Haley Moss is Florida’s first documented openly autistic attorney. She is also an author, artist, and advocate for embracing neurodiversity in the legal profession. When Haley was diagnosed with autism in the late 1990s, there was very little awareness about the disability. Although there is a lot more understanding and support today, we still have a long way to go.

During today’s episode, Haley shares examples of the disabilities that are encompassed by the neurodiverse umbrella, and the broad range of traits that people with autism can display. She then explains how stigma, ableism, and misconceptions about what it means to be neurodiverse exclude neurodiverse people from the workplace, and what employers can do to change this (and why they should be interested in doing so).

This episode serves as an important lesson that being neurodiverse doesn’t mean you have to be superhuman to add value. You are not a failed version of normal; you are worthy as you are. 

In This Episode:

[00:52] Introducing Haley Moss, Florida’s first documented openly autistic attorney. 

[03:05] The lack of autism awareness and resources that were available when Haley was diagnosed. 

[04:27] Why Haley’s original career goal was to become a psychiatrist.

[05:54] Haley shares what motivated her to become a lawyer. 

[06:56] Isolation that Haley felt as an autistic person at law school.

[08:54] Why Haley chose not to become a disability rights attorney.

[10:07] The life-changing moment when the story of Haley’s admission to the Florida bar went viral. 

[11:10] Examples of the wide variety of traits displayed by autistic people. 

[13:27] Exploring the concept of neurodiversity. 

[15:57] High unemployment levels of people who are neurodiverse, and some of the reasons for this. 

[17:17] The salary disparity between neurodiverse and neurotypical people. 

[19:07] How the law profession has traditionally addressed neurodiversity.

[21:39] You don’t have to be superhuman to be valued. 

[22:52] The benefits of hiring people who are neurodiverse. 

[25:11] Barriers to inclusivity of neurodiverse people in the workplace. 

[28:08] Haley’s response to the discrimination that she has experienced because of her disability.

[30:24] Examples of disability accommodations (and why these shouldn’t be a deterrent to an employer).

[32:55] How employers can be more inclusive of neurodiversity. 

[35:13] What Haley loves about working remotely. 

[36:56] The importance of putting neurodiverse people in leadership positions. 

[37:17] The lack of mentorship that Haley received as a new attorney. 

[38:40] Why communication is key to being inclusive.  

[40:27] Haley’s three wishes for the neurodiverse population.

Find Haley:

Email

Website

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