Episode 58 - Embracing Neurodiversity with Kathy Isaacs

<p><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2049490/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Send us Fan Mail</a></p><p><b>Podcast Episode: Embracing Neurodiversity with Kathy Isaacs</b></p><p><b>Hosts:</b> Dan Kerr and Kathy Isaacs</p><p><b>Summary:</b> In this episode, Dan Kerr and Kathy Isaacs dive into a rich conversation about neurodiversity, focusing on autism and ADHD. They discuss their personal experiences, challenges, and the importance of self-identification and diagnosis. Kathy shares insights from her work with the Sylvia Roger Academy governance program and her involvement in various autism advocacy organisations.</p><p><b>Key Points:</b></p><ul><li><b>Diversity and Inclusion:</b> Dan, as a diversity and inclusion ambassador, emphasises the value of neurodivergent minds in the workplace.</li><li><b>Autism and ADHD:</b> Kathy explains the intersection of autism and ADHD, noting the growing minority of autistic individuals without ADHD.</li><li><b>Self-Identification:</b> The legitimacy of self-identifying as autistic is highlighted, with Kathy supporting this approach.</li><li><b>Challenges and Coping:</b> They discuss the difficulties of masking and the importance of finding ways to unmask and be authentic.</li><li><b>Empathy and Understanding:</b> The concept of double empathy is explored, emphasising the mutual effort required for understanding between autistic and allistic people.</li><li><b>Work and Advocacy:</b> Kathy's involvement in autism advocacy through various boards and organisations is discussed, focusing on amplifying autistic voices.</li><li><b>Personal Reflections:</b> Kathy shares her experiences in palliative care and how her autistic traits helped her excel in the role.</li><li><b>Special Interests:</b> Kathy talks about her passion for sewing, Salesforce, and the joy of engaging in special interests.</li><li><b>Music and Creativity:</b> The hosts discuss their love for music that blends genres and the use of writing prompts for creative inspiration.</li><li><b>Future Plans:</b> Dan shares his plans for a live podcast event focused on the journey of autism discovery and connecting with local services.</li></ul><p><b>Conclusion:</b> The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on the importance of community and support in the autism journey. Dan and Kathy's conversation is a testament to the power of embracing neurodiversity and finding joy in being authentic.<br /><br /><b>Please come join us on our socials where we are very much present.<br /> </b>We very much want you to share your stories and opinions. Join our public and private pages to start the discussion.<br />Public Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/latetothepartypodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/latetothepartypodcast</a><br />Private Facebook group at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168470233702726" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168470233702726</a><br />Email us at <a href="mailto:john@example.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">latetothepartyasd@gmail.com</a><br />Instagram page - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/latetothepartyasd/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/latetothepartyasd/</a><br />Website at <a href="https://latetotheparty.buzzsprout.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://latetotheparty.buzzsprout.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/latetothepartyautismpodcast">Support the show</a></p>