April 21, 2025

"Erica Settino: Unmasking Truths; Autism, Advocacy & the Power of Compassion"

1 hour 2 minutes

In this conversation, Erica shares her journey as a late diagnosed autistic ADHD female and the insights gained from parenting her neurodivergent child. She discusses the emotional challenges faced due to societal norms and the importance of self-acceptance. The dialogue emphasizes the value of different perspectives, the significance of asking for help, and the need to challenge societal expectations regarding disability and worth. In this conversation, Erica and Mark explore the themes of compassion, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of social justice issues, particularly focusing on autism and animal rights. Erica shares her personal journey, the importance of communication in relationships, and how her experiences shape her advocacy work. They discuss the need for understanding and validating diverse experiences, the significance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the privilege of being able to express oneself freely. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collective liberation and the responsibility to advocate for all living beings.

takeaways

Erica's journey began as a late diagnosed autistic ADHD female.
Understanding her child's perspective helped Erica appreciate her own neurodivergence.
Receiving a professional diagnosis was validating for Erica.
Emotional wounds stemmed from societal narratives about autism.
Erica felt alienated despite being socially active.
The concept of 'normal' is problematic and often harmful.
Society often overlooks the value of neurodivergent individuals.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Elders in society are often marginalized and undervalued.
Parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to profound self-discovery. Compassion allows individuals to navigate their experiences authentically.
Communication and trust are essential in relationships, especially in understanding diverse perspectives.
Erica's journey highlights the importance of finding supportive environments for personal growth.
Advocacy for animals and social justice is interconnected and essential for collective liberation.
Understanding autism requires recognizing the unique experiences of each individual.
The narrative around autism and disability needs to shift towards acceptance and validation.
Amplifying marginalized voices is crucial in the fight for social justice.
Privilege plays a significant role in how individuals navigate their identities and experiences.
Education should come from lived experiences to foster understanding and empathy.
Collective care is necessary for the well-being of all living beings.

Sound Bites

"I began to see myself through that same lens."
"I felt like I was constantly comparing myself."
"Our worth really comes down to productivity."
"It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help."
"We have to give people more credit."
"You just need to be willing to say, I believe you."
"It's about collective care and collective liberation."
"We can expand that to include everybody."
"Animals are always the bottom of the rung."
"This message needs to get out there."
"We need to educate from lived experiences."
"Showing up as ourselves is a privilege."
"It's important to recognize our privilege."

Chapters00:00

Introduction and Background