What does it feel like to grow up knowing you're different but not understanding why?

In this heartfelt episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Robert "Bob" Schmus, a licensed clinical social worker, autism advocate, public speaker, writer, and creator of Bob's Neuro Tidbits.

Bob shares his deeply personal journey from feeling isolated as a child to receiving an autism diagnosis at age 15 during one of the darkest periods of his life. That diagnosis didn't define him—it helped him finally understand himself.

Together, Paul and Bob explore the importance of self-acceptance, why masking can be emotionally exhausting, how stimming supports emotional regulation, and why autistic people deserve understanding rather than attempts to "fix" them.

As both an autistic adult and a therapist, Bob offers a unique perspective on neurodiversity-affirming care, explaining how lived experience allows him to meet clients with empathy, compassion, and authenticity. He also shares the powerful story of overcoming low expectations after being told that living independently and attending college wasn't realistic—going on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees while building a meaningful career helping others.

Throughout the conversation, Bob reminds us that every autistic person has their own journey, their own strengths, and their own voice. His message is simple but profound: listen first, seek understanding, and never underestimate what someone can achieve.

Whether you're autistic, neurodivergent, a parent, educator, therapist, healthcare professional, or someone wanting to better understand autism, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and hope.

• Receiving an autism diagnosis and finding self-understanding
• Growing up feeling different before having the language to explain it
• The emotional toll of masking and autistic burnout
• Why stimming is a healthy form of self-regulation
• Self-acceptance and embracing authenticity
• Neurodiversity-affirming therapy
• Mental health challenges affecting autistic adults
• Anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulation
• Defying low expectations and building an independent life
• Why listening is one of the greatest forms of support
• 
  

• LinkedIn: Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW

• Instagram: @vintage_bob_1989

• Bob's Neuro Tidbits

• SpeakerHub

• The Mighty

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast. Every conversation helps create a more understanding, compassionate, and inclusive world.

Choose nuance. Choose understanding. And keep the conversation going.

autism, autistic adults, autism diagnosis, late autism diagnosis, masking autism, autistic masking, neurodiversity, neurodiversity affirming therapy, autism, advocate, autistic therapist, autism and mental health, anxiety and autism, depression and autism, autistic burnout, autistic self-acceptance, stimming, emotional regulation, autism awareness, neurodivergent, Robert Bob Schmus, The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if disability isn't found within a person—but in the barriers society creates?

In this powerful episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Carmen G. Farrell—writer, former school district administrator, disability advocate, and mother of a young adult with FOXG1 syndrome—to explore how our understanding of disability, inclusion, and belonging can fundamentally change lives.

Carmen shares her deeply personal journey from navigating years of medical appointments and uncertainty to discovering a new way of thinking about disability through the social model of disability and the transformative concept of mattering. She challenges the idea that neurodivergent and disabled individuals need to be "fixed". Instead, she invites us to consider how our schools, workplaces, and communities can become places where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

One of the highlights of this conversation is the inspiring story of Club G, an award-winning, student-led initiative that transformed playground inclusion into a movement of kindness and belonging. Rather than focusing on one child, Club G empowered an entire school community to rethink what inclusion truly means.

Whether you're a parent, educator, disability advocate, employer, or someone passionate about creating more inclusive communities, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to belong truly.

Carmen G. Farrell is a writer, disability advocate, former school district administrator, and the mother of a young adult with FOXG1 syndrome. She is the co-creator of the award-winning Club G, a student-led inclusion initiative that has inspired schools and communities across Canada. Through her writing and advocacy, Carmen explores disability, belonging, social justice, and the transformative power of "mattering."

Learn more:

Website: https://carmengfarrell.com

As a special thank-you to listeners of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, Carmen Farrell is offering an exclusive preview of the first chapter of her forthcoming memoir.

In this deeply personal memoir, Carmen chronicles her journey from believing that her son's impairments were deficits that needed to be fixed to understanding that disability is often created when impairments encounter exclusionary systems, environments, and attitudes.

Through the challenges of raising her son, Jess, Carmen discovered that it was this very friction—navigating a world not designed for him—that revealed extraordinary strengths, transformed the people and systems around them, and awakened her own calling as an inclusion ally.

