Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nKIvlOlsje1bGu6wDyEdTNxG4Dfk2LKSMN3M_cPbkK8/edit?usp=sharing

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Summary:

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Janelle Johnson, LMFT-S, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a neurodiversity and disability advocate. We had a good ole time discussing the future of intersectional neurodivergent advocacy, especially as it relates to race and gender. Janelle shared a POWERFUL personal story about her own self-diagnosis. Janelle shared about her critically important research and her vision for a future where neurodivergent leaders are prominent in various sectors, advocating for equity and representation. We also discussed the importance of self-reflections, especially as it relates to our own internalized ableism. We also discuss some of the challenges neurodivergent folks face in therapy, as well as some helpful tips for identifying the right therapist for you. Janelle also shared some truly striking stats from her research as it relates to what the true "face of autism" looks like now and in the future. She is an amazing thought-leader in this space and I'm super excited for you to listen to our discussion.

Key Points:

• Neurodivergent advocacy is evolving beyond just accommodations.
• You can't speak about neurodivergence or disability without talking about race and gender.
• Self-diagnosis is valid and can be a powerful realization.
• Beatboxing can be a form of stimming for some individuals.
• Therapists need to understand the cultural context of their clients.
• Emerging data shows disparities in autism diagnoses among racial groups.
• Neurodiversity should be rethought beyond traditional labels.
• The future should include more neurodivergent leaders in various fields.
• Community is enough and has always been enough.
• Challenging internalized ableism is crucial for personal growth.
• Embracing one's identity can lead to joy and fulfillment.
• Nuance and intersectionality are vital in understanding diverse experiences.

Helpful Links:

• Janelle's Mental Health Practice - Bridges Family Life Center: http://www.bridgesflc.com/
• Take the neurodivergent research survey, and share with your networks! https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yOrtajDF32kG8e
• Malcolm X quote on Black women: https://speakola.com/political/malcolm-x-speech-to-black-women-1962
• Neurodivergent Therapist Database: https://ndtherapists.com/
• Hire me to speak or as your personal coach! sheldongayisbugn.com
• Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
• ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
• Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/
• Submit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelanG1R71TcGjzHIyVW1f8fkE7MaWx-D2j7OtHsIGrdQhi_Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore

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