulated by the wind or the air in the car?"
• "If you recruit those people and you do not have psychological safety in your organization, you might as well not have the diversity."
• "It's egos that is stopping all of this."
• "Through education and removing barriers to education, we can untap more of our intelligence and solve the world's wicked problems."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background
01:25
Psychological Safety and Psychological Concepts
05:01
Personal Journey and Discovery of Neurodiversity
10:07
The Impact of Diagnosis and Self-Acceptance
13:37
The Importance of Self-Identification and Privilege
17:40
The Growing Neurodivergent Population
21:24
Cultural Context and Varying Perspectives
25:18
The Intersectionality of Neurodiversity and Gender
29:31
Disclosure and Cultural Factors
32:27
Creating a Psychologically Safe Work Environment
32:55
The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace
36:11
Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals
45:16
The Potential of Technology in Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
52:53
Creating Systemic Change and Removing Barriers to Education and Inclusion

Summary

The conversation explores the progress and challenges in advocating for neurodiversity in the workplace. It highlights the importance of disclosure and accommodations for autistic individuals. The speakers discuss the growth of the autistic community and the need for self-awareness and acceptance. They also address the intersectionality of autism and other identities, such as race and gender. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in workplace culture to prioritize humanity and individual needs. The conversation explores the challenges faced by autistic individuals in society and the workplace, including the pressure to blend in and the need for accommodations. It highlights the importance of understanding and accepting neurodiversity, as well as the need for proper diagnosis and support. The concept of autistic burnout is discussed, emphasizing the need for self-care and understanding. The conversation also touches on the benefits of working with neurodivergent individuals and the value they bring to the workplace.

Takeaways

Advocacy for neurodiversity in the workplace has made progress but there is still work to be done.
Disclosure and accommodations are important for autistic individuals in the workplace.
The autistic community has grown and gained a strong voice through technology and social media.
Workplaces need to prioritize humanity and individual needs to create a more inclusive environment.
The intersectionality of autism and other identities should be considered in discussions about neurodiversity at work. The attitude in the world is shifting towards accepting and embracing differences, rather than expecting individuals to blend in.
Autistic individuals often face challenges in society and the workplace due to misconceptions and lack of understanding.
Autistic burnout is a real and debilitating experience that requires proper recognition and support.
Working with neurodivergent individuals can bring unique perspectives and strengths to the workplace.

Titles

• The Growth of the Autistic Community
• Advocating for Neurodiversity in the Workplace The Value of Neurodivergent Individuals in the Workplace
• Embracing Neurodiversity: Shifting Attitudes towards Acceptance

Sound Bites

• "We took advantage of technology to build our own community, to give ourselves a voice."
• "If we could all unmask at work and be ourselves at work, how different would work be?"
• "The ability to look at yourself, the self-awareness at the top is inexistent."
• "Nobody should be blending in anymore."
• "Had I not been autistic, that would have absolutely never happened to me."
• "I could either be non-verbal autistic and then I would get some help, or I could be super high achieving 250,000 followers influencer and then I'm not autistic."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Advocacy for Autism

04:09
Progress and Changes in Understanding Autism in the Workplace

10:51
Unmasking and Authenticity in the Workplace

16:02
The Need for Big Changes in Workplace Culture

20:55
Redefining Work and Humaneness

23:52
The Role of the Younger Generation in Driving Change

27:19
The Struggle to Hide Differences and Find Acceptance

28:08
Understanding and Accommodating Neurodiversity

30:22
The Dangers of Autistic Burnout

35:50
The Strengths and Perspectives of Autistic Individuals

40:28
Working with Neurodivergent Teams

51:05
Late Diagnosis and the Importance of Sharing Experiences

In this episode of NeuroSpicy at Work, Duena Blomstrom and Prof Dr. Amanda Kirby discuss the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. They highlight the lack of support and accessibility for neurodiverse employees and the stigma surrounding neurodiversity. They emphasize the importance of shared communication and empathy in creating an inclusive work environment. They also discuss the role of social media in spreading information about neurodiversity, while cautioning about the need to critically evaluate the validity of the information. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of finding a tribe and the collective burnout experienced by neurodiverse individuals in leadership positions.

Keywords

neurodiversity, workplace, support, accessibility, stigma, communication, empathy, social media, information, tribe, burnout

Takeaways

• Neurodiverse individuals face challenges in the workplace due to a lack of support and accessibility.
• Shared communication and empathy are crucial in creating an inclusive work environment.
• Social media can be a valuable source of information about neurodiversity, but it is important to critically evaluate the validity of the information.
• Finding a tribe of like-minded individuals can provide support and understanding.
• Neurodiverse individuals in leadership positions may experience collective burnout.