The opening chapter takes readers back to the moment she first realized that her "perfect" child wasn't "perfect" according to society's expectations—a realization that became the beginning of a profound journey of advocacy, belonging, and hope.

Download the first chapter for free here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BHGQEOuaP0NRf6oXllbjFAV8Rdp5J0UJtlKTSV8SWz4/edit?pli=1

We hope you'll enjoy this exclusive preview and follow Carmen's journey as her memoir finds its publishing home.

If this episode inspired you, please:

• Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Leave a review to help others discover these important conversations
• Share this episode with a parent, educator, colleague, or friend

Every conversation helps create a world where neurodivergent people are understood, valued, and empowered.

Neurodiversity, Disability Inclusion, Belonging, Mattering, Carmen Farrell, FOXG1 Syndrome, Social Model of Disability, Inclusive Education, Disability Advocacy, Parent Advocacy, Neurodivergent Parenting, School Inclusion, Inclusive Schools, Neurodivergent Adults, Special Education, Accessibility, Human Connection, Community Inclusion, Emotional Wellbeing, Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the very first Neurodiversity Voices Mini!

In this special short-form episode, host Paul Cruz shares reflections from the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market held on May 28 at Bentall Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.

This community-focused event brought together advocates, employers, organizations, and community members committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. Paul reflects on the meaningful conversations, connections, and shared commitment to accessibility, belonging, employment inclusion, and neurodiversity awareness that made the event so impactful.

Important Donation Campaign Update

Paul also provides an update regarding The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast's "$5 Helps Make Change" donation postcard campaign. During the event, some supporters who received donation postcards encountered an issue with the donation link that incorrectly requested a Business ID number. The issue has now been fully resolved.

If you received a donation postcard at the Make Change Market or while passing through Bentall Centre and were unable to complete your donation because of this issue, you are encouraged to try again using the same link.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Reflections from the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market in Vancouver

• Building community through neurodiversity advocacy and storytelling

• Why lived experience matters in creating meaningful change

• The importance of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging

• An update on the "$5 Helps Make Change" donation campaign

• Lessons learned from engaging directly with the community

• The launch of the new Neurodiversity Voices Mini series

Whether you're autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise neurodivergent, a parent, educator, employer, advocate, or ally, this episode highlights the power of community connection and the importance of amplifying neurodivergent voices.

Thank you for supporting The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast and helping us create a world where every mind belongs.

#Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Autism #ADHD #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #EmploymentInclusion #CommunityBuilding #Advocacy #Vancouver #NeurodiversityVoicesPodcast #LivedExperience #Belonging #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if burnout wasn't the end of your story—but the beginning of becoming who you were meant to be?

In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Lisa Richer, a neurodivergent success partner, consultant, advocate, and former elite gymnast whose work helps people navigate what she calls "the messy middle."

Lisa shares her personal journey through burnout, late diagnosis, parenting neurodivergent children, workplace challenges, and rediscovering her identity after years of survival mode. Together, they explore the emotional realities of neurodivergence, the pressure of always being "the strong one," and why growth often happens in uncertainty rather than clarity.

The conversation also dives into Lisa's framework of clarity, confidence, and courage, and how learning to ask for help can become the first step toward transformation.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, supporting someone who is, or navigating your own version of the messy middle, this episode offers an honest and deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, self-trust, and healing.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• ADHD burnout and neurodivergent mental health

• Navigating life after a late diagnosis

• Parenting neurodivergent children

• Workplace challenges and self-advocacy

• The emotional cost of always being "the strong one."

• Finding clarity, confidence, and courage during uncertain times

• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

• Growth, resilience, and rediscovering your authentic self

Memorable Quotes

"Sometimes the hardest breakdowns in our lives are the beginning of becoming who we were meant to be."

"Growth doesn't happen in certainty. It happens in the messy middle."

"You don't have to do it alone—and you don't have to stay stuck."

"My neurodivergence is my greatest gift."

Featured Resource

Confident You – The Raw Conversations: Real Stories of Courage, Healing, and Redefining Confidence by Lisa Richer

Learn more at: confidentyoubook.com

Community Event Mention

If you're in Vancouver, come visit Paul at the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market on May 28, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 PM at the Breezeway at Three Bentall Centre, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC.

