Ben VanHook is a graduate student at George Mason University, studying public policy. He also works in Washington, D.C. as a Programs and Outreach Associate at the Organization for Autism Research, and as the first autistic student representative to the American Psychological Association. In this episode, Ben talks about how his self-advocacy grew into community advocacy, as he navigated his way to and from a high school that could support him; finding an undergraduate program that was a great fit for him at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., and now, on to graduate school. Finding his own way prompted Ben to think about how he could help others find what works best for them, too. Ben also explains his work on autism appreciation --  not just autism awareness and acceptance of autistic people--  because he believes neurodiversity offers more in every setting.

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