In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Autistic hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP are joined by autistic author Becca Lory Hector for a powerful conversation on late-identified autism, the comfort of chicken nuggets, and building a joyful autistic life.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Becca’s midlife autism diagnosis—and why the idea of autism being “over-diagnosed” misses the mark.
• Why identification matters at any age (and the neuro-affirming ways to process, unpack, and grieve after diagnosis).
• What’s in an “autistic preppers bag”—and why we all need one.
• The ultimate “hobbity” hideaway: where to go if you just want to disappear into the woods.
• Navigating relationships post-diagnosis, including the challenges (and gifts) of mixed-disability relationships.
• Masking: the who, what, when, where, and why.
• And an ode to McDonald’s chicken nuggets—the crispy, golden sensory joy that pairs perfectly with fries and ritual comfort.

👤 Guest Bio:

Becca Lory Hector is an autistic self-advocate, consultant, speaker, and author who was diagnosed on the spectrum as an adult. Through her work, she focuses on helping autistic individuals create fulfilling, self-defined lives at every age. She is the creator of Self-Defined Living: A Path to a Quality Autistic Life, a course designed to empower autistic people to embrace authenticity and build meaningful support systems. Becca is also passionate about autism education, workplace inclusion, and sharing the everyday joys of life—including her love of McDonald’s chicken nuggets.

Resources:

Course: Self-Defined Living - A path to a quality autistic life

Becca’s website, Facebook, and Instagram

Related Episodes:

Dino Nuggets are Autistic

Chess is Autistic

Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCT

Wikipedia is Autistic

Elsa is Autistic

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