Stop by the booth, say hello, and connect with the community.

Subscribe & Support

If you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who may benefit from this conversation.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices, lived experiences, and meaningful conversations that foster understanding, inclusion, and belonging.

#Neurodiversity #ADHD #Burnout #MentalHealth #Neurodivergent #NeurodiversityVoices #LisaRicher #SelfAdvocacy #Resilience #Inclusion #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been taught there's a "right" way to think, communicate, and behave.

But what if that assumption is the problem?

In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Justine Jecker to explore how neurodiversity is reshaping our understanding of communication, systems, accessibility, and human difference.

This conversation goes beyond awareness. It challenges how workplaces operate, how healthcare communicates, and how society defines "normal."

Together, Paul and Justine examine what happens when we move away from trying to fix individuals and instead focus on redesigning the systems around them. They discuss communication differences, accessibility, workplace inclusion, healthcare experiences, and why embracing neurodiversity benefits everyone—not just neurodivergent people.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Rethinking traditional assumptions about communication and behaviour

• Neurodiversity in healthcare and workplace systems

• Autism and ADHD communication differences

• Accessibility as a systems issue rather than an individual issue

• Creating environments that support diverse ways of thinking

• Challenging definitions of "normal."

• Inclusive design and systems change

• Building communities and organizations where everyone can thrive

Key Takeaway

If there's one idea to carry forward from this episode, it's this:

"When we stop trying to fix people, we start building systems that actually work for everyone."

Connect with Justine Jecker

Connect with Justine on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/justine-v-jecker

Learn more about neurodiversity in healthcare, workplace inclusion, and systems-based approaches to accessibility.

Subscribe & Support

If this conversation resonated with you, follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast for more conversations about neurodiversity, accessibility, systems change, inclusion, and lived experience.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create meaningful conversations that foster understanding, belonging, and positive change.

#Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Accessibility #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #HealthcareAccessibility #SystemsChange #Neurodivergent #Advocacy #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if what looks like "attitude" is actually miscommunication?

In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Felicia M. L. Davis to explore how autism and ADHD show up in everyday conversations, workplaces, and relationships—and why so many neurodivergent people are misunderstood.

From literal thinking and missed social cues to masking, burnout, and workplace bias, this conversation reveals the hidden cost of not understanding how different brains work. Together, Paul and Felicia examine how communication differences are often misinterpreted and why those misunderstandings can affect careers, relationships, mental health, and a person's sense of belonging.

The discussion also explores what leaders, managers, organizations, and communities can do right now to create more inclusive, productive, and supportive environments.

If you're a manager, partner, educator, or someone who has ever felt misunderstood, this episode may change how you think about communication.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Autism and ADHD communication differences

• Literal thinking and social communication challenges

• Masking and the hidden cost of fitting in

• Neurodivergent burnout and workplace stress

• Why communication is often mistaken for attitude

• Workplace inclusion and leadership strategies

• Building psychologically safe environments

• Supporting neurodivergent employees, colleagues, and loved ones

About Felicia M. L. Davis

Felicia M. L. Davis is an advocate, speaker, and business leader who brings lived experience and practical insight to conversations about autism, ADHD, leadership, and inclusion.

In this episode, she shares her personal journey toward diagnosis and the lessons she has learned navigating work, communication, relationships, and systems that often misunderstand neurodivergent minds.

Felicia is also the co-author of the upcoming book:

Autism, Not Attitude: Neurodivergence at Work and in Relationships

Learn more at:

feliciamldavis.com/book

Eunoia Thinking:

www.eunoiathinking.com

This episode is especially valuable for:

• Neurodivergent adults

• Managers and team leaders

• HR and DEI professionals

• Spouses and family members

• Educators and support professionals

• Anyone who wants to better understand communication differences and build more inclusive environments

Why this conversation matters

Too many neurodivergent people spend years being misunderstood before they are ever supported. This episode brings language, clarity, and compassion to experiences that are often dismissed, misread, or overlooked.

Felicia reminds us that understanding neurodivergence is not about lowering expectations. It's about creating the conditions for people to thrive.

Share This Episode

If this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with:

• A manager

• An HR leader

• An educator

• A spouse or family member

• Someone exploring whether they may be neurodivergent

Because understanding changes everything.

