In Episode 85 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Yenn Purkis — autistic and non-binary author, presenter, and advocate — for a practical, honest conversation about what autism really looks like in day-to-day life.

Yenn shares their journey through diagnosis, mental health systems, and rebuilding identity over time — including why they didn’t fully accept their diagnosis for years, and how finding the right community and language can change everything.

We also get into what real support actually looks like — especially in workplaces: listening to autistic staff, building inclusive culture, sensory-friendly changes (like fragrance-free spaces), and how simple misunderstandings can cost someone a job if managers don’t understand what’s happening.

Finally, we spotlight Yenn’s work as an author: how their books grew organically from real needs (employment, mental health, practical guides), and why their writing focuses on tools people can actually use.