Subscribe & Support

If you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with others.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices, increase understanding, and create a more inclusive world where every mind belongs.

#Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #WorkplaceInclusion #Accessibility #Leadership #Neurodivergent #Communication #Inclusion #HumanResources #DisabilityInclusion #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a society decides your value is measured solely by what you produce?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Helena St. George to explore the powerful themes behind her novel Shattered but Not Silenced—a dystopian story that asks difficult questions about productivity, autonomy, human worth, and belonging.

Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children, Helena unpacks the emotional, political, and human realities that emerge when systems prioritize output over humanity. Together, Paul and Helena explore how society defines value, the pressures many neurodivergent people face, and why creating spaces where people are valued for who they are—not just what they produce—matters more than ever.

This conversation dives deep into autonomy, advocacy, quiet resistance, disability inclusion, and what it truly means to be recognized as a person rather than a function.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The inspiration behind Shattered but Not Silenced

• Neurodiversity and the future of work

• How productivity culture impacts human wellbeing

• Advocacy and systems change

• Autonomy, dignity, and belonging

• Parenting neurodivergent children

• Dystopian fiction as a lens for understanding real-world challenges

• Why society must rethink how it defines value and success

Powerful Moments

"My art is my voice. Maybe one day they'll listen."

"I didn't want to make her likable—I wanted to make her relatable."

"The tragedy isn't her autism. It's the system."

"If you can lick a stamp, you're employable… except stamps are self-stick now."

Who This Episode Is For

• Listeners interested in neurodiversity and advocacy

• Fans of dystopian fiction with real-world parallels

• Parents navigating education systems and support services

• Educators, advocates, and community leaders

• Anyone questioning how society defines value, productivity, and success

Final Reflection

This episode challenges one of society's most deeply ingrained beliefs: that our worth is tied to what we produce.

Instead, it offers a more human truth:

Value comes from perspective, presence, humanity, and individuality.

Resources & Links

Helena St. George's website:

helenastgeorge.com

Shattered but Not Silenced:

helenastgeorge.com/shattered-not-silenced

Closing Thought

If a system only values productivity, then resistance begins the moment you decide your humanity is enough.

If this episode resonates with you, follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and encourages conversations that challenge assumptions, promote inclusion, and celebrate human diversity.

#Neurodiversity #Advocacy #DisabilityInclusion #FutureOfWork #ProductivityCulture #Autism #Neurodivergent #Belonging #Inclusion #HumanWorth #HelenaStGeorge #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you spend years advocating for your autistic child—only to discover that you're autistic too?

In this special April episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Julie Green to explore late autism diagnosis, motherhood, masking, identity, and the journey toward self-understanding and acceptance.

This episode marks two important milestones:

• The first anniversary of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

• World Autism Awareness Day

Together, these moments create space not just for awareness but for reflection, nuance, and deeper understanding of the autistic experience.

Julie shares how her understanding of autism evolved—from stereotypes shaped by media and popular culture to a deeply personal realization that reframed her understanding of herself, her family, and her life experiences.

This conversation is about much more than diagnosis.

It's about moving from self-blame to self-understanding, recognizing the ways autistic women are often overlooked, and learning to extend compassion to ourselves and the next generation.

As we recognize World Autism Awareness Day, this discussion invites listeners to move beyond awareness toward:

• Understanding

• Acceptance

• Inclusion

• Systems-level change

It also celebrates one year of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast—a year dedicated to amplifying lived experience, challenging assumptions, and creating meaningful conversations about neurodiversity.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Late-diagnosed autism in women

• Motherhood and neurodivergent identity

• Masking and the hidden cost of fitting in

• Self-discovery and self-acceptance

• Autism stereotypes and misconceptions

• Parenting autistic children

• Moving from self-blame to self-understanding

• Why awareness must lead to acceptance and change

Why This Conversation Matters

Many autistic women spend years—or even decades—without recognizing themselves in traditional descriptions of autism.

Julie's story highlights the importance of representation, lived experience, and creating space for more diverse autistic narratives.

Her journey reminds us that understanding ourselves can be one of the most powerful forms of advocacy.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Julie Green:

juliemgreen.ca

Explore her memoir, Motherness:

juliemgreen.ca/books-1

Subscribe & Support

If this episode resonated with you, please follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from this conversation.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create greater understanding, acceptance, and belonging for autistic and neurodivergent people everywhere.

#Autism #LateDiagnosis #AutisticWomen #Neurodiversity #Motherhood #AutismAcceptance #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Neurodivergent #Masking #Inclusion #JulieGreen #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you realize the problem might not be you—but the system you're trying to exist inside?

In this reflective episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Zack Yarde, neurodiversity researcher, systems thinker, and longtime leader in human services, to explore a question many neurodivergent people quietly carry throughout their lives.

Too often, neurodivergent individuals are taught to view their struggles as personal shortcomings rather than the result of environments, expectations, and systems that were never designed with them in mind.

Together, Paul and Zack discuss workplace inclusion, leadership, psychological safety, community, and the importance of systems thinking when addressing accessibility and belonging.

Drawing from his work in human services and workplace inclusion—as well as his involvement in tabletop role-playing communities—Zack shares insights into how organizations and communities can create spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute authentically.

Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation invites listeners into a deeper exploration of curiosity, self-understanding, and the ways neurodivergent people are often expected to carry the burden of change alone.

If you've ever wondered whether you're "too much," "not enough," or simply built differently than the systems around you, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Systems thinking and neurodiversity

• Why neurodivergent people often blame themselves

• Workplace inclusion and employee agency

• Leadership and psychological safety

• Community, belonging, and support networks

• Accessibility beyond accommodations

• Tabletop gaming and collaborative community building

• Creating environments where people can thrive

Memorable Moments

"We might get a good idea that helps one group—but when we apply it to everyone, we can accidentally exclude even more people."

"Stop blaming yourself for being your own manifestation of neurodivergence."

"True independence actually requires community."

About the Guest

Zack Yarde is a neurodiversity researcher, leadership practitioner, and systems thinker focused on building more inclusive workplaces and communities.

His work explores how organizational systems, leadership practices, and culture shape accessibility, psychological safety, and employee agency.

Alongside his professional work, Zack is actively involved in tabletop role-playing communities, where he facilitates collaborative storytelling spaces that foster creativity, connection, and belonging.

Connect With Zack

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/zackyarde

Why This Conversation Matters

Many neurodivergent people spend years trying to adapt themselves to systems that were never designed with their needs in mind.

This episode offers a different perspective:

Sometimes growth is not about changing yourself. Sometimes it's about recognizing where systems, assumptions, and structures need to change instead.

Subscribe & Support

If you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from this conversation.

Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and foster conversations that promote understanding, accessibility, belonging, and meaningful systems change.

#Neurodiversity #SystemsThinking #WorkplaceInclusion #PsychologicalSafety #Accessibility #Leadership #Neurodivergent #Belonging #Community #Advocacy #ZackYarde #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At what point do you stop asking, "What's wrong with me?" and start asking, "What's wrong with the system?"

In this special trailer episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz previews an upcoming conversation with Zack Yarde, a neurodiversity researcher, systems thinker, and advocate for more inclusive workplaces and communities.

Together, they explore one of the most important mindset shifts for neurodivergent individuals: you are not the problem.

Zack shares powerful insights on self-acceptance, the pressure to fit "typical" presentations of neurodivergence, and why organizations often struggle to move beyond performative inclusion. The conversation examines how systems, leadership, and culture work together—and why meaningful change requires all three.

This trailer offers a glimpse into a deeper discussion about authenticity, belonging, and challenging the assumptions that cause so many neurodivergent people to question themselves.

Key themes include:

• Self-acceptance and neurodivergent identity

• Systems thinking and inclusion

• Workplace culture and belonging

• Authenticity versus masking

• Why neurodivergent people are not the problem

• Creating environments where people can thrive

Coming Soon

The full conversation with Zack Yarde goes live on March 25.

Be sure to subscribe to The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast so you don't miss this thought-provoking discussion about neurodiversity, systems change, and human potential.

Because authenticity isn't a weakness—it's a strength.

#Neurodiversity #Inclusion #SystemsThinking #WorkplaceInclusion #Authenticity #Belonging #Neurodivergent #Leadership #Accessibility #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast

About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.

Hosted by Paul Cruz.

Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube:

@neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.